Sawyer - Lori Foster (HT #786 - June 2000)

Series: Buckhorn Brothers (Book 1)

Sawyer Hudson, being the only doctor in Buckhorn County, took it upon himself to rescue the beautiful but enigmatic woman who came literally crashing into his life. Though he knew he should keep things platonic and professional, around her his body had other ideas. And his heart was no more cooperative.

Honey Malone was on the run, fleeing a dangerous predator, when she lost control of her car, drove into a lake...and found herself up to her neck in breathtaking men. After the brothers nursed her through her injuries, she tried to leave, but she hadn't bargained on their stubborn protectiveness. Or the passionate bond that tied her to Sawyer.

What a fun book. Honey was on the run, trying to get away from men who were following her, for some reason unknown to her. She took a corner too fast on a rural road and ended up crashing through a fence and into a lake, near where Sawyer and his teenage son were working. Of course, they rescue her, and as a doctor Sawyer sees that she's sick as well as hurt. When she refuses to go to the hospital, Sawyer takes her to the house he shares with his son and three brothers. 

Sawyer is trying hard to remain professional, but he's so attracted to Honey he can hardly think straight. It's also obvious that she's hiding something and that concerns him. For the first couple days things are pretty easy because she spends most of the time sleeping and recovering. But once she's feeling better, he and his brothers want some answers.

Honey broke off her engagement when she discovered that her fiance had only wanted her for her potential inheritance. Then she discovered she was being followed, which freaked her out. When she crashed her car and came to in Sawyer's arms, she felt safe for the first time in days. But the intense attraction she feels for Sawyer is overwhelming. She also doesn't want to bring her troubles down on him and his family.

Sawyer's feeling things he hasn't felt in a long time. He was badly burned by his ex-wife, who cheated on him throughout their short marriage. He feels it is better all around if he avoids any kind of long term relationships, especially in a town as small as theirs. But Honey is getting under his skin and he can't get her off his mind. He's feeling protective and possessive and he's not so sure that he likes it.

I loved the heat between Sawyer and Honey, but there was more than that. Sawyer sees a strength and caring in Honey that he's not seen in anyone in a long time. She's small but mighty, and he's pretty amused by the way that she's not only not intimidated by his brothers, but by the way she stands up to them. Honey had started out not trusting Sawyer because of what she'd been through, but his caring overcame that pretty quickly. She's impressed with his care for his family and his patients, but is afraid of falling for him, knowing that there's no future in it. It isn't until the end, when she's ready to leave, that he can admit to his feelings.

I had a great time reading all about the four brothers and Casey, Sawyer's son. They are all big, good looking guys who have a terrific relationship with each other. All of them take to Honey right away, with their protective instincts front and center. Of course, all the brothers and Casey can see the effect that she has on Sawyer and love to give him a hard time about it. One of my favorite parts of the book is the kitchen scene, when Sawyer catches her trying to sneak away. The mental picture of all the brothers showing up in the kitchen in response to her screech (in varying states of undress) was wonderful. The various reactions, especially Honey's, had me laughing out loud.

The mystery of who was after her wasn't too hard to figure out, but the why was a bit of a surprise. From Honey's description of him, it didn't seem like he could be that ruthless. I loved seeing Sawyer take on the guys who had been following Honey, and was sorry he didn't get to do the same with the ex.  I also didn't like Honey's father, who could easily be blamed for what happened, thanks to his attitude toward his daughters. 

The only other comment I have is nothing to do with the story but with the covers. I have to say that the original Temptation cover was simply awful. The chest doesn't look natural and the expression on his face is just weird. The newer cover is much better, more natural looking, though I'm not sure about the cowboy hat.