Title: Heaven in Her Arms
Author: Ria Gomes
Published in June 2010 by Asylett Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: 1-934337-42-0 ebook
This down-to-earth, engaging love story, Heaven in Her Arms tells of two young lovers torn apart by circumstances orchestrated through discreditable lies. As one seeks vengeance while building wealth and power, the other resigns to a loveless marriage in order to maintain acquired riches and status. Yet, as days turn into months, neither can forget the other, even five years later.
Ms Gomes quickly draws the reader into the story; first through the angst ridden, hormone raging teens through to the more grown-up emotional roller coaster of unacquainted love. Making this contemporary romantic plot convincing are sturdy, genuine characters who create a vivid pictorial; pulling the heart strings, sparking anger at the injustices, while igniting lust during those very intimate moments
Growing up in a privileged home, Michelle Albuquerque falls in love with a boy well beneath her station. But her overbearing, controlling father cannot hinder this love from prospering. Secretly the two teens meet in clandestine settings, normally arranged through other friends. Two years pass and the young couple are still infatuated with one another. With her father’s blessings, Michelle accepts Darrell’s proposal. However, someone plots against the union, bringing to bare a charge of rape against Darrel. This destroys the happy couples’ future, tearing them apart for good.
Darrel Correia’’s life is stereotypical; father left before he was born – not wanting to be strapped down with responsibility - while his mother works long hours to keep a roof over their heads. However, as he grows into manhood no angry bitterness matures with him, instead profound inner strength, a stout sense of responsibility, topped with focus and ambition. The very traits Darrel pulls from when accused of rape, but finally cleared of any wrong doing. Still the realization that his future wife does not even come to his aid ignites a hurt filled disbelief then resentment, and finally rage…followed by a vow for vengeance.
Five years pass…Michelle doesn’t even mourn the death of her husband, Craig Borges; their loveless marriage finally over. She does give the man credit for marrying her when already carrying someone else’s child. He saved her from any more gossip mongering from the small community; having warded off much of the furor over Darrell’s rape charge and the wedding cancelation. Although that was as far as Craig’s charity went. Almost nightly he abused her, and the threat to her son’s welfare loomed just as much. Michelle stuck it out, giving Craig all the freedom he needed for illicit affairs, tolerating his mounting gambling debts and other frivolities that would keep him out of the house, and away from her son. Craig’s death in a car accident, on the way to his mistresses’ house, was both predictable and welcoming
Attending Craig Borges’ funeral, its evident Darrell has waited a long time for a moment such as this. With determined calm, he confronts Michelle at the gravesite, making clear she is his now, sealing his statement with a searing kiss. It’s obvious the years haven’t dimmed his attraction or lust for her. Over the years, Darrell has amassed a fortune through ruthless business endeavors and never ending ambition; now equal to Michelle’s father, in power and wealth. The loss of Michelle all those years ago fueled his drive to succeed so one day he could reclaim her. And along the way he wields a vengeance against all those involved in keeping her from him.
Michelle is taken aback by Darrell’s graveside kiss, finding it all too familiar and right, but wrong too on so many levels. Again the citizens’ tongues will wag about Michelle’s inappropriate behavior – she does worry a lot about appearances and other’s opinions. Still the knowledge that she’s never quit loving Darrell looms brightly, but his deceit many years ago helps keep her heart securely locked from any affection. In spite of her rekindled feelings for Darrell, more important issues are laid before her; Craig’s gambling debts have almost ruined the Albuquerque’s financially. For years assets were sold to cover the lost fortunes. Michelle’s devastated in discovering Darrell now owns much of her family’s businesses and assets, including the family home. However, Darrell offers up a viable solution - in order to keep her family from getting evicted become his mistress.
While reading Heaven in Her Arms, the reader gets a clear image of the strong, earthy kind of man Darrell Correia is, but also a passionate, deep feeling man where matters of the heart are concerned. This is proven by his endlessly recounting of his long held feelings for Michelle throughout the story. Still he struggles to become the gentle, caring man Michelle once knew, so long ago. A time before worldly cynicism tainted his mind and hardened his heart. Can Michelle soften that heart and sooth his mind to trust once again?
Michelle’s turmoil is authentic, struggling to ensure her father’s continued medical care, keeping their home, while coming to terms with their dire financial circumstances. This of course is only worsened by her reawaken attraction towards Darrell. Being in his presence her body yearns for his touch while longing to swathe herself in his powerful strength. But she fears he too is like her deceased husband, Craig, abusive and selfish. Hopefully, Darrell can show Michelle the same love and trust shared five years ago can be had even today? All she has to do is open her heart once again.
Close by, unaware by neither Michelle nor Darrell, a champion of sort works hard to ensure the lovers’ romance is free of obstacles – striving to repair all the wrongs committed a long time ago. As stubborn as Michelle and Darrell are, they need all the help they can get.
Ms Gomes writes a very descriptive, engaging story. It flows smoothly and effortlessly as the romance swirls upon every page. Her intimate scenes are sizzling though well scripted; making for a very stimulating read. With Michelle’s agreement to his offer, Darrell’s first night with her is magical and quite erotic. It’s spent making love in every fathomable position, even against a wall, as she reluctantly succumbs to the wonderful feel of Darrell’s lovemaking. The rightness of being in one another’s arms prevails, but can they ever trust again? Can they make right a love that should never have been interrupted?
Another book for my re-read shelf, Heaven in Her Arms is available through Asylett Press.
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenewein!
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