Title: Jasper’s Mountain
Author: John Inman
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel (204 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 16th, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥2 hearts
Blurb: When small-time thief Timmy Harwell recklessly “borrows” a Cadillac for a joyride, he doesn’t expect to find a cool $100,000 in the trunk. His elation turns to terror when he realizes the SUV and the dough belong to Miguel Garcia, aka El Poco, a Tijuana drug dealer with a nasty reputation. Timmy sees only one way out: leave the stolen car behind and run as fast as he can.
His getaway is cut short when a storm strands him outside Jasper Stone’s secluded mountain cabin. Jasper finds Timmy in his shed, unconscious and burning up with fever, and takes care of the younger man, nursing him back to health. The two begin to grow close, but Jasper, a writer who seeks only solitude, is everything Timmy isn’t. Straightforward, honest, and kind.
Timmy needs Jasper’s help—and wants his respect—so he hides his dishonest habits. But when El Poco comes after him, Timmy realizes he’s not the only one at risk. His actions have also put Jasper in harm’s way. Honesty now could mean Timmy loses the man he’s come to love, but not being honest could mean far worse.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4103
Reviewer: Any
Review: A story that captures the setting well, but fails to capture this reader’s heart.
The things I liked were the animals and the sense of place. Lola in particular stuck out as being such a sweet, loyal dog and I thought she made a nice character. There’s also a lot of good description that used more than just the visual sense, but taste, touch and sound as well.
Unfortunately, it hit too many of my triggers. Too much exposition, telling, flashbacks, and a strange perspective, which might have been omniscient? Some of Jasper’s thoughts felt inappropriate to the moment, and the sex scenes were uncomfortable to read—especially as poor choices for similes were used.
All this made it difficult for me to get into the story. I think the writing and ideas were all there, but could have been put to better effect if written in a more active tense.