Reilly's Return

Reilly/Walker #1

by Amelia Autin

Reilly's Return by Amelia Autin released on Sep 24, 1997 is available now for purchase.

Genres: Romance, Harlequin

251 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

Award-winning author Amelia Autin is an inveterate reader who can’t bear to put a good book down…or part with it. She’s a long-time member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), and served three years as its treasurer. Amelia lost the love of her life in 2021 to the ravages of ALS. She currently resides in quiet Vail, Arizona, where she can see the stars at night and has a “million dollar view” of the Rincon Mountains from her back yard.

Reviews

[Saly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reilly's Return was very well written and emotional and I felt captured the love between the two characters and how an adrift and grief-stricken Mandy dealt with what she perceived was the death of the man she loved along with her child.

I liked how no punches were pulled about how Mandy dealt with things, when suddenly a year after she sees him die Mandy's reaction to Reilly's resurrection is credible, she doubts him and his love. Reilly felt he belonged with Mandy, the first time after his parents died and he went into foster-care but the time he spent as an undercover cop have made him a target and to protect Mandy he left, but couldn't stay away.

He takes her when he is attacked and her house destroyed. Reilly is hurt by Mandy's words and her actions later as well. I liked how Mandy refused to apologize for what she did when he was goneshe slept with someone-else just to feel, but hey they weren't committed and she thought he was dead and loved seeing their love and how through even harsh word and doubts they loved each other.

[Fedora · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting read! Reilly's Return chronicles Reilly O'Neill and Mandy Edwards's epic adventure ;) In short, Reilly's a good guy being hotly pursued by baddies who want him dead. As they catch wind of Mandy, she's endangered as well.

Lots of slightly old school alpha male "I've got to protect my woman" reasoning, but Ms Autin captures Reilly and Mandy's heartfelt emotions and passion, and ultimately allows the characters to reveal what's in their hearts to each other in a meaningful way. While Mandy is female, she's not just the "little woman"--she's smart, can handle a gun, and not exactly a pushover. And while Reilly's definitely the (over)protective sort, he's thankfully no fool either.

Ms Autin kept me turning the pages as the combination of action and emotion wouldn't let me turn away :)

It was a pleasure to read Reilly's Return and to see these two find their way to a happy ending! Looking forward to reading more of Ms Autin's work!

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an older romance reminiscent of Linda Howard, a particular favorite of mine. It has all the elements of a Linda Howard book, romance, suspense, intriguing characters, and an interesting plot that captures and holds your attention throughout. Mandy owns a bookstore in a small town. She hires a handyman, Reilly, and the two of them fall in love. Simple, right? But what happens if the handyman is really an undercover cop whose real name isn't Reilly but Ryan? And what if this undercover cop was responsible for putting a powerful militia leader behind bars and is now in hiding due to his testimony? Sounds intriguing, yes? But it gets even better. What if the militia leader will stop at nothing to get revenge and by getting involved with Mandy, Reilly has put her in danger? What if he feels his only course of action is to fake his own death, thereby eliminating the threat against Mandy, then after a suitable time he can return for her? He even goes so far as to change the way he looks with plastic surgery. Which is why Mandy has a hard time believing it's really him when he does finally return. She watched his truck blow up, saw the flames, watched him die. She wanted to die herself after losing him. So how is it possible he's standing in her house trying to convince her he's back? It doesn't take long for the truth to sink in when Mandy' s house is fire bombed and she and Reilly have to run for their lives. This was an excellent story, wrought with misunderstandings and lies, heartache and happiness. This couple once meant the world to one another. Now it appears they never really knew one another at all. Both have secrets, things they aren't saying, but even so, there is still a powerful attraction between them and the love they once felt is tugging at their heartstrings yet again. As they work through their issues, Reilly is trying to figure out a way to keep them alive and hopefully build a future with Mandy. I first became aware of the author when I read Cody Walker' s Woman. I discovered that he'd been a character in a previous book written by Ms. Austin. Of course I had to go back and read it too. I wasn't disappointed and you won't be either. This was everything a good romance should be and more. Definitely recommend.

[Mary Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart stopping suspense story that when you think it can't get worse...it does! Returning from the 'dead' Reilly wants only to make Mandy understand and keep her safe. Trust, loyalty, revenge, and love twine their way throughout the story bringing it to a dramatic and surprising closing. Couldn't put it down once I started reading it.