Stranger in My Arms

Rochelle Alers brings us the latest in her Hideaway Saga, STRANGER IN MY ARMS. This is the story of Alexandra Cole and Merrick Grayslake who were introduced as a couple and exchanged vows in RENEGADE, her brother, Gabriel Cole's book. I wanted to know all about Merrick when he first caught my attention when introduced to him in NO COMPROMISE, Michael Kirkland's book. To clarify, Michael is Alexandra's cousin. Confusing? I'm sorry if you are. But true HIDEAWAY fans understand completely! LOL Anyway, when I read RENEGADE and found out that these two had not only "hooked up", fell in love and were engaged but had a baby on the way, I almost lost it! I said to myself, "Hey! How did this happen? I was robbed!" But never one to disappoint her fans, Rochelle Alers delivered on Merrick and Alex and wrote one of the best love stories ever written. We are reintroduced to Merrick Grayslake, a loner for the most part who, due to his clandestine lifestyle in the CIA and being shuffled from foster home to foster home, is very nonchalant, antisocial and reserved. Thrown into the mix is Alexandra Cole, a fast-talking, free-spirited woman with an outgoing, bubbly personality. Cross the two and you have the true meaning of the term "opposites attract". Alex and Merrick's love story was one of growth from friendship to that of love. I found the courtship and romance honest and refreshing. The reader actually sees the romance and feelings develop between them to the point where they make you misty-eyed with their declarations of love for one another. Rochelle Alers does a magnificent job of writing stories that cross over from book to book. Her ability to create scenes that overlap depending on the main characters perspective is pure genius. I loved watching the scene from Merrick's bachelor party again as seen through Merrick's eyes as much as I did through Gabriel's in REGNEGADE! Her writing style is superb! All in all, this book will not disappoint. I loved the surprise ending! I won't give it away but I'll just say that true HIDEAWAY fans will love it! I recommend this book whole-heartedly to anyone who loves a good old-fashioned, romance story and watching a relationship blossom from friendship to love. P.S: Ms. Alers, I hate to look the proverbial "gift horse" in the mouth but what does a girl have to do to see Diego Samuel in book 13? LOL

Ms. Alers has done it again with this 12th novel in the Hideaway Series! This book gives the details of how Alexandria and Merrick met, their courtship, marriage and about his past. The ending was incredible! I wonder now will she write about Diego Samuel Cole-Thomas who takes over as CEO of ColeDiz International, Ltd. The brief storyline involving him makes me want to know more!

Stranger in my Arms was a good book. I enjoyed the relationship between Merrick and Alexandra. the chemistry was great. Im always drawn to the "strong silent" type hero in romance novels, and Merrick was definitely that and more. I am new and obviously very late to the Hideaway series, and after reading this one and the Hideaway Legacy, I'm interested and learning how it all began. I will be purchasing as many as I can locate. Again, Great book!!

This book is classic Rochelle Alers. Reuniting with the Coles, and Kirklands was like going to my ouwn family reunion. The chemistry between Alex and Merrick was wonderful, the drama, and the love scences were well written. It was great visiting with Serena & David, Joshua, Gabriel & Summer, Michael & Jolene. This is a must have book and a great read.

Ex-CIA agent, Merrick Grayslake is attending the wedding of his friend, Michael Kirkland when he intervenes in an arguement between Alexandra Cole and a former boyfriend. Merrick and Alexander decide to become "friends" in order for her to introduce him to various museums in the DC area. While both agree they do not want any type of realtionship, to ever get married or have children, they can see this "friendship" working. Alexander finds herself attracted to the mysterious, dangerous and handsome man while Merrick finds himself attracted to the petite, feisty and talkative cousin of his friend. The interplay between Merrick and Alex was great. Ms Alers has thrown in humor, mystery and romance to bring back the Cole and Kirkland families. As always the families come together for a wedding, a birth, and family business, therefore, you get an update on the senior members from Florida and New Mexico. This was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to what family member will be next to keep the connection going. Ms Alers was one of the authors that got me hooked on reading African American romance with connecting families and she has not disappointed yet.