A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW | Reviewed by: Diana Coyle
Tucker O'Brien, a former marine, has been through hell and back when he spent eight months as a POW in Somalia. You see before his imprisonment, while he and other marines were doing a special force rescue mission, things went terribly wrong. In the process, Tucker sustained serious injuries to his leg and once he was taken prisoner, he didn't receive the necessary medical care he needed. Now, out of the military, he reluctantly returns home to Desperation, Oklahoma to meet his eighteen-year-old son that he never knew about. As Tucker tries assimilating to being a civilian again, the old memories of not fitting in anywhere seem to resurface. He plans on only briefly sticking around to meet his son, Shawn, for the few weeks remaining before he graduates high school and then heads on a summer long vacation cross country with his best friend, a fellow graduate. This allows Tucker just enough time to meet his son, spend a little time with Shawn before he leaves for his vacation and then Tucker can move on with his own life too. He needs to find someplace where he can finally feel that he fits in. But his plans seem to go to the waste side when he goes to see the local doctor, Paige Miles, because he needs a new prescription for his pain medication. She's a beautiful woman that he finds himself attracted to, but he knows he has nothing to offer her because he's damaged goods. When she realizes just how much pain he's in and the lack of mobility he has with his bad leg, she sets out on a mission to help him in his recovery. When Tucker finds out that Paige wants to refer him to a physical therapist, he comes up with a better plan of action. In order to promise her that he'll do his therapy, he wants Paige to do the therapy with him even though she isn't a physical therapist. Little do they both know that along the way sparks will begin flying between them. Is Paige able to help Tucker heal enough that his leg isn't as much a burden for him as it was in the past? Does something come about while these two are working together? Does Tucker ever get past the fact that he's damaged goods and has nothing worthwhile to offer Paige? I absolutely loved this story by Ms. Delaney. I hopelessly fell in love with both Tucker and Paige. I felt terrible for Tucker that not only was he a POW, but also that he sustained some pretty serious injuries while fighting for his country. I loved how Paige wanted only the best for him and he was too stubborn to see it himself. The characters were well-rounded and quite believable and the storyline was truly engrossing and very entertaining. I highly recommend this story and eagerly look forward to reading more from this talented author!
Jun 01, 2011 | 9780373753611
5 - Rare Top Pick | 4.5 - Top Pick | 4 - I Liked It | 3.5 - Enjoyable | 3 - OK | 2.5 - It just didn't click
Book Blurb for The Maverick's Reward
Tucker O'Brien hates doctors, and know-it-all Paige Miles is no exception. After spending eight months as a POW, the veteran wants to be left alone. His bum leg is a lost cause, no matter the nosy doc's promises. Besides, Tucker's in Desperation, Oklahoma, to spend two months with his son, a now-teenager he never knew existed. When time runs out, so will he. Just like he did nineteen years ago.
Yet the relief Paige offers is hard to pass up, as is a chance with the beautiful physician. So Tucker will make her a deal—he'll agree to physical therapy, but only if she's his personal caregiver. He's determined to leave as soon as he can. But sticking to this plan may be tougher than he thinks.
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