Lorraine Heath writes a straightforward, enthusiastic page turner in "Smooth Talkin' Stranger." From the beginning, I devoured this heartening storyline and I truly regretted the final page when it arrived.

As a widow, Serena Hamilton lives a lonely life, raising her young son alone. As a government agent, Hunter Fletcher lives a lonely life, existing only on the outer edges. Two lonely people who intersect in a bar and spend the night together in fiery passion. Two people who cannot ignore the heat of that night. Using this power of passion, Heath pens a touching story about two strangers accepting life's fate.

The book flows with a loving essence. Hunter Fletcher is an isolated man, the product of a violent childhood, the man has no starting point from which to build. He views Serena as the essential Adoration Goddess. This beautiful woman overflows with tenderness, devotion, and love as she deals with her son and her father. Understandably, Hunter Fletcher is terrified of Serena's angelic world - a world for which he yearns.

Again Lorraine Heath bewitches this reader. When it comes to creating heartwarming and heart wrenching stories, brimming with penetrating emotion, sensuality, and humor, this author knows no bounds. This is a splendid book.
Grade: A

MaryGrace Meloche.

The intensity of the characters and plot kept me turning the pages of this intriguing book. Heath is well-known for her controversial subjects, and this may be her most compelling one to date. The beginning is enough to draw tears from the reader and make one forget that one-night-stands are a major taboo - especially in this day and age of STD's. But...it IS fiction, after all. : )

All in all, a very emotional, character-driven, yet suspense-filled book, with many heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. The ending was perfection.

If you've not read USA Today best-selling author Lorraine Heath you're in for a treat. This contemporary love story is a smooth, powerful, character-driven book without gimmacks. It's beautifully written, engaging, and well worth the money. I highly recommend it.

Okay for those of you that follow any or all of my reviews you know that I have a dismal problem with reading books out of order when it comes to series. Sometimes that's a problem, other times it's not a tragedy at all! If there are some of you out there like me (I can't believe I'm the only series challanged person out there...at least I hope not) fear not fellow reader if you've picked up this title without the previous title you will have no trouble what so ever. This is a stand alone read for sure!!!

Now that I've gotten that off my chest just let me say that this was a FANTASTIC read! I loved it all! The storyline, the characters (especially YUMMY Hunter our hero), storyline...well you get the picture. This was a winner all the way around!

Serena Hamilton has know loss. Her husband dies at an early age while on an assignment for the Army, and her mother has just recently passed away after fighting cancer. One night she just can't take the loneliness one more moment and heads out to a Texas bar. There after a few too many drinks she goes home with our hero Hunter.

Hunter is fine with one night stands. He is an oprartive for the CIA and he is basically a ghost. He has secrets that he keeps locked away and they are not all duty related. He doesn't think that anyone can get past the fortress that he's built around himself. That was until he sees Serena. Now despite his best efforts he can't get her out of his head, and it looks like she is slowly making her way into his heart. This means trouble in more ways then one. Especially since his past and her past has a direct connection. One that could break the fragile bond that they currently have.

Serena and Hunter are great characters. I found this story beautifully written, which kept me glued to the pages from the moment that I began the story. Secondary characters were great! Those of you that read the first book "Hard Lovin' Man" will be glad to visit again with Jack and Kelley. Riker Serena's son is great and there are a couple of times that I did manage to tear up! I highly recommend this read.

Serena Hamilton is helping her dad deal with the loss of her mother. Serena herself had lost her spouse 6 years ago and with this new loss sends her out to a bar to forget for a while. She wakes up the next day in bed with a stranger. Hunter Fletcher is like no other man she has ever known. Serena realizes this man has to many secrets but she keeps coming back to him.

Hunter Fletcher has never let anyone get close to him. This woman he has just met will not get out of his mind or his heart. Hunter has always kept things close to himself, for with his job with the CIA he can trust no one. He is struggling with how far to let Serena into his life.

Lorraine Heath writes a tale of deep-seated passion that leads to a love of a lifetime. Serena and Hunter have such amazing chemistry and a connection it make you route for them to make it for the long haul.

I am so glad my good friend Melissa told me to read these books. Thanks