ISBN-10: 034548651X
ISBN-13: 978-0345486516
In the charming rural town of Trail Stop, Idaho, accessible to the outside world by only a single
road, young widow Cate Nightingale lives peacefully with her four-year-old twin boys, running a bed-
and-breakfast. Though the overnight guests are few and far between–occasional hunters and lake
fishermen–Cate always manages to make ends meet with the help of the local jack-of-all-trades, Calvin
Harris, who can handle everything from carpentry to plumbing. But Calvin is not what he seems, and
Cate’s luck is about to run out.
One morning, the B&B’s only guest inexplicably vanishes, leaving behind his personal
effects. A few days later Cate is shocked when armed men storm the house, demanding the mystery
man’s belongings. Fearing for her children’s lives, Cate agrees to cooperate–until Calvin saves the day,
forcing the intruders to scatter into the surrounding woods.
The nightmare, however, is just beginning. Cate, Calvin, and their entire community find
themselves cut off and alone with no means to call for help as the threat gathers intensity and first
blood is drawn.
With their fellow residents trapped and the entire town held hostage, Cate and Calvin have no
choice but to take the fight to their enemies under the cover of night. While reticent Cal becomes a
fearless protector, Cate makes the most daring move of her life . . . into the very heart of danger.
Howard outdid herself with this suspenseful, action-packed, sexy romance. This book alone
placed her on the list of one of my favorite authors. Her in depth descriptions left me feeling like I
was really in Trail Stop. The shy handyman, Cal, with his hidden abilities was like a bowl of ice cream on
a warm summer night – a delectable treat!
Kate was what I expected of a widowed, single mother, but nonetheless, I enjoyed reading
about her, her boys, and their new lives in the small town. Howard did a superb job in establishing the
characters, including the secondary ones.
The idea of the small-town being taken hostage, and left with nothing but themselves, and what
was already at their disposal, to fend off the merciless criminals is an award-worthy premise.
Although for a brief moment, I started to question the pace and flow, it turned out that everything
presented was necessary, and combined to create a very fulfilling storyline and backdrop.
Rating system: Cups of coffee – the less the better
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 0 cups of coffee