This book takes me back to the older Elizabeth Lowell books (like Outlaw and such) but I am not sure if it is a reissue of one of those. It takes place in the rural West, as those books do, and has everything you'd expect of her books - action, wide open ranches, alpha heroes and plucky heroines. Her more recent books have focused less on the romance and more on the action and this one was no exception, but I liked both. If you are familiar with Elizabeth's work and like them, then this will be an easy, comfortable read. I was excited to be offered this title, my introduction to an author I had heard good things about. Shaye is committed to her cause: saving the old ranches and dedicated to the people who populate this area, her passion and dedication are apparent, even as she uses her connections to aid Tanner in his pursuit of justice. Tanner, on the other hand, has big city tattooed on his forehead. In this community, he might as well be dragging a neon sign, and his arrogance and jaded view of those he encounters does not win him any popularity points. There are moments though, when his softer side does peek out, and while he believes that settling his grandfather’s estate and leaving the homestead in his rear view mirror is the best and only option, there is a sense of his attachment to the man and the ranch. The introduction of the murder, and the search to discover who and why are compelling. Descriptions are placed carefully to bring a sense of the area, while Shaye’s familiarity and connections to the townspeople introduce several characters that fill in the history and sense of togetherness in the area. With the overarching tension provided by the investigation, the story moved quickly and kept me guessing until the end. But, I wasn’t in love with this book: the characters were fully formed and felt as if they were breathing, but I was not able to attach to their romance, I couldn’t believe that there was more than an instant attraction that had faded. When the search for the murderer increased, their relationship went to the back burner and the heat was off. Tension from the investigation builds slowly at first, and then increases to the climax, and I never did feel the romantic elements did more than stay constant and steady. While I am sure that fans of Lowell will enjoy the story, I was hoping for more romance and less suspense, or at least be able to believe in each element equally. I received a paperback copy from The Jeep Diva for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own responsibility.
What do You think about Dangerous Refuge (2013)?
Not a bad story. Predictable but not exactly boring.
—polo44
