Format: E-book
Read with: iBooks for iPad
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Rancho Del Cielo, #5
Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd
Hero: Havelocke Jackman
Heroine: Susie Packard
Sensuality: 3.5
Date of Publication: July 23, 2013
Started On: July 13, 2013
Finished On: July 14, 2013

Havelocke Jackman (Locke) is the man who gave up most of his youth and raised six siblings on his own. A man of few words, Locke is someone who is tied down to his hometown of Rancho Diel Cielo.

Lingerie designer and owner of Susie’s Suite Shoppe moves into Rancho Diel Cielo to finally stop running from the demons that haunt her. Putting down roots is something Susie doesn’t believe to be an option available to her. Neither is giving into the answering heat that flares to life in the depths of her soul whenever Locke is around.

From the moment Susie had breezed into town and opened shop right in front of his own, something inside Locke had clicked into place and there had been no going back for him. Now, to convince the stubborn & infuriating woman he had fallen in love with to give them a chance? Well, thats a totally different matter altogether.

With a contemporary setting and told in third person from both Locke and Susie’s points of view, Trust In Me is the 5th book in the Rancho Del Cielo series. It can be read as a standalone.

Trust In Me is a novel that lives up to its name. Its about Susie’s inability to trust – with good reason of course, in anyone being there for her without wanting anything in return. The man who takes up the task is someone who is equally stubborn, maybe even more so because Locke certainly has a way of pushing all her buttons, just by being in the same room as her.

Locke is the dreamiest sort of hero, the type of hero that would make any woman go weak at the knees. A bit growly, a lil bit broody and a whole lot of sexy, his bewilderment at certain times given the situation is as endearing as his patience when it comes to Susie. For Locke, its Susie or no woman at all; for him making her feel the same way about him becomes his life mission, even if it means breaking his own heart in the process.

One thing that continually draws me into Dee’s stories is the thread of acerbic humor that is always a part of her storytelling and Trust In Me is no exception. Don’t get me wrong in thinking that Trust In Me is all light and fluff; hardly that. There are dark bits in the story that stirred something deep inside of me. I flinched while reading some parts, the horrors of what Susie had gone through something no one should be subjected to but is far too common in society for one’s peace of mind.

I’d say Locke’s patience makes the story. If it hadn’t been for his unwavering love for Susie that is tried & tested too many times to count, well lets just say this happily ever after would have gone in a whole different direction then. Sometimes Susie had me wondering whether she would be worth all the hassle of going back and forth and treading lightly where she’s concerned. Well, you gotta read and find out for yourself. If you love intense, broody and over the top protective sort of heroes, Trust In Me is definitely recommended.

Final Verdict: Sass, toe-curling sex and love with a dash of big, broody & hot.

Favorite Quotes

“I love you so much, Locke.” Her eyes, where so many secrets hid, were clear and true, shining with proud tears that wrenched at the scars connecting his heart to his soul. “Only you. Only ever you.”
His mouth crashed down, finding hers through the blinding sensation of his body taking over. He pulled back, thrusting into her to the hilt. No finesse, no thought, just raw, driving instinct. She clung, crying out as her channel spasmed around his cock. He had no idea what he was doing now, lost in the feel of her, the hot, wet clench of their bodies continuing to strain… Whimpers turned to hoarse screams, her arms clamped around his head, her hold as unrelenting as his force.

She jerked in his hold, curving back so far her hair splashed into the water, his name echoing off the walls as she cried for him. Her sheath gripped him, shuddering strokes stealing the last of his restraint, throwing him over the edge with her. He pulsed with her, aware of nothing but the feel of her coming back down into his arms. Her breath, hot and panting against his neck. Soft kisses, soothing kisses. Her hands smoothed into his hair, cradling him as he finally laid his head on her shoulder. He held her too tightly, he knew, but he couldn’t let go.

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Samhain | Kobo