Sins of the Father

I came across Ms. Bruhns' book by accident and have not been disappointed. She also writes under Nikita Black.Agent Roman Santangelo left RaeAnne and his old life to become one of the FBI's best agents. After searching for years, he finally tracks down RaeAnne, who went back home (under another name) to conduct an archeological dig. Roman rescues her after arriving at her site tied up to a tree being robbed by a group of teenagers. Old feelings are hard to forget, but Roman wasn't about to give up after all these years. RaeAnne is wary, but what do you expect when a Harley-riding, mohawk-wearing hunk decides that he was going to be your protector? Expect a visit from Rini and Cole (Warrior's Bride) to lend a hand.Ms. Bruhns' writing style is funny and fast paced. I am looking forward to the continuing story of the Beaulieux clan.

Special Agent Roman Santangelo of the FBI has finally run his quarry to the ground. For eighteen years, he has carried the memory of RaeAnne Sommarby with him -- the girl he loved and then walked away from. Every breath, sigh and remembered touch has just added to his guilt, and to Roman's burning desire to earn RaeAnne's forgiveness, however improbable or ill deserved. Although he's regretted like hell letting go of her, his purpose for being in Cleary Hot Springs isn't to pursue a second chance with the woman of his heart: It's to bury the past with as few regrets as possible. Only then will this wild-haired, Harley-riding renegade leave the memory of RaeAnne -- and those sweet nights of passion -- behind him.Oh, he's half-convinced of his own lies, all right...until Roman rides into RaeAnne's camp and discovers her tied to a tree and spitting mad as a rowdy group of teenagers despoil her dig site. Claiming the old bones she dug up are from an Indian burial ground, and as such, sacred, the boys take possession of several boxes of carefully excavated artifacts. Their intimidation tactics are put to a premature halt, however, with the arrival of a tall, intimidating stranger. Her gallant rescuer is none other than Roman Santangelo, childhood friend, lover, heartbreaker, and, oh yes: the reason RaeAnne pulled up roots eighteen years ago and started a new life elsewhere. With a new name and new dreams, some of which were quickly shattered.Forgiveness is too much to ask of her, RaeAnne angrily insists, aching at the hurt, vulnerability and raw neediness in Roman's eyes. For heaven's sake, he didn't even say goodbye before disappearing from her life. Surely, any explanations offered now are eighteen years too late. A change of heart can happen in an instant, though, in a heartbeat of shared understanding, lingering grief, and the ghosts of lost opportunities. Compounding an already sticky situation is an impromptu FBI investigation, of which Roman takes both a personal and professional interest in, involving yet another grave site, possible poaching of endangered species, and a drug ring -- that may or may not be connected to Roman's father. A man whose secret sins put the lie to the position of honor he holds in the memories of the Paiute people.Sins of the Father by Nina Bruhns is a fantastically absorbing novel of complexity, sensitivity and tremendous, attention-grabbing vitality. Fast-paced and cleverly plotted, with richly drawn characterizations and intensely emotional conflicts, it's a love story with more than a few twists and turns to it. Reuniting with a lost love is a risky proposition at best. Personally, I heartily regret the fact that RaeAnne and Roman's reunion is nearly two decades in the making. That's a lot of wasted time, after all. To Ms. Bruhns' credit, Roman has a valid reason for acting the way he did -- a reason that's valid, but not particularly forgivable in RaeAnne's eyes.She has lost too much, suffered too much, to easily

Eighteen years ago, Roman Santangelo left his love, RaeAnn without so much as a goodbye. Roman is now a successful FBI agent, RaeAnn an archeologist, who is working on a dig in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, close to the Paiute Reservation where Roman grew up. Roman roars back in to RaeAnn's life on his Harley, determined to seek forgiveness from her after 18 years of hurt, and solve the mystery of his father's death. Did his father die a hero's death like everyone was led to believe, or was he really a criminal? As RaeAnn's dig uncovers some interesting bones, this incredible mystery takes off in all directions. Suspects abound, and it seems like everyone in the County has some shady business they try to cover up. Mysteries from long ago are unraveled, old wounds opened up, and the intense desire Roman and RaeAnn once shared flares to life. Will RaeAnn ever be able to forgive Roman, and take a chance on what the future may hold for them? She is more than willing to assist Roman in his quest for answers regarding his father's death, but reluctantly guards her heart from breaking a second time around. Along the way, they share old memories and make new ones. Roman has believable reasons for leaving town 18 years ago, and once he and RaeAnn get beyond that, and learn to trust again, you want to stand up and cheer. These are to very likeable characters that really like each other, and deserve happiness at last. Nina Bruhns had done it again, given us credible, every day people in a real life situation to love! Her books are incredible, whether writing as Nina Bruhns, or pseudonym Nikita Black.