DKNY NY8188 Womens Watch
This is the second book I've read by this author. She seems to have a knack for creating self-contained domestic worlds which draw me in so completely that when I resurface from a long reading session, I feel quite disoriented and out of place in the real world. That to me, has to be the chief sign of an excellent story-weaver.
That, of course, and the creation of highly believable and likeable characters. 'Coming Out of Hiding' is something of a Cinderella story, but although Tae is the one whose rags are transformed to riches when Max realises her worth, it is Max who undergoes the real changes as he slowly learns to trust his rescuer and face the world he has shunned.
Max's horrendous scarring (both physical and psychological) arising from a military accident and his resultant erectile dysfunction makes him believe he is not a real man. Because of this he turns himself into a recluse encouraging all manner of rumours about him, not least from the army of employees at his aviation company whom he manages long-distance. The consequent problems in his business life provide an interesting and entertaining sub-plot which keeps the tension high and the momentum going throughout.
It is impossible not to fall a little bit in love with Max. He is certainly all man - a wonderful and memorable hero and one I rooted for all the way. But there is another very endearing male character I would love to have seen more of - Randolph - a sort of Alfred Pennyworth figure and de rigeur for all wealthy reclusive men. Tae, of course, is everything she should be and gets exactly what she deserves. Grrrr - you can go off some women...
Well done, E. Ayers for taking a little-explored but nevertheless extremely serious subject, treating it with sensitivity without excessive sentimentality and weaving your magic around it to create this heart-warming story.
