Book Review: If There Be Dragons by Kay Hooper

If There Be Dragons
Author: Kay Hooper
Publication: Bantam; Reprint edition (August 18, 2008)

Description: New York Times bestselling author Kay Hooper weaves seduction, suspense, and the paranormal into a spellbinding romance centered on an enigmatic woman—and the man whose touch threatened to expose her most intimate vulnerabilities.

What was a woman like Brooke Kennedy doing running a guest lodge alone in the Montana wilderness? And why was her best friend so worried about her? Those were the questions Cody Nash asked himself after agreeing to cancel his tropical vacation to go on a mission of mercy into blizzard country. For the strong and self-assured woman he found didn’t need or want his help—but she was in trouble. Brooke had isolated herself from the world for reasons she wouldn’t or couldn’t say. But Cody didn’t need to be a psychic to sense that Brooke was afraid. Even more, her fear had intensified from the moment he arrived. Now, as a dangerous storm strands them together, Cody must learn the well-guarded secret of this beautiful, gifted woman—if he can convince her to give him the one thing he needs to save her from a self-imposed exile: her trust.

My Thoughts: This was an engaging contemporary romance. Brooke Kennedy is the proprietor of a lodge in the Montana wilderness. Cody Nash is a computer expert and freelance troubleshooter. When Pepper, a friend of both of them, convinces Cody to visit because Brooke is having problems, Cody doesn't expect to take one look and fall in love.

Brooke is hiding a secret paranormal gift which is one of the reasons she finds life in the Montana wilderness so agreeable. She is also suffering from night terrors. She doesn't want Cody's help. She has become used to being alone and not having anyone to depend on. 

Cody is a stubborn man who is willing to take all the time he needs to convince Brooke that he is trustworthy. And he has a lot of time. He arrives in Montana just ahead of a series of blizzards and winter storms that keep the two of them confined for weeks. 

Also confined with them is a wolf who had a broken leg and whose mental cries for help are what triggered Brooke's night terrors. 

This was a good example of a romance with no outside conflict. The two of them need to battle the demons of Brooke's troubled past when she was exploited by a mother who hated her. 

I liked the romance which is a lucky thing since there was nothing else in the story to dilute it or turn focus away from it. Brooke and Cody were both interesting characters.

Favorite Quote:

"You can't fall in love with a stranger," she told him tightly.

"Don't tell me that I can't do what I am doing," he said quietly.

I bought this one August 22, 2008. You can buy your copy here.