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Black Hills Brotherhood #3
The Colonel's Widow?
In her nightmares, Irina Castle relived the horror of witnessing her husband's murder. For two years she'd grieved his death while running Black Hills Search and Rescue—and privately searching for him. Then he emerged from the shadows and was in her life again…leading her to question everything she'd once believed about the man she loved.
Rook Castle, a former air force combat rescue officer, had "died" to protect Irina from a terrorist. He couldn't fault her for not trusting him when he returned on a mission to keep her safe from the danger that targeted her again. Nor could he resist the passion that even death could not erase.
Rook Castle, a former air force combat rescue officer, had "died" to protect Irina from a terrorist. He couldn't fault her for not trusting him when he returned on a mission to keep her safe from the danger that targeted her again. Nor could he resist the passion that even death could not erase.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
25 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Mallory Kane
157 books138 followersBestselling romance author Mallory Kane has published over 40 romantic suspense titles between Harlequin Intrigue and Tule Publishing Group, and she has multiple independent projects spanning genres. Mallory loves romantic suspense with dangerous heroes and dauntless heroines, and she enjoys tossing in a bit of her medical knowledge for an extra dose of intrigue.
Mallory taught herself to read at age three, starting a lifelong love affair with books. Her mother, a librarian, loved and respected books and taught Mallory that they were a precious resource. Her father was a brilliant storyteller. His oral histories are chronicled in such places as the Veterans' History Project at the Library of Congress. He was always her biggest fan.
When she's not writing, Mallory enjoys designing one-of-a-kind jewelry using broken vintage pieces and creating collaged greeting cards. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband, Michael, and their cats. Mallory loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at www.mallorykane.com, @mallorykane on Twitter, and AuthorMalloryKane on Facebook.
Mallory taught herself to read at age three, starting a lifelong love affair with books. Her mother, a librarian, loved and respected books and taught Mallory that they were a precious resource. Her father was a brilliant storyteller. His oral histories are chronicled in such places as the Veterans' History Project at the Library of Congress. He was always her biggest fan.
When she's not writing, Mallory enjoys designing one-of-a-kind jewelry using broken vintage pieces and creating collaged greeting cards. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband, Michael, and their cats. Mallory loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at www.mallorykane.com, @mallorykane on Twitter, and AuthorMalloryKane on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 20, 2009
Irina Castle has spent the last two years tirelessly searching for her husband that everybody presumed dead. She wasn’t deterred, determined to find him—or his body by any means necessary…Until she ran out of money. And apparently hope.
Novus Ordo, a terrorist that was partly responsible for Rook Castle’s death (Rook was the only one who could identify him), has taken Irina’s backing out of her investigation as proof Rook is indeed still alive and Irina knows where to find him.
But she doesn’t. Not really. He’s supposed to be dead, remember? Well, not exactly dead, since he’s standing in front of her in their secluded cabin. He’s enacted his own death to keep her safe…Not only did he fail, he’s also betrayed her, lied to her, and broken her trust. And now he just might get her killed to top it all off. You go, Rook!
This was the final book in the Black Hills Brotherhood series. I haven’t read the first book (it had a baby on the cover, no thanks), I actually ended up liking the second, and though I promised myself I wouldn’t poke into the hornet’s nest anymore, I actually picked this one up. For curiosity’s sake at least. The last one, The Sharpshooter's Secret Son, left too many unanswered questions I somehow had to read the ending of this trilogy. Yeah, I know, curiosity killed the cat. But notice, I’m not dead…I am a little disappointed, though.
This story recycled another common (and much loved by Harlequin and Silhouette RS authors) theme—the coming back from the dead spiel. The hero faked his own death to keep his wife safe, but now has to come back into the land of the living because the chick is in danger because he faked his own death. Talk about a vicious circle.
The major problem in book with this recurring theme is always the heroine. Irina didn’t disappoint. She felt betrayed, she felt used blah blah blah, always thinking about herself, how everything impacted her and her alone, never bothering to think about how everything might have impacted Rook, what Rook has been through without the cushion of the familiar surroundings of their house etc. She was annoying for the better part of the book and only came marginally around upon the realization she might actually lose her husband for real this time.
Well, Rook wasn’t much better, but you know how guys tend to be. Arrogance and pride working as masks to hide their fears and feelings. Lucky for the guy he had such a great friend in Deke Cunningham, the hero from The Sharpshooter's Secret Son, that saw the light in his own book and now preached the truth to anybody willing to listen and to those not so willing—namely Rook. But his teachings somehow penetrated the dude’s thick scull and Rook succeeded in shaking his pride long enough to actually talk to his wife.
The other hiccup in this book was the terrorist plot angle. When the truth about Novus Ordo and what he was actually trying to accomplish was revealed, I barely could hold the laughter in. That was it?! That was his goal, his purpose? WTF?! Are you for real? I was hoping there was some kind of world-domination ploy involved, while in reality he just wanted everybody to pay for not believing him, for… (I’m not saying more without revealing everything). I’m still snickering, though.
The only redeeming part was the suspense and buildup with the full-scale battle at the cabin when Rook returns, the searching of the traitor in their midst and for Novus Ordo’s true identity, the capture, and the action scene upon the rescue. But still not enough to move this one onto the keepers shelf.
Novus Ordo, a terrorist that was partly responsible for Rook Castle’s death (Rook was the only one who could identify him), has taken Irina’s backing out of her investigation as proof Rook is indeed still alive and Irina knows where to find him.
But she doesn’t. Not really. He’s supposed to be dead, remember? Well, not exactly dead, since he’s standing in front of her in their secluded cabin. He’s enacted his own death to keep her safe…Not only did he fail, he’s also betrayed her, lied to her, and broken her trust. And now he just might get her killed to top it all off. You go, Rook!
