Corazón audaz

Heart Trilogy #3

by Kat Martin, María José Losada Rey (Translator), Rufina Moreno Ceballos (Translator)

Bajo el impertinente sobrenombre de «La listilla», la terca Lindsey Graham libra una cruzada a favor del cambio entre la élite londinense, escribiendo la gaceta femenina De Corazón a Corazón. Pero el mayor reto de Lindsey comienza cuando su hermano Rudy, un célebre libertino, es acusado de una serie de asesinatos de prostitutas.

Su creencia en la inocencia de Rudy se ve reforzada con la llegada de unas cartas anónimas en las que se acusa al vizconde Merrick de ser el asesino. Lindsey inicia su propia investigación, adentrándose en los dudosos intereses de los caballeros, una arriesgada aventura que le reporta un guardaespaldas: Thor Draugr.

Al principio, Lindsey rechaza la protección del cuñado de su empleado. Son como el agua y el aceite, pero apenas puede ocultar la atracción que siente por el tosco eslavo. Pero una intentona de acabar con su vida revela no solo hasta donde alguien está dispuesto a llegar para impedir que interfiera en los sórdidos asuntos del vizconde, sino que ya no puede negar que desea tener al guerrero a su lado…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery

368 pages, Paperback

First published December 23, 2008

About the author

Kathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)

Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.

Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.

Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.

"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."

"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m already regretting the charitable impulse that caused me to award two stars instead of one to this ridiculous historical romance that completely ignores history and beats romance to death with a blunt instrument.

I can ignore a few historical inaccuracies, but when each page contains at least three snort-worthy instances it’s impossible. Why even write a historical if you don’t intend to learn anything of the history? On page 15 an earl accosts Lindsey in the offices of the “fashionable women’s magazine” for which she writes a society column and berates her for writing about him cheating on his wife.

”You little bitch! My wife is threatening divorce…You will write a retraction immediately…”

It was 1844. Wives could not divorce their husbands for adultery. Society columnists only discreetly alluded to affairs and didn’t use full names, which also made a retraction a moot point. Then Thor (yes, his name is Thor) protects Lindsey by grabbing the earl by his shirt collar and lifting him off his feet and shaking him, insisting he apologize. Yes, an untitled nobody physically assaults an earl and the earl…apologizes? And leaves? Yeah, sure.

That’s only the tip, the very tip, of the silliness iceberg. Among other things, our heroine decides to prove her brother’s innocence when he’s accused of two murders because she’s a “reporter” (gossip columnist) and getting information is what she does, on the day the newspaper headlines proclaim the arrest of a baron’s oldest son for two murders his sister and aunt attend a ball like the entire family wouldn’t be social pariahs at that point, a police inspector tells her seeing her socially would hurt his career while her brother is in prison accused of murder but they can see each other after he’s hanged? (!!! I dunno, you explain how that’s better because I can’t), and she knows there is no possibility of marrying Thor because her parents will insist she marry a proper, wealthy, titled aristocrat (because proper, wealthy, titled aristocrats are lined up around the block to wed 22-year-old gossip columnists whose brother has been arrested for murder).

And (groan) the romance. It’s another series of idiotic happenings that make no sense: they’re attracted, they’re unwilling, they’re attracted, they’re not right for each other, begging for sex, rejection, sex, rejection, sex in different places, hand wringing, a horse race (that, at least, was enjoyable), It’s over! It’s not over! I must hurt you to save you! blah blah blah, horse gets shot but survives, the end.

I bought another Kat Martin historical romance at the same time as this one, both on sale, but I’m deleting it from my Kindle unread because I’d pay whatever it cost NOT to have to read it.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

01/13/2024 - Kit Martin is one of my favorite Romantic-Suspense authors, but she began her career writing Historical Romance. Even these early works have a suspense element that just makes them all the more fantastic. Beverley A. Crick is an awesome narrator. She adds so much to the story and her performance is wonderful.

Lindsey Graham is a woman who knows her own mind and is not going to let society determine her course in life. She writes a column for a woman's gazette and is fairly sure she is not going to get married, even though she would dearly love to have a family. When her brother is accused of the murders of two prostitutes, she decides to find the real murderer.

Thor Draugr and his brother are in England from a far off, remote island. His brother has made a place in London society, but Thor has not even tried to fit in. Thor works in the workroom at the woman's gazette owned by his sister-in-law and on the dock for his brother's shipping company. When his brother's wife asks him to act as bodyguard for Lindsey, Thor reluctantly agrees. He and Lindsey have often been at odds in the few encounters they have had.

