With the M.D....at the Altar?

The Curse of Raven's Cliff #2

by Jessica Andersen

WOULD THEY GET THEIR TRIP DOWN THE AISLE OR WOULD DEATH DO THEM PART?

It had been two years since she’d last come face-to-face with Luke Freeman—and the heartache small-town doctor Roxanne Peters vividly recalled. Bringing in the medical expert was Raven’s Cliff’s best hope of solving a mysterious illness, but keeping things professional was vital to surviving both this “reunion” and an elusive stranger’s newfound interest in her. Still, working long hours in close quarters led to sizzling tension, making Roxanne imagine a future that no longer seemed possible. But when Luke’s smoldering gaze met hers, it was clear he, too, remembered all they’d once shared. And this time there was no backing down…

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Romantic Suspense

211 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Jessica S. Andersen is an American writer of mystery and medical romances. She obtained a PhD in Genetics, but when she finally settles on a single career, she will have been many things: a doctor of molecular genetics, a patent agent, a freelance editor, a professional horse trainer and riding coach, a fiance and the proud owner of a pair of corgis. But if you ask her who she is, Jessica will say, "I'm a writer. The rest is all background research."

Jessica lives in a smal farm in eastern Conneticut with her own personal hero, Brian, as well as the corgis, two cats and a handful of young horses, who she claims are investments but never seem to get sold.

Reviews

[jenjn79 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book in Harlequin Intrigue's multi-author six-book continuity called "The Curse of Raven's Cliff." Like I said with the first book, you really need to read this series as a whole. You'll get lost if you don't.

This book picks up a thread that started late in the first book where the local residents were becoming ill from a mysterious illness. In this book, the sickness is worsening. People are either becoming deathly ill or becoming psychotically violent. Local doctor Roxanne is overwhelmed and clueless so she asks for help from the CDC. The team that arrives is headed by Luke, her ex-lover and the man who broke her heart two years prior. The two resolve to work together, but the chemistry is still there. As they try to figure out the weird sickness they fight their feelings and problems all the while the danger escalates.

Honestly, I'm not sure what to say about this one...on its own, it's a good story. Interesting, unique plot. Good characters and romance. Andersen did a great job with the medical jargon (even if some of it was over my head).

But as part of a series with a running story arc, it's a bit lacking. I found myself frustrated more than once because things just don't match up between the first two stories. The illness didn't quite fit the way it was first used. The serial killer discovered in the first book suddenly gets a name that (Seaside Strangler) that doesn't fit with what was presented in the first book (there was no mention of strangling...drowning, yes, strangling, not that I remember)...and suddenly the locals know why this guy is killing when there's no reason they should. Plus, Roxanne is the town doctor, but in the first book, some other guy is the doctor and there's no mention of anyone else. Then suddenly she's the local doc and the other guy is just a helper who is suddenly away during a time of crisis. And in the first book a recluse is mentioned having bought a dilapidated cabin...but in the second book, a recluse has bought a mansion. Umm, okay. So are there two recluses? Or just messed up details?

It was just irritating and annoying to read all these little inconsistencies. Kinda ruined the who continuity vibe. And there are also a few too many story threads going on. Trying to keep track of the different threads got a little confusing.

So as a singular story...pretty good. But as part of a series...not so good. If there'd been more congruity between the two stories, this book wouldn't have annoyed me as much as it did.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally read past the first chapter! This series reminds me of "The Colton's: Return to Wyoming". While i was rooting for Rox and Luke since chapter one, it was a long road (like 13 chapters) of self discovery and how they both were running from their weaknesses. But Luke was running more than he had realized or even wanted to admit. With teammates getting sick, and people dying, there are about 4 or so other storylines. Between the Seaside Strangler, Wells, from the Mayor making deals that could one day lead him to become president to only than have evidence used against him as the one to have been trying to poison the townspeople!! the missing Camille that no one can seem to find. might be good to remember who she was suppose to marry, as I think they might be a surprising twist...not sure, but you definitely need to enjoy a good cliffhanger when reading this one!!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun mystery/horror/medical drama romance! The twists! The turns!
This tiny town has the highest death rate

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good story that keeps the connecting books of "The Curse of Raven's Cliff" going smoothly. Although whoever chose the title needs a stern talking to about being too cheesy.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

not bad, definitely want to read the rest of the series.

[Maggie Shanley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Curse of Ravenscliff story, doctor who ran for it when his partner was sick is back to save the town.