Shades of Gray

SHADES OF GRAY is a very enjoyable and absorbing tale of individual renewal after devastating personal catastrophe. Derek Fontaine and Amber Laughton are two lost spirits that came together to become one resilient soul. Don't pass up this one!

Derek Fontaine is tormented with the secrets of his past. The embittered Civil War veteran moves to the Double F ranch, which had belonged to the man he had called uncle, hoping to find a place to rest. The place offers him little refuge from the emotions and memories that plague him, however, and he is presented with new problems - dealing with his uncle's death, trying to make a broken-down ranch prosperous once again, and fighting his growing attraction for the housekeeper, Amber, who is rumored to be a "soiled dove" and the former mistress of his uncle. Amber knows what it is like to be alone in the world - she had virtually no one left. Her father was dead, and so was her protector, Richard Fontaine. She buries her hurt and painful memories in her heart, trying to appear indifferent to the world. She soon realizes, however, that she is hardly indifferent to Derek, despite the mental torment from his own pain. Can this pair face their demons and conquer them, or will they always be ruled by hurt and pain?I really, really liked this book. Amber and Derek were both amazing characters. In so many romance novels, the characters fall flat or are two-dimensional, but that is definitely not the case in this book! Both of the primary characters were rich in detail and complex individuals. The cast of secondary characters was also incredibly awesome - Gideon and Beau both deserve their own books, and I will be very disappointed if I never hear from either again! The devastation, emotional and physical, from the Civil War was so obvious in this book, something that is often overlooked in other books. People didn't come home from the Civil War without mental baggage, and this book portrays that in an incredible, believable fashion.This is an amazing debut - I couldn't get over how the author could just get inside of the characters' heads and manage to beautifully convey each character's motivation, thoughts, and feelings. Even though I didn't agree with some of the characters' choices, I could perfectly understand why they chose to act a certain way, because the author made sure to let the reader know what the characters' thought processes were. My only criticism is a couple of loose ends left in the book, but it's a perfect set up for a sequel (please, please, please let there be a sequel!!!). I really can't sing this book's praises loud enough or long enough - it's an awesome book!! This book easily earns five stars, and I really hope that I read more from this author in the future!

This debut novel by Ms. Douglas is fast-paced and filled with fascinating and sympathetic characters. It is a story of healing and trust and the growing love between a man and woman who have both been hurt badly. Derek is a wonderfully sexy hero whose fairness and principles shine through the story. Amber is compelling as she deals with her ruined reputation and insists on being seen for who she is. Even the secondary characters add depth and dimension to a classic story. I'm not sure if a sequel is planned, but I heartily hope the powers that be will let Ms. Douglas write a book for Gideon, Nathan and Beau. These guys are as HOT as Derek!

I usually read more contemporaries than historicals, but this one really pulled me in. The peach pie scene was my favorite--what a wow for a love scene--but really loved the author's voice and style throughout. The characters seemed so real, yet the book also felt like I was jumping into that post-Civil War time; the author made you smell and feel and touch a different era and feel part of it. Bravo for a super read. Can't wait for this author's next book.

From the first words, which immediately hooked me, I was drawn into this terrific book about the aftermath of the Civil War and how it alters two very divergent lives, ultimately bringing healing where it looks as if there is no hope. Derek and Amber are both broken souls, then they find each other and learn to reach out, to trust and let love into their lives. It's made all the more powerful with the backdrop of a Nation that is torn and wounded too. It's a poignant and compelling read, and most importantly shows that love does find a way, even when it looks impossible. Ms Douglas makes a stunning debut with Harlequin Historicals and proves to be an author who knows how to get to the souls of her characters. It's a love story to remember.I can't wait for the next book from this author, and certainly hope that she plans on doing Gideon's story soon!