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Her Only Hero
Her Only Hero by Judy Malcolm, set in the bustling heartland of Ohio, intertwines the genres of contemporary romance and suspense to weave a tale that captivates readers. The story follows June Harber, a forensic lab employee at the local police department, as she navigates both professional challenges and personal hesitations. Haunted by past romantic hurts, June’s cautious approach to her growing affection for police officer Patrick Verbeek adds a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative. An unexpected turn of events sees June injured at a crime scene, sparking a series of incidents that suggest she is being targeted. This element of suspense elevates the plot as June and Patrick endeavor to unravel the mystery and prevent further crimes.
The narrative maintains a steady pace, effectively integrating the mystery and suspense elements that kept me engaged and invested in solving the crime alongside the protagonists. Malcolm’s engaging treatment of the investigative process stands out as one of the novel’s strengths. June’s forensic expertise plays a pivotal role in unveiling crucial evidence, showcasing her character’s proficiency, and adding depth to the plot. Although this sometimes overshadows the broader police force, it enhances the narrative by highlighting June’s unique contributions to the investigation.
The romance between June and Patrick is a highlight, evolving organically from friendship to a deeper connection. Their journey to a satisfying conclusion is well-crafted, offering a heartwarming element to the suspenseful plot. The reintroduction of June’s former love interest adds an additional layer to the narrative, offering a nuanced contrast to the blossoming relationship between June and Patrick. This element provides a broader perspective on June’s character journey and relational dynamics. While there are moments in the storyline and character development that invite further exploration, particularly in understanding June’s actions and motivations, these instances add complexity to her character. They invite readers to consider the multifaceted nature of human decisions and relationships, especially as June navigates her past and present emotional experiences. This approach enriches the storyline, offering depth and realism to her character.
Her Only Hero presents an engaging blend of suspense and romance, with a compelling narrative that keeps the reader guessing until the final chapters. Judy Malcolm’s ability to balance romantic development with the thrill of a suspenseful plot makes the book a notable read for those who appreciate this genre.
Pages: 253 | ISBN 978-1-5092-5626-6
Kumite For Love
![Kumite For Love by [Malcolm, Judy]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ksm8%2BMYhL.jpg)
Kumite for Love is a compelling story about Aiyana Amari. A Japanese-American that learned martial arts from her father before he died in a tragic accident. Aiyana is obsessed with winning an international Kumite, a type of Japanese martial arts, tournament in Japan to save their families gym. Once she arrives in Japan, she encounters genuine artifacts in the back of a souvenir shop. She leaves the shop with a beautiful comb at the insistence of the shop owner, and after placing it in her hair, finds herself transported to 1850’s Japan. Aiyana meets an intriguing ship Captain, has a hand in a few historical events, and struggles to find her way back to the present, while wondering if she’d rather stay in the past.
Kumite for Love by Judy Malcom is a very well written romance novel with a lot of depth and historical intrigue. The book had a background setting that is more interesting than you’ll find in a lot of romance novels. It was really interesting to read about Japanese culture and historical events and to journey with Aiyana as she is mistaken and subsequently becomes a geisha in the 1850’s. Captain Blackburn is an American ship captain posing under a Dutch flag in 1853 Japan where American traders are not welcome. He seeks out a geisha at a local establishment and there he finds Aiyana. The romance and building of the two main characters is done really well and I was rooting for, and very attached to, their love by the end of the book. Not to mention, the love scenes are hot.
The beginning of the book starts off with Aiyana and her friend Peter at the gym practicing karate. There are only a few pages of discussion about Aiyana’s present-day life before she flies to Japan and ends up thrust back in time. I wish there had been a little more build up and description of her current life and background before she flies to Japan and jumps into the story line from the past. I think it would have helped tie the book together better and would help you become more invested in Aiyana’s struggle when she is stuck in the past with no way out.
Throughout the book, Aiyana struggles with indecision as she becomes more entrenched in the world of Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Captain Blackburn. She wants to get back home, so she can compete in the Kumite tournament and win the money her family needs to save their gym. She also worries about never seeing her mother again, whom she had a fight with and left on a sour note before she flew to Japan. At the same time, she is enjoying this new life, the time she gets with Captain Blackburn, and sharing her knowledge of history as its occurring. She doesn’t know what the right answer is or what to do. Should she keep fighting to return to the present? Or embrace this new life in the past?
Pages: 179 | ASIN: B073YKFCZV
Kumite for Love Book Trailer
Thrust back to feudal Japan, martial arts expert Aiyana Amari’s most challenging battle is the choice to either return home or leave the love of her life behind.
To save her family’s dojo and keep her father’s legacy alive, Aiyana Amari travels to Japan to compete in the Meiji martial arts tournament. But on the eve of the competition, Aiyana is thrust back to 1853 into the life of a geisha.
Captain Derek Blackburn, a sailor for the Dutch, returns to Japan to avenge his brother’s murder and secretly plans to assassinate the one ultimately responsible–Shogun Ieyoshi.
Like the two stars celebrated in the Tanabata Festival, Aiyana and Derek meet on the seventh day of the seventh month. Their wills clash. Aiyana is desperate to get home, but Derek needs her for his scheme of revenge. After falling in love a decision tougher than a sparring match must be made. Will Aiyana return home or stay with her one true love in the past?
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