Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Another exciting entry in the series. Max is one of the reporters that has been haunting the Hamiltons since Buckmaster Hamilton's first wife returned from the dead. When he snaps a picture of the two of them together, he goes to Kat Hamilton to confirm the identity of the woman in the picture. But Kat isn't cooperating. Kat has had enough of reporters pestering her for information about her mother, and Max especially rubs her the wrong way. But when he tells her of the information he has, she discovers that she wants the answers as much as he does.
I really liked Max. He's an investigative reporter with a sense of honor, not a gossip rag paparazzi. Though he first just wanted to use Kat for information, he soon found himself liking her as a woman. This made his investigation harder in a way, because he doesn't want to hurt Kat, but finding out the truth is important. I also really liked Kat. She is independent and stubborn. She may be one of the "Hamilton Girls" but she lives her life her own way. She knows she should be happy that her mother is alive and well, but she has questions that haven't been getting any answers until Max showed up.
I loved the sparks that flew between them from the beginning. Max really tries to resist because he has a rule about getting involved with someone who's part of a story he is working on, but finds himself too deeply drawn to her. I liked the way that he saw behind the surface toughness that she showed the rest of the world to the woman beneath. He had the patience to bring her out of her shell. He was also protective of her, as the danger of their investigation increased, and he was impressed by her ability to remain focused on their goal in the midst of that danger. Kat doesn't want to feel the things she does around Max. She's spent a lot of years protecting herself from the hurt she experienced before, but Max is working his way past her protective walls. Because he is a reporter, she is also extra wary of him at the beginning, but quickly finds herself trusting him. They get closer as the book goes on, but each is fully aware of their own issues that hold them back from opening up completely. I really loved their honest appraisal of their relationship at the end of the book, and the steps they took to see if it was real.
The mystery of Sarah Hamilton's return continues from the previous two books. The information that Max and Kat uncover indicate that she may have been part of a domestic terrorist group years earlier, but her lack of memory makes it impossible to confront her about it. The more information they uncover, the worse it looks for Sarah. There's also someone out there who doesn't like what they are doing and multiple attempts are made at stopping them. At the same time, local sheriff Frank Curry has been doing some investigating of his own, with his wife's help. The things he discovers, when added to what Max and Kat have found, bring up serious questions about just why Sarah reappeared now. Meanwhile, Buckmaster himself is caught between two women - his current wife, Angelica, and his first wife, Sarah. He has never stopped loving Sarah, but he also cares for Angelica, who has been beside him in his bid for the presidency. He is increasingly frustrated by her focus on digging up whatever dirt she can find on Sarah. Angelica's inquiries are stirring up trouble for her also. Buck can't seem to stay away from Sarah, who has apparently moved on with a neighboring rancher. A confrontation at the end of the book stops those who have been attacking Max and Kat, and though answers are apparently found to some of the questions about Sarah, Max and Kat are still suspicious. The book ends with a twist and a cliffhanger.
I really liked Max. He's an investigative reporter with a sense of honor, not a gossip rag paparazzi. Though he first just wanted to use Kat for information, he soon found himself liking her as a woman. This made his investigation harder in a way, because he doesn't want to hurt Kat, but finding out the truth is important. I also really liked Kat. She is independent and stubborn. She may be one of the "Hamilton Girls" but she lives her life her own way. She knows she should be happy that her mother is alive and well, but she has questions that haven't been getting any answers until Max showed up.
I loved the sparks that flew between them from the beginning. Max really tries to resist because he has a rule about getting involved with someone who's part of a story he is working on, but finds himself too deeply drawn to her. I liked the way that he saw behind the surface toughness that she showed the rest of the world to the woman beneath. He had the patience to bring her out of her shell. He was also protective of her, as the danger of their investigation increased, and he was impressed by her ability to remain focused on their goal in the midst of that danger. Kat doesn't want to feel the things she does around Max. She's spent a lot of years protecting herself from the hurt she experienced before, but Max is working his way past her protective walls. Because he is a reporter, she is also extra wary of him at the beginning, but quickly finds herself trusting him. They get closer as the book goes on, but each is fully aware of their own issues that hold them back from opening up completely. I really loved their honest appraisal of their relationship at the end of the book, and the steps they took to see if it was real.
The mystery of Sarah Hamilton's return continues from the previous two books. The information that Max and Kat uncover indicate that she may have been part of a domestic terrorist group years earlier, but her lack of memory makes it impossible to confront her about it. The more information they uncover, the worse it looks for Sarah. There's also someone out there who doesn't like what they are doing and multiple attempts are made at stopping them. At the same time, local sheriff Frank Curry has been doing some investigating of his own, with his wife's help. The things he discovers, when added to what Max and Kat have found, bring up serious questions about just why Sarah reappeared now. Meanwhile, Buckmaster himself is caught between two women - his current wife, Angelica, and his first wife, Sarah. He has never stopped loving Sarah, but he also cares for Angelica, who has been beside him in his bid for the presidency. He is increasingly frustrated by her focus on digging up whatever dirt she can find on Sarah. Angelica's inquiries are stirring up trouble for her also. Buck can't seem to stay away from Sarah, who has apparently moved on with a neighboring rancher. A confrontation at the end of the book stops those who have been attacking Max and Kat, and though answers are apparently found to some of the questions about Sarah, Max and Kat are still suspicious. The book ends with a twist and a cliffhanger.
The Hamiltons of Montana are the focus of this story. Max Malone is a reporter trying to find out all he can about the first Mrs. Hamilton, who has just surfaced after a 22 year absence. A reluctant and distrustful daughter, Kat, is his focus and fascination. What is the story around her mothers sudden reappearance? A story within a story. Its very interesting as we find out who the players are in this story of intrigue and suspense. Great characters, and interesting happenings. 5 stars