When Lindsey receives anonymous notes claiming that another is the real murderer and that Lindsey's brother is innocent, she is determined to all she can to find the real killer. Thor has a tough assignment to keep her safe and to keep his heart intact.

01/10/2022 - This is a very good Historical Romance with a great suspense element. A very rare creature and one I love to read. This whole Trilogy has been very good.

Twenty-two-year-old Lindsey Graham is a writer and editor for a ladies' gazette, and she is aloe the daughter of a baron. She is not looking to get married anytime soon. When her younger brother, Rudy, is arrested for the murder of three prostitutes, she is compelled to try and prove his innocence.

She has no idea the kind of trouble she can get into, but Thor Draugr does. Working with her in the publication's office, Thor has seen her determination in other things and knows she needs his protection, even as he tells himself that the tall, slender Lindsey holds no appeal for him.

Her confidence in his innocence is bolstered when an anonymous letter arrives naming Viscount Merrick as the killer. Lindsey launches her own investigation into the gentleman's questionable pursuits, a risky venture that earns her an unwelcome bodyguard--Thor Draugr.

When an anonymous letter names another nobleman as the killer, Lindsey is determined to prove that, and she doesn't want Thor as her bodyguard as she delves into London's seedy underbelly. But she is really grateful he is around when her life is threatened. As she gets to know Thor, the passion and desire become too much to overcome for both of them, even as Rudy's life hangs in the balance.

[Neus Gutiérrez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yo realmente quería que me encantara porque el personaje de Thor me había gustado mucho en el primer libro y le tenía ganas.. pero se ha quedado ahí. En ese aprobado eterno que le doy a muchos libros del género porque no son malos, pero no son memorables. No lo volvería a leer, y eso para mí es lo que marca la diferencia.
La historia de la mujer con carácter e independiente, que tiene un trabajo y quiere ser ella misma está bien, pero todo el rato te están destacando lo diferente que es, lo mal visto que está, lo poco que a los hombres les gusta eso... y en el fondo ella no deja de ser una mujer sumisa, obediente y de clase alta, que se esconde para hacer lo que quiere y que termina casada y en buena situación. No es que se curre demasiado el plot de la historia.
El protagonista es arrogante, pesado y muy machito. Thor pintaba de otra manera, pero en esta novela nos demuestra que es otro Leif que viene a buscar a su alma gemela y aunque desea a Lindsey no es el tipo de mujer que él querría para toda la vida. Luego con todo el problema del dinero, como si fuera lo único a tener en cuenta, y su fuerza bruta y su maravillosa personalidad para domar a un caballo -que acaba domando ella pero bueno- pues me ha dejado igual.
Si a esto le sumas que el argumento principal es resolver un caso de un asesino en serie, como otros mil que han contado, con unas pruebas nimias, un final absurdo y unos personajes de risa.. pues vamos mal. Y de verdad, el argumento de hombre violado, vejado, abusado y maltratado de niño, que al final se convierte en asesino en serie es creíble, pero está mas trillado que nunca. Por favor, podemos escribir cosas diferentes, de verdad.

[Tracy T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining book in this trilogy. I enjoyed it. Very good narration by Beverly Crick. (audible review)

I liked Lindsey and Thor together. They had some good chemistry and I liked all the adventures they had together while she was trying to solve the murder to save her brother. Lindsey was strong, smart and spunky. It was a fun mystery. Had me guessing for quite some time. I really enjoyed Thor's honesty, made me LOL sometimes. He just said everything very bluntly.

There was a lot of great dialogue throughout the book. The story flowed very well and was easy to follow.

As for the narration, it was good. I like Beverly Crick. She does the men's voices very well, in this particular case she did Thor's viking accent very very well. She reads with emotion and has a very nice reading voice.

[Kate McMurray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but—and this is not really the fault of the author, and does not affect my rating—the character names are REALLY distracting, esp if you follow current events.

[Carrie Olguin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A contemporary historical.

The heroine has "modern views" about sex (take a lover before she makes a society style marriage) while the hero is old fashioned (but that doesn't stop him from quickly dropping his morals to tup the heroine, then tell himself not to do it again, only to do it again. I can't like a hero who won't even follow his own moral code!).

