Strangely enough, although the story centers on Elena, the star of this show is Rusty Joplin, the ruggedly handsome sheriff who struggles with the dilemma of rekindling a relationship with Elena after an unpleasant go-around the first time. The crime investigation, the emotional conflicts, the re-blossoming romance, and the physical intimacy are seen mainly through his eyes, offering an unusual perspective in a romance novel. Although the female characters (Elena and her two sisters, plus Rusty’s ex-wife) are portrayed as weak, untrustworthy, dependent, and occasionally violent, Rusty remains the ultimate hero - intelligent, strong, and passionate at all the right times.

The crime investigation contains interesting procedural details that outnumber and outweigh the romantic elements. In fact, Rusty and Elena have a mostly physical relationship that is described with a surprising assortment of four-letter words. Trying to solve the murder mystery should keep readers eagerly flipping through pages.