Three Wilkins’ brothers. Each with a different path and a different story. Brady the responsible brother who manages everyone’s affairs, whether they want him to or not. Hank the inventor and workhorse, who can say more with one look than with 100 words. And Jack, the charmer and the dreamer, always looking for the next journey and exotic place to explore. While their paths may be different, they have one thing that holds them together, their ranch RosaRoja. A ranch their father obtained legally, but not without some moral ambiguity. And that moral edge between right and wrong has kept the ranch in a fight for survival for many years, making each book in the Blood Rose trilogy an adventure. Chasing the Sun , the final story in the trilogy focuses primarily on Jack, although what makes this one special is that it’s much more than Jack’s story – it’s the culmination and resolution of hidden feelings, bruised egos and the individual desires amongst the brothers.
Pieces of Sky, the first in the trilogy, ends with Jack leaving RosaRoja to go after Elena, his childhood love. Chasing the Sun begins three years later, with Jack returning after travelling the world. He’s come home with a broken heart and the expectation that he’ll somehow find peace. What he doesn’t expect is to find Elena already at the ranch. He has a desperate need to win her over, but before he can even get close to her, San Francisco saloon singer, Daisy Etheridge shows up demanding money and presenting him with the daughter he didn’t know he had. There’s more than dust kicking up at the RosaRoja Rancho – and all the charm in the world won’t let Jack smile his way out of this one.
Kaki Warner has created a memorable conclusion to a sweeping family trilogy, exploring all the nuances of what makes a man trust, love, and hold dear what he finds important in life. It artfully poses the question; “If you’re busy chasing the sun, can you still create a life of substance?”
If you enjoy trilogies, this one is a must read. The heroes are more than just good looking and the heroines are smart and can stand on their own two feet.
Here’s to a joyous New Year – wishing you health, happiness, and lots of romance.
Maria Lokken is an avid romance reader and an award winning television producer
