Come Sundown

I almost didn't read this book. I'm a huge Nora Roberts fan and since being introduced to her work almost seven years ago I've read as much as I can. Her women are strong and relatable and I wish her men were real. But after reading some reviews I was a little hesitant. I read that the romance was boring between Bo and Cal. Alice's story was horrifying and too gruesome for a NR novel and it doesn't feel like NR writing. But I pushed through and really enjoyed it.For those who have read reviews and might have the same apprehensions I'll say this. Yes the abuse Alice suffers is horrifying but to me it's not as graffic as other books I've read. It's the right amount of detail (think the Carolina Moon) just for the reader to hate SIr and your heart to break for Alice. I happened to like the love story. Cal and Bo are old friends who at one time she crushed on him but he saw her as his best friends little sister (though he does admit he looked once or twice). Their love is slow and feels natural and I find it hilarious that he insisted on clearing it with Chase before sleeping with her. I also thought Bo understood Cal. When his horse Sundown (you'll love him) is attacked, Bo understands Cal has to confront the attacker and even pushes back a date so she can go with him. I liked their lack of drama and the sweetness of quiet Chase falling for city girl Jessica. With the darkness surrounding Alice's storyline unit was nice to get a break and read about a clever horse and a budding romance. If they were filled with too much drama it would have been too much and exhausted the reader I feel.Yes it doesn't read like a NR I'll admit to that. But if you stop focussing on writing styles and enjoy the story you'll enjoy the story a lot more.Alice's story did break my heart. In the nineties she's bratty but strong. Detemined to gain her freedom. Watching him break her down was heart wrenching to read but reading about her journey to find herself again was heartwarming. I cried in a taxi on the way to work as I read about her hair cut.All in all I liked the story. Is it her best? No. But once i stopped comparing her work to others I enjoyed myself. Even if the ending did feel a little rushed. But I would reccomend to others. If only for the part where Cal talks to Sundown. It's so cute!

The dual plots of the disappearance of Alice, 25 years ago and the present day disappearance of two women was well paced and written. Unfortunately the writing skills of Nora Roberts is negated by the hick name generator that must have been consulted for the characters name and the unsurprising final reveal. While there are moments of the female characters being sparky, independent, intelligent and capable, these are overpowered by 19th century views of gender. Enlightenment, suffrage and equality seems to have passed Montana and Roberts by in this novel.

A good enough read. However, perhaps not her best. I thought that the person chosen by NR as the murder baddie was a weak choice because that person didn't stack up throughout the book. I guessed straightaway the parents of the person concerned, however NR in choosing that person was more or less saying that anyone in those circumstances would end up a killer.

Brilliantly written, combining Montana cowboys with an element of suspense and drama and intrigue. Not for the front hearted as does include rape scenes but just compelling and heart warming with a twist at the end.

Great book but then again I'm a Nora Robert's fan!