I'm a book reviewer...YAY!!! First Review -- Out of Control by Mary Connealy

I am so excited, I will be reviewing books for Bethany House!!! I have recently had to stop buying books by Zondervon because of their library policies (They are owned by Harper Collins see the article here http://boingboing.net/2011/02/25/harpercollins-to-lib.html). I have been reading a great deal of the wonderful Bethany House authors since February.




The book I am reviewing today is "Out of Control" by Mary Connealy. It is the first book in the Kincaid Brides series.

It was a wonderful read. What I loved the most is that the people in the novel were real. Sometimes I find in the Christian Romance novels the Hero or Heroine obsess about something in their past which is quite minor and it controls their whole lives. I think it is done in order to make a broken person who is also good and kind. In this book, Julia and Rafe both have been through very difficult lives, and they have warts, but they are REAL.



Another thing that I love about this book, is that Julia and Rafe feel real desire. It is still clean but there is an acknowledgment that they forget the world when they kiss. I love that.


Another thing I love is that Rafe has the older brother attitude down to a "T". And his younger brothers, Ethan and Seth, are so darn real, and cool and conflicted. I honestly cannot wait for the next book.

I had some trouble warming up to Julia however. She is a bossy boots, and the characters in the book talk about her softer, kinder side but I don't think we see it, or I didn't identify it. I loved her step-mom though. I loved that Audra was upset that everyone treated her like a invalid. I can't wait to read the next book!! Audra and Ethan???

Here is the back cover bit:

Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys studying the fossils and formations in the magnificent cave near her father's house. The cave seems plenty safe--until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to climb out.

Rafe Kincaid is a man used to being in control--of himself, his brothers, and his family's ranch. The last thing he expects is to find a woman trapped in the cavern on his land--or to be forced to kiss her!

Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he's ever known. But when their developing relationship threatens a reconciliation with his brothers, will Rafe have to choose between his family and this new love that could heal his troubled heart and secure his happiness?

Here is a link to the interview with Mary Connealy.

Interview with Mary Connealy