The heroine (daughter of a Baron) has a job at a newspaper. She is independent, head strong, and trying to solve a series of murders her brother is accused of.

Hero is the "ug, you my woman" type of hero. a big man woman swoon over.

Never once did I believe the heroine could not marry the hero. She was too headstrong and independent to allow her parents to force her to marry. So that excuse (tossed in my face over and over again) never washed with me.

And the hero decided he wasn't good enough to marry the heroine. Not very sexy, that lack of self-confiedence. Another quality I cant' like in a hero.

I was frustrated with the romance in the story, but I did want to find out who killed the women. Basically, I scanned the last half of the book or just read the first sentence in the paragraph and all the dialogue, to speed up the ending (kind of like fast forwarding a similarly frustrating movie).

I don't like contemporary type historicals.

[Dorothea Müller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eine junge Dame, allein in Opiumhöhlen und Bordellen? Couragiert ist die Reporterin Lindsey zu allem bereit um den Mörder zu finden! Denn Sie muss die Unschuld ihres Bruders beweisen. Doch Thor Draugr, Schwager ihrer Verlegerin und Wikinger, sieht das anders: Als Ehrenmann und Krieger kommt es für ihn nicht in Frage, dass Lindsey sich in Gefahr begibt. Auch wenn sie sein sonst so kühles nordisches Blut zum Sieden bringt - keinen Tag weicht er von ihrer Seite! Und auch keine Nacht, wenn Lindsey voller Verlangen seine Männlichkeit herausfordert ...

Das letzte Band der Heart to Heart Reihe. Das Buch von Mira ist vergriffen, man kann sich, aber das Buch noch über Cora Verlag holen. Ist auch unter Historical Gold heraus gekommen.

Im ersten Moment dachte ich Thor ist 6 Jahre, dann 13 Jahre, aber als Sie ihn als durchtrainiert beschreibt. Da habe ich erst kapiert das er ein Mann ist. Bei der Geschichte hat ich immer wieder das Problem das mir Thor und Lindsey wie Kleinkinder rüber kam. Die Geschichte war super geschrieben und Spannend. Bloß die Hauptfiguren und ich wurden einfach nicht warm. Das ist erste Buch von Kat Martin bei dem es mir so ging.

[Isabel Luna · Rating 2 out of 5]

No es una mala historia, pero definitivamente ha sido el menos logrado de los tres libros de la trilogía; o al menos no he sentido la misma conexión entre los personajes q han tenido las dos parejas anteriores.
Thor es el hermano de Lief y cuñado de Krista. Lo conocimos en el primer libro, pero de pasada nada más. Como el recién llegado hermano del protagonista q también quería aprender a ser un caballero de este tiempo y no tanto un vikingo de siglos atrás. A Thor lo encontramos ya educadito, pero sintiendose como desubicado aún, sin saber muy bien cuál es su lugar, aunq con la intención de no volver a la isla.
Lindsey x su parte es una joven dama de sociedad, no una debutante sino más bien una chica ya mayorcita q aparentemente vive a su aire, trabajando en la revista femenina De Corazón a Corazón; aunq conforme va avanzando la trama, su situación se pone bastante más complicada.
Ni Lindsey ni Thor se gustan particularmente, pero obviamente la supuesta grima q se tienen solo disfraza la atracción q sienten el uno por la otra; pero ella no quiere casarse, aún y él dice q no quiere a una joven independiente como ella...memeces, como quien dice.
El argumento se pone interesante cuando el hermano de Lindsey aparece como sospechoso de asesinato de unas jóvenes mujeres de mal vivir y Lindsey no tiene mejor idea q hacerla de detective para salvar al hermano, y obviamente Thor debe hacerlas de caballero protector.
Hasta ahí fuimos bien, pero no pasó de ahí.
El suspense del misterio no me ha parecido dar la talla, era una historia accesoria, pero creo q perdimos mucho tiempo en las idas y venidas para algo q pudo haber sido más desarrollado o no tanto según se mire lo q se quería lograr, q no me ha quedado claro. Mi punto es, si el asesino tenía q ser en serie, el villano me ha parecido muy superficial, y no ha habido una real conexión entre el antagónico y los protagonistas, sino más bien un pretexto y no me ha calzado nada bien.
Y luego viene el romance q no me ha terminado de convencer. Thor&Lindsey pintaban mejor como pareja cuando se peleaban q cuando finalmente dejaron de hacerlo y aunq hay escenas bastante apasionadas, en lo personal el romance no me ha parecido nada romántico, y es q parece q, a pesar del tiempo dedicado en ser un caballero de este tiempo, Thor sigue siendo un guerrero vikingo, pero a diferencia del primer libro, en esta historia, el guerrero vikingo no ha tenido un adecuado escenario para lucirse.
De todas formas, creo q la trilogía ha valido la pena xq la autora en general, es buena. Tiene buena prosa y su técnica es muy prolija. Tal vez falle en alguna q otra trama, pero no a todos nos sale el bien el sazón todo el tiempo y todas las veces.

