"Violet's story from DESERT BLOOM"

This is the story of Violet Dalton. If you've read DESERT BLOOM, you know that Violet is the young prostitute that Lilla Traften rescued from the house of ill repute. Violet went to live with Lilla's father, Miles, in St. Louis in order to create a new life for herself. The problem is that Violet still has hatred and revenge in her heart and now three years later she's ready to act. She's planned her revenge well or so she thinks.

When Violet runs away, Miles Traften is beside himself. Much against his better wishes he sends Gregory Kline after her. If you will remember, Gregory was the villain in DESERT BLOOM. He was one despicable human being but his three years in the rugged Wyoming has changed him somewhat. For one thing it's taught him survival techniques and has firmed up his body.

Gregory catches up to Violet but she's not the meek little girl he remembers. She's a grown woman now and gives him a run for his money. All Gregory wants to do is return Violet to Miles so he can get his partnership but that's not in Violet's plans. So who will win in this situation?

Ronda Thompson is incredible. She takes the 'couple most likely NOT to succeed' and makes them the hero and heroine. Not only that, she makes it work! I know she had me avidly turning pages to see what would happen next! Now I'm going to start begging her for Rose's story!!

Reviewed by Kathy Boswell
Posted June 8, 2002

Summary

Although Violet Mallory was raised by the wealthy, landowning Miles Traften, nothing can remove the stain of her birthright. She is the child of no-good outlaws, and one day St. Louis society will uncover that. No, she can never be a city gal, can never be truly happy but she can exact revenge on the man who sired and sold her.

But being a criminal is hard. Like Gregory Kline - blackmailer, thief, and the handsome rogue sent to recover her Violet longs for something better. Gregory is intent upon reforming her, and then his kiss teaches her the difference between roguishness and villainy. She sees that beauty can grow from the muddiest soil, and Violets don't always have to be blue.