5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Just what the doctor ordered, August 23, 2009
This review is from: Healing Luke (Mass Market Paperback)
Abby is an occupational therapist. She was about to get married when she found her fiancé with another woman. Abby needed to get away for a little while. She decided to go on her honeymoon alone. Hey, why not when she isn't going to get a refund.
Luke and his brother Aaron used to compete for women. They were a pair of players, only thinking about one night stands. That was than and this is now. Luke was in an accident that left him without the sight of his right eye and scars. Luke is a changed man both physically and emotionally.
Luke's father, Bart and Aaron can't stand to see Luke mope around. When they learn Abby is an occupational therapist, they convince her to stay for a while and help Luke. Luke isn't the only one that needs healing. Can Luke and Abby help each other?
Healing Luke is just what the doctor ordered. Luke was a grumpy guy and someone I wouldn't want to hang around with but due to his situation, I could understand why and forgive him. Of course though it didn't hurt that Luke is good looking. Abby has the patience of a saint. The words Abby and Luke didn't speak were way hotter than the ones they did speak. Just a look or a touch can be sexy. I like that Luke started out liking the typical blond model type girls and by the end of middle of the book, he saw Abby for who she was...a smart, pretty, loving woman. Abby really grew into a butterfly.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An author who knows how to write a true romance!, November 15, 2009
This review is from: Healing Luke (Mass Market Paperback)
Have you ever read a romance read that after it was over you find yourself slightly crying and disappointed that the story is over? This is how this story was for me. The author did a wonderful job of creating characters you care about, and a romance you find yourself cheering for them to come together and be a couple. She obviously did her research in the department of burns and handicaps when creating the story of Luke. He had all the torment and depression that goes with the after math of his handicaps since the explosions. Abby showed all the normal grieving and second guessing of herself after a horrible breakup with her fiance. I was cheering for this couple all throughout the book and was so sad to see it end.
There is not a lot of hot and horny sex in this book. There is maybe one scene of them actually making love, but this story didn't need it. The story gave us enough romance and at humor at times that I was glad the author didn't fill the book up with sex scenes.
Now I just hope that the author would plan on making a follow-up book for Luke's brother and father! She certainly left the end open for sequels, but wrapped up Luke and Abby's story up very nicely. Another great author and find!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Close to a 5-star. Excellent story.Heroine was just too resistant to the point of near-cruelty. Hero & his family were terrific., September 27, 2009
This review is from: Healing Luke (Mass Market Paperback)
As a story of healing after tragedy, this book was so good. As Luke learned to adapt to his new limitations, he also grew closer to his brother and father.
As a romance, the book lacked. We do get a "happily ever after", but I really didn't love the heroine after all she put the hero through before finally giving him a bit of her heart. Still, a very good read and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Luke's mother walked out on Luke, his big brother, and his father when Luke was only 8. When leaving she told Luke that there was nothing worth staying for. 20 years later, Luke still has trouble finding himself worthy of any woman's love. His good looks have always provided him with women willing to have one-night-stands, but Luke longs for something deep and meaningful. Now he has lost an eye and a thumb in an accident. He believes he will spend the rest of his life alone. His brother, Aaron, struggles with guilt over the accident that maimed Luke. His father walks on egg shells in an effort to spare Luke any further sorrow. When all seems hopeless, a miracle arrives in the petite form of a female physical therapist who won't allow Luke to give up on himself.
Over the weeks that follow, Luke struggles with the growing feelings he has for Abby. He believes she will never return his affection. Abby is too hurt from a past relationship to even consider making herself vulnerable to another man. The time they spend together provides healing to Luke's body and soul, but Abby believes that if she gives herself to Luke he will use her and break her heart. When she reaches a point where she can no longer deny him, Abby will leave for good. Better to get out before she loses her heart completely. Abby's rejection seems to prove Luke's worst fears... no woman would ever want a "freak" like him.
Luke is facing a bridge in his life. He can take a risk by crossing it in hopes of winning Abby, or he can spend the rest of his life with regrets. With his father and brother encouraging him, Luke decides to take the steps will lead to either happiness or heart-break. Will Abby meet him half-way across the bridge, or will she leave him stranded? Luke believes Abby is worth the risk.
Luke was a great character. We meet him when he is whole, experience the accident with him, then struggle through recovery with him. You can't help but hope for him. Unfortunately, Abby seemed to torment him more than boost him. She allowed him to kiss her, then turned away from him. She looks in his eyes with desire, then denies him when he acts on it. She lies around in a "tiny bikini" and rubs oil on her body while he watches, then gets mad and storms away when he goes to rub some on her back. She sleeps with him, then gets on a plane and leaves the state. Her reason is that he hasn't said "I love you", but she hasn't said anything close to that herself. She accuses him of being a player, but I have to say I got that impression much more from her than him. In the end, when he laid his heart and soul on a platter before her, she still cruelly walks away. She crushed him until he literally begged her to stay with him. She put him through so much pain that was totally unnecessary all because she wanted to hear, but would not say herself, "The Three Words". It killed the final joy for me.
Despite my disappointment in the heroine, the three men were terrific personalities. Luke, Aaron, and their father Bart were very well fleshed out. We get a hint about Aaron's story coming next. I will read it with hope that the heroine will not have a selfish personality like Abby.
If you love romance novels about triumph over tragedy, here are a few I recommend:
The Devil's Possession (Berkley Sensation)(Medieval Paranormal Romance)
Cry No More(Contemporary Romantic Suspense)
Under a Prairie Moon (Leisure historical romance)(Native American/Contemporary Paranormal)
Ride The Fire (Leisure Historical Romance)(Historical Romance)
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