The Colony by Cami Checketts
To protect her sons from the mistakes of her past, Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. The little family is saved from injury by Jed, a mysterious hunter. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property.
Lance, Brinlee’s attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart against this tender intrusion.
While Jed offers a life of excitement and freedom, Lance holds the key to the family Brinlee always wanted. When it comes time to choose, she learns that both men have secrets that could shatter her fledgling trust in men and the wrong decision could leave more than her heart exposed to danger.
Excerpt:
“I think you want me as much as I want you,” Lance continued when she managed to say nothing, “but there’s something in you that’s holding back. When you’re ready to let go and share your secrets with me, I’ll share mine with you.”
With that he released her and walked to the back door, swinging it open and gruffly saying, “Lock this behind me.”
Brinlee took a deep breath. “Trying to protect me again?” It came out more bratty than she’d intended.
He nodded shortly. “From me and every other man who wants you.”
Brinlee swallowed and whispered, “I don’t need protection from you.”
Lance let go of the doorknob. Strong strides carried him back across the room. His eyes never left hers as he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her until she couldn’t breathe. Each movement of his lips and hands shot warmth through her entire body. The desire was there, but somehow she knew that wasn’t the only reason he was kissing her. He wanted all of her—body, mind, and soul. His kiss made fire race through her and she never wanted it to end.
He released her, turned away, and looked back over his shoulder. “Lock the door, please.”
Brinlee numbly followed him to the door. He gave her one more longing look before striding outside. She turned the lock. All she could hear was that deep voice saying, “I’m yours.”
It was the most amazing kiss of her life. Her lips still tingled. Sleep wasn’t an option so she returned to her studio to paint. But this time through the dark of night she painted with light. She savored each stroke of the brush as she re-created the passion she felt toward Lance on canvas. Her hands still covered in paint, she stepped back and sighed with happiness. In the picture her brave warrior was surrounded by a fiery sunset and staring into her eyes. She’d captured the way Lance looked at her in real life, and there was no hiding the joy her portrait felt, and the happiness she experienced deep in her own soul. Lance had told her he was hers, but the truth was she was his also.
My Review: ****--4 Stars
Brinlee has had a troubled past--she can't say no and has found herself with two boys and no husband. Determined to start over and strengthen herself, she moves to Cache Valley and finds herself in situations involving an encounter with a mountain lion, a cult, and a handsome neighbor.
I liked Brinlee's resolve. Not only will she do whatever it takes to protect her boys, but she'll do whatever it takes to protect herself from making another mistake. I enjoyed watching her learn to rely on someone else. Her parents all but abandoned her when she probably needed them most and a well meaning brother didn't help matters much. She doesn't seem to believe in herself and think much of herself until she finds God and determines to make some changes. Speaking of religion, this book briefly mentions it in passing a couple of times, but in no way becomes preachy or detailed.
Lance was a great neighbor! Who wouldn't want someone like him watching your back? I thought the incident with another neighbor, Samuel, was pretty funny. Small towns tend to have people who really keep an eye out for you.
Jed was an interesting guy. In a camp full of beautiful people, they almost seemed too good to be true and his views were very extremist at times.
I wasn't sure how this would all play out--the mystery, the suspense, the ex showing up again, the secrets. It all came together in a way that was entertaining, yet very creepy.
Content: some kissing; talk of abortions, one was happening when a character walked in, but wasn't detailed; talk of free sex and premarital encounters, but not descriptive. I would say it's perfectly clean, but not for younger readers.
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Great review! I loved the suspense and it was definitely creepy, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katie, for the fun review!
DeleteHugs,
Cami
Thanks, Melanie! I keep telling people it's a fun read then I have to stop and say, no, actually, it's really scary :)
DeleteIt is scary--but fun, too. I grew up across the Valley from Smithfield and just the thought of those animals and people around really freaked me out!
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