"In Small Town South Carolina, a Knight in Dented Armor Finds a Woman Who Refuses Rescue"
Reviewed by Diana Troldahl
Posted March 23, 2011
Romance Contemporary
When Jane arrives in Last Chance, South Carolina with $5 in
her pocket and a whole lot of nasty on her heels she is
determined to lay low and keep away from the goons after her
erstwhile 'manager' and try again to build her life back up
from bedrock. The self-help tapes provided by Dr. Franklin
Goodbody assure her that all she needs is an open heart to
opportunity and a strong visualization of her future. When
she finds a job at the local salon, she feels blessed, and
although she still longs for the dream of her singing
career, she knows it's moved farther away than ever. Doctor
Goodbody's positive affirmations didn't have any advice
about men like Clay, though. The very last thing she needs
is a man, however kind and sexy, to complicate things. Clayton P. Rhodes figures he has what they call a hero
complex. Often enough the women in his life hand his heart
right back to him once he helps them back on their feet.
What is he supposed to do with a pretty woman who refuses to
be rescued, despite obviously needing it? He knows how these
things go, he saves them, they are grateful, and forever
after they consider him a friend. He has enough on his plate
watching out for his high school pal Ray Betts and running
the hardware store for his uncle. Jane has secrets, and the
kind of secret his brother the sheriff is interested in and
no matter how sexy the package, he knows trouble when he
sees it walking toward him in high heels. Hope Ramsey has created a great new series headed by WELCOME
TO LAST CHANCE. Not only are the two main characters
compelling and fun but as you read the entire town of kooky
but very real people become part of your life. Clay's
father who sees angels and runs the mini golf course Golfing
For God (complete with Noah's Ark and a 20-foot statue of
Jesus) is a favorite of mine but far from the only person
whose story I want to hear. I can hardly wait until I can
visit Last Chance again.
SUMMARY
Dear Reader,
Yes, our town is way off the beaten path, but strange,
wonderful miracles happen a lot around here.
I've owned the Cut 'n' Curl beauty shop for years, and
I've seen folks come for a visit, then stay for a lifetime.
Take Jane–that pretty firecracker of a girl who just
arrived in town. I would swear she's running from something.
She came with only five dollars in her pocket but she's
worked real hard to make a fresh start. She's turned my son
Clay's life upside down without even realizing it.
And thank goodness for that! Ever since Clay left his
country western band, he's played everything too safe. He
needs to take a chance on Jane. Besides, the more he tries
to keep his distance, the more he'll realize that he and
Jane are singing the same tune.
But I should quit ramblin' and go check on Millie's
permanent wave. Next time you're in Last Chance, be sure to
swing by. We've got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best
gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes
ExcerptSo I guess you want some answers, huh?" Jane hunched up
her shoulders, looking like a little girl who needed a big
hug, and who didn't really want to talk about it.
Clay leaned harder against the door frame and pretended
his feet were super–glued to the landing. Darn
straight, I want answers. "Nope," he said aloud, and knew
himself for the ultimate fool.
She blinked. "No?"
"If you want to tell me about it, I'm happy to listen,"
he managed to say between suddenly numb lips. "Otherwise
it's none of my business." Which was true, but hadn't he
made it his business just a short while ago?
Something changed in her face and he got the feeling
either he'd surprised her or he had screwed things up again.
He hoped it was the former, but he had this awful feeling
it was the latter.
Maybe she wanted to make a full confession.
Maybe she needed somebody to care.
Well, he could do that. He cared a lot.
"Do you want me to make it my business?" he asked.
She bit her bottom lip and shook her head. It was a
pretty weak denial. But he was a pretty weak man.
He pushed away from the door frame and unhooked his hands
from his belt loops. The minute he cupped her jaw in his
hand, he knew he'd burned all his bridges. There was no way
back across this river.
The heat of sexual awareness flowed through. He pulled
her head into his chest, and she sagged against him as he
held her up. His anger dissipated; his frustration
disappeared; his doubt evaporated. He cupped the back of
her head, the texture of her hair silky against his palm, as
he drew in a deep breath, filling his head with her spicy
scent. Every fiber of his being told him this was the right
thing to do. . .
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