The Back StoryAge 15 Josette sneaked from her house and went to a party. While there a boy slipped a drug into her drink and attempted to rape her. Enter police officer Brannon. He decided she was lying and because of his testimony, the would be rapist walked.Seven years later Brannon and Josette are dating (very weird) and one night he discovers she was actually telling the truth about her assault. His response is to call her a whore and tell her she isn’t enough woman for him and never wants to see her again. What???Two weeks later Josette is at a party where an old man is murdered. The police think he drank too much, fell into the water and drowned. She contacts the police to tell them the old man wasn’t drinking at all and that she saw Brannon’s best friend arguing with him. In court the attempted rape when she was 15 is brought up to discredit her as a witness. Because Brannon broke the law by failing to disclose pertinent information, an innocent man was sent to prison, and Josette was branded a liar and all but unemployable.Two Years LaterThe man who went to prison has been killed and Josette and Brannon are thrown together to solve the case. So...one of the suspects is Brannon’s closest friend. The murdered man was Josette’s date to a party. Brannon and Josette dated. Josettle testified in a court case against Brannon’s friend. Is it just me or is there something wrong with these two investigating this murder? ”We can’t change anything,” she said.“I wish to God I could,” he said harshly. “I rushed to judgement about you. I’ve ruined your life.”“I helped,” she returned without looking at him. “I deliberately left the house at night to go to what I knew would be a wild party”.This book offends me on so many levels. I have the distinct impression that Diana Palmer is a misogynist. She defends Brannon’s failure to adequately protect the victim of a serious sexual assault with the excuse that his last case was that of a man who was sent to prison after a co-worker cried rape. She implies that women making false claims of sexual assault is common. I can’t see myself reading anything by Diana Palmer ever again. Half a star for the book's value as a target next time I go shooting.
I like DP as a general rule.. But after the first two dozen books, the angsty plot gets a tad repetetive... There's always an older(usually 8+yrs) hero, usually in law enforcement or ranching, vs a younger virgin heroine: either he thinks she's experienced or has betrayed him and then the hero acts like an ass, and then spends the last part of the book getting forgiven...Now I'm not saying I didn't enjoy this book, but I didn't find the formula as well applied as in other Diana Palmer books, such as Lawless or Heartless (which I both adored).. I'm not sure what didn't work out for me in this one, although I did like it... I just felt like it was missing something.. 3*
What do You think about The Texas Ranger (2001)?
2.5 rounded upI thought Diana Palmer was badass. I kept l looking to make sure I had the right author. This baby was more sugary than presweetened cereal. The plot wouldn't have been so bad if you weren't able to figure out the whodunit from first glance. And the poor dude reading for the audiobook? Well, he needs to practice female voices...though, it was good for a laugh, especially during those love scenes. ;D If you're a lover of alpha WTFery, you'll find only a smidgen here (there was some). If you want sweet sweet sweet, have at it.
—Julz
Audiobook: narrated by Phil GiganteMix a frustratingly obvious mystery (not) with a couple of illogical and pathetic main characters, and *ta-da* = an eye-rolling romance. Urgh!! I had so much trouble not giving up on this book. I read it for a challenge and that is the ONLY reason I persisted. No more DP for me.Narrator: 4 stars. Great characterisation (when I could separate my hands from my hair and distance myself enough to appreciate the narration). Not too keen on his masculine laugh (it reminds me of a puppet laugh or the Count from Sesame Street) - but I think the book really affected my ability to appreciate his vocalisations.
—Jane (PS)
The Texas Ranger - Hutton and Co. #4 - (Marc and Josette)A man of integrity with a soul of steel -- pursuing honor and justice is as natural as breathing in Marc Brannon's line of work.Called to the scene of a high-profile murder, Brannon finds himself pitted against the vibrant -- and vulnerable -- junior investigator from his past. Years ago his heart had been intertwined with Josette Langley's . . . until she'd made an explosive accusation that had sent shock waves through political circles -- and shattered his faith in her.Now they are back together again . . .And there is more at stake than just their stubborn pride. For this homicide investigation is becoming more complex and dangerous with each passing day -- and time is not on their side. Can these disillusioned lovers close in on the truth before the culprit claims another victim?Or will they both be caught in the cross fire . . . ?
—Pattianne
