Wow!!!! I loved these characters. Ran was SO witty and irresistible. About 80% through I wasn't sure I was going to be able to handle it. Then I was reading so fast I had to re-read parts...sort of like running too fast and not being able to soak it all in. Yet I just couldn't read fast enough. I will miss these characters. That's the risk you take when reading a great book. I hope "Ransom's Note" comes out soon. I'll be dying here!!! I had my "to read" list all worked out, but now I've had to rearrange it...I MUST read something else from this author! Megan Squires...you've been added to my list of favorites. Can't wait to read more! This is my third Megan Squires book. (Previously read Rules of Regret and was lucky enough to get an ARC of Draw Me In, releasing 1/7/14). At this point, I don't think Ms. Squires can write anything less than a five star read!Demanding Ransom is similar to the author's other work in that she has taken two great characters and the reader can honestly feel their connection as it's being made. Ran and Maggie meet under unfortunate circumstances but are immediately attracted to each other.This is not a love at first sight tale though. Maggie has problems coping with her mother's abandonment and her brother's cancer which she doesn't necessarily deal with in the healthiest ways. She pushes people away instead of caring about others. Ran pushes her buttons, agitates her and forces her to see that she isn't living... she is simply existing. Ran has his own past full of problems but is honestly one of the best, most well rounded and mature male characters I've read about. He's sexy, a bit of a ladies man, doesn't care to get involved in relationships but he's honest to a fault, loyal and very forgiving.One thing I enjoyed about this book is that the two characters didn't jump into bed immediately after meeting. In fact, there is no sex in this book. Megan Squires, has however, perfected the art of writing about kissing. I know that sounds weird but read and see what I mean. The power of the first kiss is so strong, you don't all the other physical stuff that goes along with it. It's sexy as hell without all the sex.A tragic accident threatens to destroy the perfect love that Maggie and Ran have found at the end of the novel. Maggie finds herself struggling with taking another chance on Ran and letting herself love.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++This can be read as a stand alone though there will be another book in 2014. I believe the author just wanted to continue the stories of the characters though so don't be worried about cliffhangers or unfinished business. This wraps up nicely though I will be more than happy to continue reading about Ran and Maggie.My only (teeny, tiny) criticism is that I wish this was a dual POV. Ran is a great character and obviously has a story to tell. Maybe the sequel will give us his POV. A big thumbs up to Megan for again giving us characters that just dig into your heart and won't let go. Megan is on my short list of authors where I will buy and read anything she ever writes. If you haven't read her work yet, what are you waiting for?
What do You think about Demanding Ransom (2000)?
Very nice romantic story with spiritual overtones.
—Simplyshelley
