Title: Right Here Waiting
Author: Danielle Wingard
Published in February 2007 by Mardi Gras Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: 1-934329-23-1
Megan Nelson swears never to return Hidden Oaks, Idaho, but that changes when her parents’ die. Sitting in the kitchen of her childhood, her nemesis walks through the back door, Blade Thorn. Five years later she remembers his harsh words. Still, even now, his steel gray eyes are too alluring, promising things she wanted long ago.
Intending to put the ranch up for sale, Megan is advised of the will’s clause that states she must live on the ranch for one year before selling; helping Blade run it. During an economic downturn her parents turned their farm into a guest ranch, where cabins were added that now house twenty guests waiting for their activities director…Megan. At dinner her heart flutters as Blade enters the kitchen; obviously, her attraction to him has not faded over the years. Finished with the meal Blades escorts Megan to her cabin, where he kisses her that leaves her to crave him all that much more. Blade is furious as Megan denies having feelings for him still. The next morning their feud is far from over. His bad mood makes for a quiet journey into town, where she can buy clothes suitable for an activities director of a guest ranch. Upon returning to the ranch, Blade and Megan take the guests on a nature walk, where Blade is frequently ensconced in a blonde woman’s arms. Megan hides her jealousy, but lets her anger loose when he demands she eat dinner in the main house. She secretly decides to eat in her cabin to spite him. Her first mistake is opening the door to Blade’s pounding, as she is flung over his shoulder and carried to the main house.
Megan attends her parents’ funeral with Martha and Blade; a relatively quiet affair but emotional. The picnic afterwards is nice as she reacquaints with those she grew up with. Martha, the family’s cook and housekeeper since Megan was a child, sees Blade and Megan still carrying a torch for one another. Candidly, Martha points out to Megan how, even during her time away from home, Blade’s eyes each time brightened at the mention of her name. Still wanting to keep her feelings buried but trusting Martha’s judgment, Megan acts on her suggestion to give their relationship another try.
Her dinner for two surprises Blade, leaving him a little uncomfortable, but relaxes as they enjoy the meal. A little dancing has Blade kissing Megan, and her returning his ardor. As they dance their way into the bedroom, Megan’s dress slides up over her head. Soon after, the rest of their clothes follow as they begin to make love; which is tender but very pleasing. In the morning Megan worries about being discovered, which infuriates Blade as she rejects his lusty advances. She cannot help but feel that he will discard her like his other lovers, but she fails to see that Blade’s heart has been involved since her return home.
Trying to keep her job in New York City, Megan negotiates a telecommuting deal. Her boss counters with a condition that Josh Burton, as her partner, works from the ranch as well. When Josh arrives he is greeted cordially by Blade, which quickly turns stormy when his presence is explained. It’s clear that he’s more jealous then angry as he approaches Megan; wanting to know why she didn’t discuss her plan with him. Once finding out that Josh will be sleeping on her couch, Blade packs her belongings and moves Megan to the main house - without her consent. Tempers run hot as they engage in a tug-of-war of wills, while guarding their hearts. Who will be the first to let down their barriers?
Right Here Waiting, published by Mardi Gras Publishing, is a simple romance that brings two people together after being separated for five years. Blade and Megan’s attraction for each other has not dampened, but she is not so inclined to hand her heart over so easily this time. Ms. Wingard writes a smooth plot with agile characters. Megan is a self-reliant woman with a blossoming career in New York. Her independence heals her emotional pain after Blade’s rejection five years ago, while fending off his current advances. She’s still a woman in love as she allows his kisses and loving; making her decision to return to New York more difficult. Blade is self-possessed, though, for all his maturity, a jealous man. He kicks himself for not keeping his mouth closed and temper in check, which may cause him to loose her forever. Ms. Wingard’s easy romance is a delightful story.
A dedicated reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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