Sometimes, a 300-page-book would be more effective as a short story without feeling too rushed or even incomplete --> kind of like cliff notes. This is an example of a short book that “could be” prolonged nonsensically to explain a simple, essentially angst-free, plot. Don’t get me wrong, I like those extended plots as well (especially when the expansion includes sex scenes), but this condensed style worked fine for Silent Knights. I didn't feel like I missed anything too important and also it is fun to fill in the blanks once in a while -->kind of like a fanfiction. =) The story is basic, uncomplicated, a little cheesy, and a lot predictable (which I like too, when in the mood), but overall is well written. However, there are a couple of inconsistencies, which I don’t mind that much in longer reads (guessing they are harder to catch in a sea of words), but HERE they were obvious and undermined the story a bit. 2.5 StarsAttorney Paul Stanton was recently dumped by his boss/lover. He reluctantly trudges home to rural Pennsylvania to see his estranged family and his sister's new baby. After spending just a few days with the family, however, Paul decides to brave a blizzard in an effort to get to the airport and onto a flight headed back to San Francisco. He's stranded in the woods when a fallen tree blocks the road. A chance encounter with a handsome hunter, Andy Reynolds, saves Paul's life and he ends up staying a few days in Andy's cabin, waiting out the storm.This was an insta-love or at the very least insta-lust story, which I'm generally not a fan of. Moreover, I did NOT like Paul. He's an arrogant ass who's too full of himself. I despise characters who wallow in self-pity and are so self-absorbed in their woe-is-me ritual that they mistreat others. Irksome. Irksome. IRKSOME!!! Paul's painful childhood is hinted at but his reaction to it seems out of proportion. He is an uptight, condescending, ingrate and I for one felt that he and his asshole ex deserved each other. What saved this book from a 1-star rating? Andy. I liked him. He was personable, down-to-earth, and humble. His presence made the intolerable Paul palatable. But just barely. To his credit (or more likely, Andy's) Paul did get better in the end. But not by much.Bottom line: lots of sex without much substance; a short, Christmas insta-love story between a loveable Mountain Man and a City Slicker (who's unfortunately an irritating asshole).
