A review by laurenjodi
The Heart of Devin MacKade by Nora Roberts

4.0

The Heart of Devin MacKade
4 Stars

Devin Mackade has been in love with Cassie Dolin ever since he can remember, but the timing has never been right for them. Now that her abusive husband is behind bars and Cassie is discovering her inner strength, the opportunity for the romance that alluded them is finally presented. Can Devin and Cassie overcome their reticence to be together?

Devin is the most patient and caring of the MacKade brothers, and Cassie is a sweetheart. While it is impossible not to root for their well-deserved happiness, their romance falls short precisely due to the nature of their characters. Devin is far too self-possessed and accommodating in his interactions with Cassie, and she is too timid and apprehensive around him. Consequently, it is difficult to suspend disbelief and accept Devin's eventual demands for more and Cassie's sudden willingness to fight for what she wants.

The minor suspense plot does ratchet up the tension and the inclusion of more details concerning the ghosts is intriguing.

In sum, a heartwarming romance, but my preference is for heroines with more backbone and heroes with more daring. Shane's book is next and it will be interesting to meet the heroine who can put an end to his womanizing ways.