Straight From the Hip

Susan Mallery

Izzy Titan has always been the reckless sister. She knew her parents felt nothing for her or her sisters. Her mother committed suicide in a way that Skye, Izzy's older sister, would find the body. Now Jed Titan is under attack from the illegitimate son - and the daughters are part of the attack. Garth Duncan knows how he was rejected and now plans to take over Titan. His half-sisters are extra pawns in the game. But the stakes are raised when Izzy is blinded in an oil rig explosion.

It's been over two months since the explosion. Izzy has about 30% of her sight. There is a surgery option that could restore her sight completely. It could also leave her completely blind. Her decision is to avoid everything. She has stayed in her room, barely eating, avoiding people. Her sisters Lexi and Skye arrange for her to go to rehab. In order to get her to go, they have her kidnapped.

Nick Hollister owns a ranch that sponsors corporate retreats. He also sponsors weekends for children who have suffered trauma in their lives. It's a chance for them to get away and enjoy themselves without the normal pressures of their lives. He has dark secrets and feels the only way to atone is to help these children. He accepts Izzy as a favor to his best friend, Garth Duncan. He doesn't know about Garth's relationship to the Titan sisters.

Izzy doesn't do anything easily. She fights rehab or decisions the whole way. But Aaron, Nick's flamboyant assistant, Norma, the great cook, the horses, and the children all work on her. She has to either accept her life or decide to have the surgery. Nick has his own demons. But Izzy challenges him as much as he challenges her.

Straight From the Hip is a cute, enjoyable romance. It's the third of a series of four. The first two books feature Lexi and Skye. The last one features Garth - the final Titan sibling. It's obvious from the beginning where it's going, not only with Izzy and Nick, but with Garth in the next book. Even so, it's a fun journey. The story behind Nick's issues is presented believably and he is full of real demons, not just fabricated for the story line.

Susan Mallery writes quick, snappy romances, lots of fun and lots of emotions that tug at the reader. I believe I have another one of her newest books on Mt. Bookpile for review. I'll have to dig it out.

Notice:  Explicit sexual content

Under Her Skin
Lip Service
Straight From the Hip
Hot On Her Heels