Title: The Heart of Devin MacKade
Author: Nora Roberts
First published March 1, 1996
158 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781459213258 (ISBN10: 1459213254)
Rating: 4.17
Overview
For years, Devin MacKade had been silently admiring Cassie Dolan from a distance. He had watched her suffer at the hands of her abusive husband for far too long.
But now, Cassie was free from her tormentor, and Devin knew it was time to make his move. He had loved her for years, and he couldn’t keep it a secret any longer.
With a heart full of hope and determination, Devin set out to show Cassie just how much he cared. Could he convince her to take a chance on love again?
About the Author
With over 200 novels under her belt, Nora Roberts is a force to be reckoned with in the literary world. Her books have been wildly successful, including bestsellers like Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, and Legacy.
Her next book, The Becoming, is set to release in November 2021 and is the second installment in The Dragon Heart Legacy series.
In addition to her impressive body of work under her own name, Roberts has penned the In Death series under the pseudonym J.D. Robb. This series is a futuristic suspense story that has also garnered a devoted following.
With over 500 million copies of her books in print, it’s clear that Roberts’ writing has resonated with readers around the world.
Editoral Review
Nora Roberts needs no introduction: she is one of the most popular and prolific writers of romance fiction, with over 200 books to her name. Among her many series is the MacKade Brothers, which centers around a family of handsome, troubled men and the women who love them.
The Heart of Devin MacKade, published in 1996, is the third book in the series and tells the story of a reclusive carpenter named Devin and the city girl who falls for him. Set in rural Maryland, the novel opens with Cassie, a savvy fashion photographer, arriving in town to shoot a wedding.
She is immediately struck by Devin, a ruggedly handsome man with a mysterious past. Despite their initial awkwardness, Cassie and Devin find themselves drawn to each other, and soon they are embarking on a passionate affair.
But Devin is haunted by the tragic events of his past, and Cassie must decide whether she can accept him for who he is or whether she should return to her old life. The Heart of Devin MacKade is a classic example of Nora Roberts’ trademark blend of romance and suspense: there are love scenes aplenty, but also moments of tension and danger.
Devin is portrayed as the archetypal brooding hero, and Cassie is a spunky, independent heroine who isn’t afraid to go after what she wants. Roberts’ writing is smooth and engaging, with a narrative voice that is both warm and witty.
The Maryland setting is also vividly described, with its small town charm and bucolic landscapes. At the same time, The Heart of Devin MacKade lacks some of the depth and nuance of Roberts’ best work.
Although the novel touches on themes of loss and grief, these themes are never fully explored, and the characters feel somewhat two-dimensional. Cassie, in particular, is a caricature of the urban sophisticate, and her rapid transformation into a country girl feels forced.
The novel’s pacing is also uneven, with long stretches of exposition that slow down the action. Despite these flaws, The Heart of Devin MacKade remains a compelling read for fans of the romance genre.
It is a light, easy-to-read book with likable characters and plenty of romantic tension. Roberts’ skill as a storyteller is evident throughout the novel, and her ability to create an immersive, escapist world is second to none.
Readers who are looking for a quick, satisfying escape from reality will find much to enjoy here. In conclusion, The Heart of Devin MacKade is a solid entry in the MacKade Brothers series and a worthwhile read for lovers of romance fiction.
While it may not be Nora Roberts’ best work, it is still a well-written and enjoyable novel that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy. I would give this book a score of 7 out of 10, based on its engaging style and entertaining plot.