This is the lowest rating I have ever given a spencer book, although it unfortunately deserved it.I would say this book was a light read but I consider that a story that doesn't frustrate me or leave me with questions by the end of it. The ending of The Hellion was idealistic - and I have no problem with that; except for the fact that the two main characters (Rachel and Tommy Lee) who lived in same town for twenty four years and have loved each other for twenty four years, were kept apart by interfering parents, could so easily come back together by the end of the book - within a month or two of Rachel's husbands death. The solution seemed so easy the entire time, the obstacles not big enough to keep two people who seemed to love each other so much, who saw each other constantly because they lived in the same town, apart for so long, especially when they grew to adults, that it was hard to take the story seriously. The main premise did remind me of McNaught's Paradise - where two young people in love are kept apart by an intervening father, with a baby involved and them finding each other after a long time. But that story was filled with obstacles that seemed impossible for the characters to overcome, an herein lies my main issue with The Hellion. Although I am a very big fan of Spencer's - and am more than halfway through reading all of her works - I found this story to be her laziest in terms of plot points. I was very disappointed with it, as i expect more from her.
This was a good story, but at times unrealistic. Rachel is forty something whose husband has just died from a battle of cancer. She is wealthy, a prominant business owner, beautiful and has a cold, demanding father. The family of course has their secrets. Enter Tommy Lee, another 40 something rich,good looking man who is the talk of the community about his drinking, fast driving and women. Rachel and Tommy Lee have a history that time and mistakes can't deny. I don't want to spoil the story. See how love, forgiveness, honesty and change bring all these people together. I would recommend this for an easy, romantic read.
What do You think about The Hellion (2005)?
Tommy Lee Gentry and Rachel Talmadge share a past. Twenty Four years ago, they were neighbors, best friends, and lovers. But when Rachel finds out she is pregnant, her father sent her away to have the baby and give it up for adoption. Tommy Lee and Rachel lived separate lives until now. Rachel's husband has died and Tommy Lee starts visiting her. He tells Rachel he has never stopped loving her. But his reputation for wild women and booze stops her from getting involved with him again. She warns him that his lifestyle is a problem. Can he change his life to win the woman he loves?LaVyrle Spencer is one of my favorite authors, but this story just didn't work for me. I had a hard time believing that a budding alcoholic could just give up drinking and other bad habits at the drop of the hat with no outside help and no slips in his recovery. And, even though I liked the ending, I felt it was too neat. All family problems were resolved and everyone was happy. I like Spencer's style of writing. She always keeps me glued to the page. It just felt too fake to me. My rating: 3 Stars.
—Robin
