Review: No Compromise

NO COMPROMISE - Rochelle Alers

Harlequin Kimani/Arabesque

October 2007

SYNOPSIS: As the executive director of a program dedicated to victimized women, Jolene Walker has no time for a personal life--until she meets Army Captain Michael Kirkland. Their bliss is shattered when Jolene takes on a mysterious client whose deadly secrets plunge her into a world of danger.

REVIEW: To extricate himself from the intimate advances of his male superior, US Army Captain Michael Kirkland has taken a six-month leave. During this time, he will determine whether he will continue his Military career or move on to a new vocation. By accident, he meets Jolene Walker and is immediately attracted to her as she is to him.
Jolene is the Director of a center for substance and domestic abuse. After losing her twin sister to domestic abuse and then her husband divorcing her, she is wary of getting involved with any man. Haunted by the death of her sister and whether or not she could have prevented it, Jolene is determined to save as many women as she can from the same fate. She later finds herself the victim of her generous nature. Also scarred from the betrayal of her husband, she guards her heart.

Being the only single people at their mutual friend’s party, to both of their delight, Michael and Jolene are paired together. After spending time with her, Michael decides that he wants Jolene to be a permanent part of his future. He must first be patient and find a way around the barriers she’s erected to protect herself. In time, Michael begins to break down these barriers and Jolene finds herself falling in love, but not hesitant about rushing into a relationship.

Jolene allows Michael to court her and has a hard time not falling for him. Even with her insecurities about men, she is quite capable of making a man like Michael Kirkland weak in the knees from wanting her body and able to kick the butt of any man threatening to harm her body. Jolene is the strong type of heroine this reader likes to see in a romance novel.

NO COMPROMISE is a well-written and believable story. Once again Ms. Alers astounds us with her talent of the descriptive word and her ability to recount a compelling story. She is one of my favorite romance authors, so pardon me if I’m a little biased, but during a time when I’m seriously doubting the plight of this genre, Ms. Alers once again encourages me through her writing to hang tuff.

NO COMPROMISE is the first book in the Sons and Brothers Trilogy, which is the third compilation in the Hideaway series. This reader can’t wait for Gabriel Cole’s story. I’m hoping that sexy Gabriel is a chip off the old block with an earring and talented fingers. Um, music people. I’m talking about him playing music. (Yeah, right!)