Growing up the only child of an alcoholic mother, Colin didn’t get much love. In the small community he grew up in everyone knew his situation and the boy turned increasingly inward. The only thing that kills the pain is going higher, further and faster. ‘So dare me why don’t you.’ One other child sees the hurt. One boy, Paul, a little older brings Colin into his home. They become friends for life. Paul finds a girl, just released from foster care. He brings her home to the business and his partner Colin. Colin finds himself in love with his only friend’s wife. For two years Colin hides all from Maria Elena. But Paul knows because Paul knows Colin. Colin and Maria lose Paul. Maria chooses alcohol to kill her pain. Colin is faced with losing everything if he can’t get her sober. But what to do about the ache he has been living with for two years? A long road trip from Alaska to Bellingham, Washington is necessary. A lot of miles. Anything can happen on the Cassiar Highway, the short cut from the Alcan to the Yellowhead Highway in Canada.
Although born in New Orleans, I am proud to call myself an Alaskan. I have lived here for 37 years, I have survived -40 degrees, hauled water, made bear bacon and live in a cabin. I used a fish wheel to catch salmon coming up the Copper River. I was my second husband's chief mechanic's helper and only roadie. I cut firewood on shares, worked as a cocktail waitress, then as a paralegal for over 26 years. I hold the #80 press card as a reporter for the Copper Valley Views newspaper which ceased publication in the 1980s. I've been writing stories since junior high. Retired now, I can devote my time to what I love. I came to Alaska by way of Arizona and California. I experienced the building of the pipeline up close. Then my second husband and I moved to Wasilla to get warm. It hardly ever drops past -25 in South Central Alaska. I never thought I would love it so much I never want to leave. The beauty of Alaska is a draw I cannot resist. I love the people and the history. I have been captured by a place I came to under duress. Life does play some interesting tricks on one. I lost my first husband to alcohol. My second husband, the love of my life died as a result of disease. We were not apart more than 24 hours for 20 plus years . I never wanted to be anywhere but with him. He was a man to run the river with.
Death Wish is about two people who are dealing with the loss of Paul. Paul was married to Maria Elena. Paul was Collin’s best friend. Colin has been in love with Maria Elena while she was married to Paul. Maria Elena deals with the loss of her husband by drinking. Colin, with an emotional heart, honors his late best friend’s request to take care of Maria Elena.
Paul and Maria Elena embark on a road trip through Alaska where they deal with their personal demons as they fall in love and take care of one another. It is a heartfelt story with well-developed characters. I really connected to the characters. Death Wish is romantic, emotional and sexy story.
A love story that starts with hatred is hard to pass up. Once you find out why Maria hates Colin, it pulls on your heartstrings. Both characters go through some intense emotions due to their shared past. This story focuses heavily on the characters with not too much going on around them. I found this to be a good love story read.
Death Wish by Cherime MacFarlane is an easy ride. I enjoyed the authors ability to transport you to a different place. The Alaskan landscape added to the allure. Instantly, I was taken in. The intriguing storyline kept my interest. Made me compelled to read more. It's an emotional story that kept me glued to the pages.
This is a story one of adversity and also forgiveness and redemption. It's also a beautiful love story filled with lustful moments and an adventurous road trip into the unknown.
Death Wish is well paced with never a dull moment.
Quote ~
“Maria Elena remembered telling him he was crazy. But, when he lifted her chin to kiss her, all doubts left. Paul was a safe harbor in the midst of the hurricane that was her life. They flew to Las Vegas in the early hours of the following day.”
This was my first time reading Ms. MacFarlane and I'm glad I got the chance. She writes with a detailed gusto that makes it so you can't help but get pulled into the story and the outcome of the characters.
Death Wish opens with two people who are handling the loss of the same man in different ways. Colin was Paul's best friend; Maria Elena, Paul's wife. The twist is that Colin has been in love with Maria Elena since the day Paul brought her home, and now he must deal with his friend's dying wish for him to "take care of her," while all she wants to do is hide in a bottle.
MacFarlane will take you on an imagery-filled road trip through Alaska while she sits these two down to face their demons, old and new. Sweet moments, sexy times, and tears await ...
**I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
I have to say, I wasn't sure what to expect from Death Wish, having never read a book from Cherime MacFarlane before. This will not be my last book of hers. Maria and Colin are fascinating characters with so much depth and yet they are so easy to connect with as a reader. I found myself having "the feels" more than once in this book. The emotion seeps through the pages and just made me want to keep on reading. The writing flowed well and it was easy to follow, but also had the mark of a good writer. I can honestly say that taking this roadtrip with Maria and Colin was one of the best decisions I've made! I cannot wait to read her next book!
This was a book to read without interruptions, for once started it was impossible to stop. The characters are so real I was reaching for the Kleenex and the setting is extremely well drawn. I know this as I have driven on the Yellowhead trail. This is a story about love, loss and love again. Colin has always loved Maria, but she was the wife of his best friend and business partner, Paul, who dies. Trying to keep Maria alive through her deep depression and alcohol dependence, Colin takes her on a road trip. This is his only chance to save a life and perhaps win love. They are both hurting, missing Paul. Will the very long haul road trip be enough to save Maria? Read the book and find out. Highly recommended.
I received this e-book as a gift from Author Cherime MacFarlane. I thoroughly enjoyed the story-line. Not only does Colin get the woman he has loved for the past couple of years, but he helps her get through the loss of her husband. Her husband, happened to be Colin's best friend. The best thing to happen to both Maria and Colin, is them falling in love with each other. Through that love, they are able to help each other cope with the loss they've endured, deal with the pain, and move on with life. The ending was what I was hoping for it to be. Great job, Cherime! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great heartfelt, romance.