[Daniela · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Explícito). Al comienzo todo iba bien, hasta el momento en que Lindsey se desvivió por justificar a cada rato a su hermano con los motivos más absurdos posibles, está bien que nunca dudara de su inocencia pero prácticamente amenazaba y obligaba a lo demás a creer que su hermano no hizo nada y que nada más estaba pasando por una etapa rebelde que todos los jóvenes herederos y de la clase alta pasaban antes de convertirse en hombres derechos y de bien. Y parece que su hermano ni por pasar días en la cárcel ni nada va a cambiar su forma de vivir, de vivir como un derrochador. Esa fue la parte que me arruinó la historia.
Aún así admiro mucho la lealtad, la valentía y las ganas de Lindsey de descubrir al verdadero asesino, no solo para salvar a su hermano, sino también a futuras víctimas. Todo un personaje, no se deja manipular ni por sus padres, casi lo hace pero decidió volver a luchar por un futuro a lado de Thor, y eso qur el siglo xix las mujeres de la clase alta siguen siendo prácticamentes vendidas en matrimonio al mejor postor, así que me gustó cuando no se dejó influenciar por ellos al final y que fue directa con sus padres al decirles que estaba enamorada de Thor y que se casaría con él sin importarle si lo aprobaban o no.
Thor, por otro lado, siempre trató de alejarse de Lindsey con todo lo que tuviera, sin importa cómo, porque no se sentía digno de ella. Le costó, la llegó a insultar casi de la peor manera posible, pero logró redimirse y luchar por volver a tener su confianza. Es muy noble, y al igual que Lindsey, lucha por lo que quiere. Se me hizo intrigante y algo emocionante cuando trataron de estafarlo y él logró recuperar las acciones que le pertenecía.
Estuvo un poco entretenido el misterio del asesino de damas de la noche, solo que se resolvió demasiado fácil con la muerte del culpable para mi gusto.
Narrado en tercera persona principalmente por Lindsey y Thor. Ofrece puntos de vista de otros personajes.

[Judy Hankom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsay Graham writes for the Heart to Heart newspaper. She campaigns for social change and in some cases makes enemies. Her greatest campaign starts when her brother Rudy is accused of murdering prostitutes. He has fallen in with a bad crowd and has become a notorious rake.

She starts receiving anonymous letters that name Viscount Merrick as the killer instead. Lindsay begins her own investigation into Merrick's background and schedule. As she gets into the investigation, she picks up a bodyguard, Thor Draugr. Thor is the brother-in-law of her employer. She and Thor start out as not mixing very well together. However that changes as they become attracted to each other.

The investigation takes her from London to a house party in her parents' home in the country. Thor follows along by taking a job at Merrick's estate next door, working with a special horse.

The investigation brings danger to Lindsay. But she is determined to clear Rudy of the murder charges.

I enjoyed the book but now need to go back to read the first book in the series.

[Sandra Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the plot and the chemistry between Lindsey and Thor was great but the things that Thor said made me think of what his brother would have said in the situation. At times they responded almost a like and I felt like apart from some differences they were basically the same. I wished he had more personality. It may just be my opinion but they did point out how the brothers differed but their actions seemed the same and it could just be the fact that they are brothers and from the same culture but still. The confrontation between them and the villain seemed a bit rushed but then again they did spend the whole book trying to find the guy. Overall I liked the book.

[Tim Covell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The heroine is strong, independent, and sexually aggressive, which makes her devotion to her useless brother seem odd. Regardless, she wants to prove him innocent of murdering prostitutes, and her bodyguard in this investigation becomes her lover. The series of murders adds drama, but makes the story darker, and the digression into the psychology of the killer is unwelcome. The hero's struggles add depth to his character, though his occasional use of brute force doesn't make him heroic in my eyes.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Another great regency romance. Kat has a way of bringing the era and people alive. A high born woman falls in love below her station with a virile warrior type. Someone is killing girls h Her brother working in the brothels. Her brother is accused of the crimes and thrown in prison. Trying to clear his name almost gets her and her lover Thor killed. Loved the vivid pictures that Kat pint wit her words

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book.

