Caine's Reckoning by Sarah McCarty

By: Unknown on Sunday, January 04, 2015

Title:  Caine's Reckoning
Series:  Hell's Eight #1
Author:  Sarah McCarty
Published:  January 1/11 by HQN (1st published October 31/07)
Length:  474pgs
Format:  ecopy
Genre:  historical romance
Shelf:  bought
Rating: ★★★★

Back Cover Blurb:

The Hell's Eight is the only family he's ever needed, until he meets the only woman he's ever wanted...

Caine Allen is a hardened Texas Ranger, definitely not the marrying kind. But when he rescues a kidnapped woman and returns her to town, the preacher calls in a favor. One Caine's honor won't let him refuse. From the moment he beds Desi, Caine knows turmoil will follow. Desi might have the face of a temptress, but she also has a will of iron and while she needs his protection, she's determined that no man will control her again. They establish an uneasy bond, but it isn't enough for Caine. He wants all Desi has to offer. He wants her screams, her moans, her demands...everything. Yet there's still a bounty on Desi's head, and keeping her sexually satisfied is proving easier than keeping her alive.

My Review:

While reading this novel I was immersed in a completely different way of life. I enjoyed this time spent in another time, living a different kind of life alongside these characters. McCarty develops this world in a very vivid and realistic manner. She draws you completely into this world with a story of love and trust. This is mixed amongst action and suspense, heat and spice.

I love the paradox that is Caine. He embodies the ultimate Alpha in the most basic of ways. Paired with Desi, a strong individual who is determined to rise above what came before you have a brilliant lead couple. McCarty developed them in the present, as well as giving us an in-depth look at where they came from, providing very well rounded character development. I also enjoyed their ‘backup’. Getting to know the men of Hell’s Eight was great. We meet each briefly and get to know the dynamics of the group which gave me context for a great many of Caine’s actions.

I’ll admit, I’ve read (and enjoyed) some of the later novels in this series, but I still thoroughly enjoyed going back and getting introduced to Hell’s Eight from the beginning. This is a great novel that I’d recommend to those looking for a historical romance with some racy moments.

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