Black Hills (2009) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 5 stars

“Lillian Chance knew two constants…the Black Hills and Cooper (Coop) Sullivan. From the time she was 10, Lil has known that she has been in love with Coop and that she wanted to build a Wildlife Preserve. When they met, they shared a love of baseball, eventually a kiss, a sexual experience and even the discovery of the body of a female who was murdered in the Black Hills. So when he ignores their connection and breaks her heart, she is even more determined to obtain her goals. Ten years later, Lil returns home having accomplished all that she set out to do. She has traveled the world studying wild animals and even tried unsuccessfully to find love. Now a Wildlife Biologist and proud owner of Chance Wildlife Reserve, she is tasked with rescuing orphaned and abused animals especially large cats, including the cougars that have always been a part of her life, much like Coop. Now he is back, having returned from making his way in the world, first as a police detective, then as a private investigator…and now he is helping his grandparents run their business and wants Lil back and will settle for no less. With threats against Lil’s life, Coop is determined to make her forgive and love him again. His main goal has become keeping her safe and repairing their relationship. There is a serial killer who thinks he’s a descendant of Crazy Horse and who has become fixated on Lil because he feels she has dishonored the land and her people. As Lil tries to decide if she is willing to risk her heart again, she must also face constant danger.

This was a wonderful story of suspense and romance. There were other storylines that pushed the story along (For example, Lil’s college roommate’s budding relationship with the helper Farley. Or even the dynamics between her parents and Coop’s grandparents.), as well as a satisfying (although anti-climatic) conclusion. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those that enjoy Nora Roberts.
”

• Rated 4 stars

“Strong characters and interesting story. I especially enjoyed the back story regarding the animal refuge and the cougars and large cats.
The beginning and end are excellent while the middle drags a bit at points. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“http://readersdialogue.blogspot.com/2011/01/black-hills.html
I love when stories go deeper and farther than two adults who met. When childhood is a factor, when there is already a relationship, tangled and mangled as it is, it adds so much more to the story of their love. Nora manages to get inside the heads of every single one of her characters. In all her books, it's obvious that she can get inside the heads of both men and women, and in her romantic suspense novels, including the In Death series, she gets inside the killers' heads. But in stories like this, you can see her skill in getting inside the heads of little kids and teenagers and presenting them realistically, down to the tone of voice and turn of phrase they would use.

I loved both Lil and Coop. Coop is so exasperating, but he's a great guy, and he can't be blamed for wanting the best for Lil, even if he does go about achieving that in a heartbreaking way. And Lil is so dedicated, so fierce, but so vulnerable. I love that mix because it makes her so much realer. As always, the minor characters are also real, likable characters - and I love the subplot of Tansy and Farley's romance - it's so sweet! ”

• Rated 3 stars

“A typical Nora Roberts novel. Her books have given me great pleasure and escape time over many years. This story is interesting because of it's setting and plot. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“good read”

• Rated 4 stars

“Nora Roberts is like Ben & Jerry's - you know it's not going to make your life better, but it sure is addictive and relaxing and indulgent and makes you feel good in the moment.”

• Rated 0 stars

“very slow....plot ok...I was shocked...her work usually I finish in 3 days”

• Rated 3 stars

“Eh, it was okay. About the same as other Nora Roberts books. Same characters, different setting.”

• Rated 2 stars

“Surprisingly, this book dragged a bit for me. I had to skip alot because it was too drawn out in the plot line. Predictable, too.”

• Rated 3 stars

“Fun Roberts mystery read.”