I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. At first Thor wasn’t sure of his feelings for Lindsey, she’s not his usual type. But he finds himself so protective and possessive of her. She’s so fierce and determined to find out who the real murderer is. I was very emotionally connected and loved them together. It’s a really great happy ever after too. I highly recommend this book.

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsey is helping her friend Krista at the paper and has a brother she guiding while their parents are away. Rudy is young and sowing his oats as grandfather says only while he's sowing there have been3 murders all of women Rudy has spent time with. He's being accused and Lindsey is trying to save him with the help of Thor. Thor is a kind Viking but after spending time together they free Rudy and fall in love.

[Elisa Vangelisti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dovevo essere proprio rimbecillita quando ho preso questo romanzo. I misteri non mi piacciono e il titolo la dice lunga. È anche vero che a volte le traduzioni lasciano molto a desiderare. Il titolo originale infatti è Heart of courage, che non c’entra un beneamato piffero. È il quarto suo romanzo che provo a leggere e lo abbandono. Magari dovrei segnarmi che è un’autrice che non fa per me.

[Ramonita Roldan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Heart Trilogy was beyond amazing. Love Heart of Courage main characters; Thor & Lynsey. He believed himself unworthy of the woman he wanted. She was determined to proff her brother's innocence. They form an unbreakable team in their quest for justice. Together they became invincible!
Amazing storytelling. Hugely Recommended!!!

[Joseph V Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kat Martin

I have never been one to read a lot. Since Kat Martin's intricate stories and romance of classic proportions I am hooked. I have already read nine of her books and I'm hungry for more and more!

[Theresa Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Heart Trilogy

Having read all 3 books, I found characters that were suited to each other. All 3 books are written as stand alone but were all great, read together. Will continue reading from this author.

[Kathy Sue Stumpf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, a very good book that I couldn't put down at times. Awesome story to end the series with. I would recommend this book and this series for an enjoyable good read. It's one I would read again.

[sandy forguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great romance between Thor and Lindsey’s if you haven’t read any of her her books I would highly recommend 👍👍

[Natalie Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Easy listen, but Forgettable.

[Adela Viña · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esta me gustó aún más que la historia de Leif. Pues Thor es muchísimo más dulce y sensible que su hermano mayor, y Lindsay aunque tiene su genio es adorable. Son tal para cual 😊

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I'm always up for a lusty romance with a little intrigue thrown in! Great story, great characters! I highly recommend this book!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thor exudes big teddy bear energy - likes to snuggle and cuddle but touch his woman and he will tear you limb from limb.

Love seeing our former couples.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could have sworn I read this book before — is this when all historical romances from the 2000s start to sound the same, still enjoyed and 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Matteja LV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tale me je še najbolj pritegnila od vseh treh.

[Maps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last in series. 3.7 stars

[Sabine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man konnte es sich ja fast denken, dass der letzte Teil der Reihe sich um Leifs Bruder Thor Draugr drehen wird. Wie auch in den anderen beiden Büchern wird auch hier wieder in einer Sache ermittelt. Im ersten Band waren es Anschläge auf Kristas Leben und ihren Zeitungsverlag; im zweiten Band ging es um den mysteriösen Tod von Coralees Schwester und hier im letzten Band treibt ein Frauenmörder sein Unwesen in London, der Mörder von Covent Garden. Lindsay ist die Tochter eines Barons und gehört zur Londoner Oberschicht an. Dass sie trotzdem für eine Zeitung arbeitet, hatte sie bisher nur der ständigen Abwesenheit ihrer Eltern zu verdanken, die lieber in der Weltgeschichte herumreisen als sich um Lindsay und ihren Bruder Rudy zu kümmern. Rudy zieht jede Nacht mit Freunden los, trinkt, spielt und vergnügt sich mit Frauen während Lindsay im Verlag ihrer Freundin Krista arbeitet, wo sie sich ständig Wortgefechte mit deren Schwager Thor liefert, der ebenfalls im Verlag aushilft. Als die Morde passieren, wird schnell Rudy von der Polizei als möglicher Verdächtiger verhört und festgenommen. Die couragierte Lindsay, von der Unschuld ihres Bruders überzeugt, stürzt sich in eigene Ermittlungen und Nachforschungen, um ihren Bruder zu entlasten. Verkleidet als Mann geht sie in Spielsalons und Freundenhäuser auf Spurensuche. Zum Glück hat ihre Freundin Krista heimlich ihren Schwager Thor als Leibwächter verpflichtet und der rettet Lindsay eines Nachts in letzter Sekunde das Leben. Sie lässt sich jetzt zwar überzeugen, dass er zum Schutz in Zukunft mit ihr zusammen recherchiert - aber zwischen der störrischen jungen Frau und dem machohaften Krieger sprühen nur so die Funken wenn sie verbal aneinandergeraten. Schon bald verbindet sie mehr als nur die Aufklärung der Morde - bald können sie die gegenseitige Anziehung nicht mehr verleugnen.


