That's What I'm Talking About

Cassius Flynn and Molly McGuire have always made good partners. So out of a sense of debt and because she still cares for him, Molly agrees to help Flynn on a spy mission for the Rangers, even if it means she has to pretend to be a lady and mingle with the Scrapers. Having recently turned from his smuggling ways, Flynn is trying to create a life that is stable and one which Molly would be proud of. He thinks having her come up into the cities will give her the chance to relax and enjoy how the other half lives.

After following Molly and Flynn dance around one another through a couple of the Reaper titles, I was very excited to read their romantic story. I am happy to report that By Hook or By Crook did not disappoint. Molly and Flynn’s journey is sweet, passionate, and an exciting adventure! Ms. Stone drops readers right into high adventure and action as Molly and Flynn attempt to secure a treasure left in a Reaper-infested town. Right from the start I was on edge; the tension is high and well detailed.

Flynn is an interesting character who started life as a wealthy scraper, then turned his back on his corrupt stepfather, Stark, to become a smuggler on the plains. But Flynn never could just walk away from Stark, taking every opportunity to needle him and hamper his business efforts. This need for continual vengeance is what ultimately puts Flynn and Molly back in Scraper territory and in danger. Yet, Flynn loves Molly with all his heart and wants to be a better man for her. These conflicting drives and emotions are what makes Flynn the man he is, and unfortunately, sometimes blinds him to the truths around him.

Equality as complex and exciting, Molly is fairly content with her scavenging lifestyle. She’s had a tough life, yet while those around her always let her down, she refuses to allow the actions of others dictate who she wants to be in life. In fact, she turned down Flynn’s marriage proposal because she was worried he’d try to change her. Yet when Flynn chased her down, Molly knew she couldn’t give him up again. I admire Molly’s honesty and self-reflection. It's so evident the more we see into both Molly and Flynn’s psyches that each think their own motives and actions are obvious to the other, but they aren't. I adore watching the pair learn to open up and share bits of their inner selves, ultimately growing into a beautiful love.

All-in-all, Molly and Flynn’s romance was exactly what I wanted for the pair. They are true equals and a perfect match. Just as exciting is the overall adventure the pair experience while trying to make their way out of trouble. My only complaint is that there are still a number of outstanding items left unfinished from the first couple of books, leaving me a bit unsatisfied at the end. However, as a standalone story, By Hook or By Crook shares a delightful and heartfelt romance, set in and around a high action adventure.

Postscript Note: The loose ends were bugging me, so I asked the author about it. She replied that she is intending to write one more Reapers series title to tie up the loose ends. YEA!!

My Rating:  B+ Liked It A Lot

Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

Review copy provided by author