 |
 |
VERY PRIVATE DUTY - Rochelle Alers Silhouette/Desire October 2004 | February 2006 |
SYNOPSIS:
SERIES ROMANCE: (3+) Jennifer Brathwaite
REVIEW: In VERY PRIVATE DUTY Jeremy Blackstone and Tricia Parker go a long before they learn that sometimes the road to new experiences can lead you right back to where you started. This physical and emotional lesson extends to other characters in the book as well and is the theme of Rochelle Alers’ novel in this edition of her series The Blackstones of Virginia.
In the beginning of the story Jeremy and Tricia are a young couple who are very, much in love but who face a number of obstacles in their relationship. As a result of lies, distrust and fear their innocent union crumbles and years pass before they even see each other again. Extenuating circumstances forced them back into each other’s lives and old feelings, both good and bad, resurface. As the story progresses they both are forced to acknowledge unflinching truths and are compelled to make decisions and/or take actions they have been avoiding.
It is not easy to identify with the main characters in the text and therefore they are not that likeable. Both Tricia and Jeremy come across as naïve and self-involved. Jeremy is quick to believe the worse and Tricia keeps a major secret that affects those around her entirely too long. There isn’t enough emotion breathed into their personalities to get the reader behind them. Jeremy’s brother Ryan is considerably more charming, bringing a sense of warmth to the story.
The novel moves well and there is a realistic progression of time as it pertains to the events that take place in the book. The reader is also given time to get to know the characters. The ranch setting is a great element of VERY PRIVATE DUTY. Since a major component of the novel is the intimate community and familial environment and emotion, Blackstone Farms fits the story perfectly.
Although stilted in some places and too casual in others, predominately in conversations between Jeremy and Tricia, the dialogue in the book was satisfactory for the most part. It was most enjoyable between Jeremy and Ryan or Jeremy and his father, Sheldon. In addition, the enthusiastic manner in which the men of Blackstone Farms show their pleasure and excitement for something is an engaging touch.
Generally VERY PRIVATE DUTY is a nice story but not a page-turner. The reader is left yearning for more of a story to sink their teeth into, as one is able to do with the vast majority of Ms. Alers other books. Perhaps somewhat restrained by the Silhouette pattern Ms. Alers is unable to flex her writing talents and create that in-depth, passionate, engrossing story that her fans have come to expect. Nevertheless, for a quick read, the novel is a good choice.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com (12th July 2004)