7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well written story, March 19, 2010
This review is from: Case File: Canyon Creek, Wyoming (Harlequin Intrigue) (Mass Market Paperback)
I rarely read romance novels or even fiction in general, as my handle notes, but this was suggested to me by someone whose opinions on good writing I trust and it was a good read. The story was well crafted and compelling, and if you enjoy suspense, mystery and romance I think you'll like this book.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Case File: Canyon Creek Wyoming reviewed by The Book Vixen, January 22, 2011
Why I Read this Book: Case File: Canyon Creek Wyoming is a book from Harlequin's Intrigue line, a line of romantic suspense novels. Back in my earlier reading days, I was into suspense and mysteries like books from Dean Koontz. But then I discovered Nicholas Sparks and realized that romance was my liking as well. I didn't realize until this year that these two genres that I enjoy so much could blend and compliment one another so well.
What I Liked: Case File: Canyon Creek Wyoming had the perfect blend of suspense and romance. Neither of the two elements overshadowed the other. I loved the characters of Hannah and Riley. These two are both realistic people with believable emotions.
The POV was told in third person narrative for Hannah and Riley. There was also little snippets of the story told from the villain's POV. I like that the villain's POV wasn't overbearing in Case File: Canyon Creek Wyoming, like I find in some novels. It can be helpful and it can bring the story forward when we see what the bad guy is thinking and/or doing from time to time but I don't want their POV to be a main focal point, especially in a romantic suspense novel. It was quick, to the point and the story got right back to our hero and heroine.
What I Didn't Like: I would have like to have seen a little more sizzle between Hannah and Riley.
Overall Impression: This was a fast read; I read the book in less than 24 hours. Seriously, I can't remember that last time I read a book so quickly. I was so engaged into the storyline and with what was going to happen between Hannah and Riley. I am definitely looking forward to more books from this author and from Harlequin's Intrigue line!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book, September 27, 2010
This review is from: Case File: Canyon Creek, Wyoming (Harlequin Intrigue) (Mass Market Paperback)
Originally posted at: [...]
I couldn't wait to dive into this first official book in the Cooper Justice series! I'd met Riley, our hero, in the book Cowboy Alibi and was intrigued. That he got his own story thrilled me to the bone. He was obviously tortured, sad and lonely... a widower whose beloved wife was taken from him in an unsolved, violent crime.
When Hannah Cooper is attacked in a way that mirrors Riley's wife's death, he inserts himself into the case. Unfortunately, the trauma from the vicious attack on Hannah makes her memory of details a little blurry, but she's determined to remember anything she can to help find the man who tried to kidnap and murder her.
After another attempt on her life, in the hospital no less, it's determined that the safest place for her is to hide out on Riley's ranch. He's not officially part of the investigation, and the killer shouldn't find her there.
Hannah is one of the strongest heroines I've read about in some time. It might stem from being the only girl in a large family otherwise populated by men. Whatever the reason, she was an admirable heroine, and one I wouldn't mind my own daughter emulating. When she's attacked, she never gives up. When she's threatened again, she stands strong despite being afraid. She does what needs doing and takes reasonable risks to help catch a killer.
Riley is the perfect tortured hero. For three long years he's put his life on hold in order to find out who killed his wife, Emily. He loved her beyond belief, and finds it hard to believe that he'll ever feel the same about another woman... until he meets Hannah. A recurring theme throughout the book is the fact that Hannah, while very different than Emily, is someone the dead woman would have liked and admired. I appreciated that the author let the hero and his friends and family address the issue of his wife in a realistic fashion. It wasn't tortuous, it was something that slowly emerged and the process seemed cathartic to both Riley and others in the story.
I wasn't overly enthused by the short forays we made into the killer's point of view. I don't know that it strengthened the story and, though I think they were used to increase the feeling of peril to Hannah for the reader, it didn't feel totally authentic and made him out to feel a bit like a caricature. Still, he ended up being a worthy opponent, smart, sneaky and determined as well as ruthless.
With a heart-stopping finale and a fabulous resolution to the romance, Case File: Canyon Creek, Wyoming is a incredible beginning to what promises to be another stupendous series by Paula Graves.
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