Tori Carrington, Where You Least Expect It

Where You Least Expect It

Tori Carrington

Silhouette Special Edition, Mar 2004, $4.75, 248 pp.

ISBN: 0373246005

His life has been one of fleeing the shadow that chases him. However, when he arrives at Old Orchard, Ohio, Aidan Kendall says no more. Whether it is the small town calling to him or as he believes that his bones are just too wary to flee anymore after one year of being on the lam, he decides to stay.

Local New Age bookstore owner Penelope Moon knows her family is considered the odd eccentrics of the town especially since unmarried females raising children is the norm for them. When Penelope and Aidan meet for the first time, an attraction between them is apparent to anyone nearby. Their friendship quickly turns to love and it looks as if Penelope might even break tradition and marry her beloved. However, his tragic past and a very young secret surfaces, straining love to the point of probably shattering of the relationship shared by the duet.

This is an engaging second chance at love tale that acts like a suspense thriller as the audience wonders what is "stalking" the hero. That is the beauty of this tale as Team Carrington sets up the audience expectations when High Noon occurs in Old Orchard, but deftly pulls the rug out from under the reader with a terrific sleight of the hand. Fans will appreciate the spin and take much delight with two wonderful protagonists and a fine support cast.

Harriet Klausner