Also mir war die Handlung hier zu seicht. Ab dem zweiten Drittel, als Lindsay und Thor sich endlich dazu entschieden hatten, dass sie sich nach viel Hin und Her doch wollen, ging es nur um die Affäre der beiden. Dieses Buch hat mehr Sexszenen als die anderen beiden zusammen, was die Handlung stellenweise etwas in den Hintergrund treten ließ. Ständig sinken sich die zwei in Kutschen, Wäldern und anderen Orten in die Arme, während sie sich abwechseln streiten, küssen und miteinander schlafen.

Lindsay mit ihrem Gezicke ging mir ziemlich auf den Geist; sie tut so unabhängig und taff - und dann kommen ihre Eltern heim, präsentieren ihr eine Liste mit Heiratskandidaten und legen ihr Daumenschrauben an und alles woran sie denkt ist ihr teurer Lebensstil und dass sie den nicht so einfach finanziert bekommt mit ihrem "Job". Nee, das war mir alles zu lieblos und hölzern, das hätte man etwas schöner machen können. Und Thor mit seinem Machogehabe der sie in der einen Sekunde beleidigt und in der nächsten küsst; ihr den Hintern versohlt und in der nächsten Minute liegt er reumütig auf den Knien.. Hm!

Auch den vermeintlichen Mörder Rudy fand ich unsympathisch; seine Dialoge mit Lindsay waren hölzern und sein Benehmen eher fragwürdig. Kaum wieder frei, fällt er in alte Muster und zieht mit seinen illustren Kumpels wieder los um - schwupps - beim nächsten Mord wieder einzusitzen weil er erneut zur falschen Zeit am falschen (gleichen) Ort war. Die anonymen Briefe die Lindsay erhält, die Hinweise auf den wahren Mörder enthalten, hätte man sich auch sparen können. Alles einen Ticken zu durchschaubar.

Gut fand ich dagegen, dass auch hier wieder Krista, Leif, Gray und Coralee aufgetaucht sind und kleine Gastauftritte haben. Ansonsten bleibt dieser letzte Band leider farblos. Schade, ich denke da hätte man mehr daraus machen können. Daher leider nur 2 Sterne.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsey Graham, is a very opinionated journalist at Heart To Heart, but then her brother Rudy, gets accused for multiple murders, she knows he isn't capable of. So she goes about and starts asking questions and investigating, and gets in more trouble than she knows what to do with, with her companion as Thor Draugr. Thor is very unwelcome as her bodyguard, but what choice does she have, with someone trying to warn her off from investigating, but Lindsey knows that she must do everything she can to find the one responsible for the murders. Thor is unused to independent women, he is accustomed to women that are passionate but know their place, and Lindsey definitely doesn't know her own boundries, and its up to him to make sure that she doesn't get in too deep without him at her side, only what neither of these strong willed people realized was that there was a unbridled passion about to be shown, and things are about to get even more intense....Heart of Courage is the last in the Heart Trilogy by Kat Martin. I found this to be such a thrilling read, and I found myself at the edge of my seat most of the time. Heart Of Courage is a exciting tale of romance, intrigue, and adventure. I just loved immersing myself into this story, I found it hard to draw myself away from reading it. I think this one is just as good as the other previous books that I have read from this author, and I am looking forward to reading more of her works. Kat Martin definitely delivers in this book and in the series!!! A POIGNANT ROMANCE THAT WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS FOR MORE!!