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Gabrielle
Hadley and Randall Tucker meet at a time when both are
experiencing a major crisis in their lives.
Randall is two years into a life sentence at an Arizona
prison and recently divorced. Gabrielle is the new prison guard.
In addition to adjusting to relocation in another Arizona
community, Gabrielle is raising a thirteen-month-old baby girl
and struggling with a desire to contact her own birth mother; a
key reason for moving to this particular area.
When
Gabrielle and Randall meet, she is breaking up a prison fight in
which Randall is the target. He takes one heck of a beating, and
kind-hearted Gabrielle is compelled to tend to his wounds.
Interaction with the prisoner proves to Gabrielle that
Randall is not a typical convict. In fact, he should not be in prison at all. He was wrongly
convicted in the murder of his wife. His treatment at the prison
is also suspect and Gabrielle’s intervention results in
Randall being transferred to another prison.
During the transfer, Randall manages to escape with
Gabrielle as the not exactly rebellious hostage.
As
a man on the run, Randall has two things going for him:
Gabrielle’s belief in his innocence, and her knowledge of the
corruption going on at the prison.
He knows that Gabrielle will do the decent thing, and she
does; handling matters in her own way while juggling her own
family problems and falling in love with Randall.
TAKING
THE HEAT brings a new type of storyline to romance.
The opening scenes of this book, brings to light
the real struggles associated with prison life. Touching scenes,
brought about by the kindness and tenderness of the heroine
towards the hero, along with the building of a wonderfully warm
romance softens the story somewhat; but Brenda Novak has gone
all out to present a good deal of realism to this book.
There
is a mystery aspect to TAKING THE HEAT as well. If the hero did not kill his wife, who did and why? Readers
will experience the hero coming to grips with a bitter betrayal
when he finds out who the killer is. In TAKING THE HEAT readers
will receive a refreshing perspective despite the hero’s
predicament. He’s in trouble and he knows it but he also
carries himself as a man willing to break all the rules; and he
does it without being arrogant and over-bearing. He also has the
aid and the love of a strong woman who believes in him and is
willing to help him get free regardless of the consequences.
Romance fans can add this book to their pile knowing they
have a session of good reading in store.
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