This was the final book in the Black Hills Brotherhood series. I haven’t read the first book (it had a baby on the cover, no thanks), I actually ended up liking the second, and though I promised myself I wouldn’t poke into the hornet’s nest anymore, I actually picked this one up. For curiosity’s sake at least. The last one, The Sharpshooter's Secret Son, left too many unanswered questions I somehow had to read the ending of this trilogy. Yeah, I know, curiosity killed the cat. But notice, I’m not dead…I am a little disappointed, though.
This story recycled another common (and much loved by Harlequin and Silhouette RS authors) theme—the coming back from the dead spiel. The hero faked his own death to keep his wife safe, but now has to come back into the land of the living because the chick is in danger because he faked his own death. Talk about a vicious circle.
The major problem in book with this recurring theme is always the heroine. Irina didn’t disappoint. She felt betrayed, she felt used blah blah blah, always thinking about herself, how everything impacted her and her alone, never bothering to think about how everything might have impacted Rook, what Rook has been through without the cushion of the familiar surroundings of their house etc. She was annoying for the better part of the book and only came marginally around upon the realization she might actually lose her husband for real this time.
Well, Rook wasn’t much better, but you know how guys tend to be. Arrogance and pride working as masks to hide their fears and feelings. Lucky for the guy he had such a great friend in Deke Cunningham, the hero from The Sharpshooter's Secret Son, that saw the light in his own book and now preached the truth to anybody willing to listen and to those not so willing—namely Rook. But his teachings somehow penetrated the dude’s thick scull and Rook succeeded in shaking his pride long enough to actually talk to his wife.
The other hiccup in this book was the terrorist plot angle. When the truth about Novus Ordo and what he was actually trying to accomplish was revealed, I barely could hold the laughter in. That was it?! That was his goal, his purpose? WTF?! Are you for real? I was hoping there was some kind of world-domination ploy involved, while in reality he just wanted everybody to pay for not believing him, for… (I’m not saying more without revealing everything). I’m still snickering, though.
The only redeeming part was the suspense and buildup with the full-scale battle at the cabin when Rook returns, the searching of the traitor in their midst and for Novus Ordo’s true identity, the capture, and the action scene upon the rescue. But still not enough to move this one onto the keepers shelf.
August 4, 2012
Good book. Rook had faked his death in order to protect Irina from an international terrorist. His body had never been recovered, so she had spent the last two years searching for answers - which brought her back into danger. When he reappeared in her life to try to keep her safe, she was stunned and furious. Once again she felt that he was holding back on information, not telling her everything that was going on. This gave her the feeling that he could not trust her, which hurt her and angered her. Their attraction was still strong, but Irina felt without trust there was nothing to build on. Rook was a protector and felt strongly that it was his job to look after Irina and protect her from the harsh realities that were his life. Having been gone for two years, he had no idea of the changes and growth she had been through. I could see that his habit of holding back information was going to be a problem, and his friends tried to tell him, but he wouldn't listen. I liked Rook, but his overprotectiveness was a real irritation to me - he should have kept Irina informed all along. I liked Irina. She was a lot stronger than Rook gave her credit for. I wish she had really let him have it rather than just going all silent and furious on him.
April 8, 2022
This is the first of this series that I have read. I don't feel I missed anything. There was enough back story to keep me satisfied on that score. However, there was also a lot of repeated stuff. We kept going round and round about Rook faking his death and the different feelings about that. Over and over again. Then there was Irina's having to deal with the company - on her own. In other words, the story moved slowly. It tended to put me to sleep. There was enough to keep my interest and keep going back to it, but it took me forever to finish it. Then the end felt like wham bam, we're done. All that angst and all of a sudden, all is forgiven - happy-ever-after. Not going to make any of my favorite lists, but an okay read.
December 5, 2021
Believing!
Room's Sacrifice: WOW! Every intense story! It was truly kept the reads wondering what was going to happen. Fantastic writing and dialog and amazing characters. I really enjoyed the story!
Room's Sacrifice: WOW! Every intense story! It was truly kept the reads wondering what was going to happen. Fantastic writing and dialog and amazing characters. I really enjoyed the story!
September 6, 2018
This was the third novel in the series. It was quite an adventure.
August 21, 2025
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
November 8, 2021
Another good book.
October 4, 2015
The Colonel's Widow? is the third and last book in a three part trilogy about the Black Hills Brotherhood. I wish this could have went on for a few more books, but I loved the way that it ended. Now for how it started.
Irina Castle has looked for her husband Rook for two long lonely years. However, she gave up finally at the start of this trilogy. Now after four of her specialists have been hurt two including her 'dead' husband's friends she has come face to face with her very much alive husband.
Rook Castle didn't really think the thought through fully when he told his best friend Deke Cunningham that he was to shoot him. It is not until later in the book that it really hits Rook on what it must have been like for Deke to pull the trigger and not know until three days earlier that his best friend was in fact alive.
Rook has spent two years trying to take down Novus Ordo after he saw his face. The mission almost got him killed when he'd went to rescue not only Deke but another person. He was the only person alive to have seen Ordo's true identity.
The book starts right off with a love scene, however, it is from the past and in Irina's dream/nightmare. The same nightmare she's had since her husband was 'killed'. It is the dream of when he was shot and went over board in the middle of the sea. She wakes from this and then it is time for her to face the truth.
Deke has been the one that took over Castle Ranch since Rook's 'death' and he's kept Irina safe, protected, and done what he could for her. He has had to live with the fact he possibly really did kill his best friend. Until days prior with a prearranged number and then in Rook's cabin does he finally see his friend again.
They are thrown right into the action and almost end up dead after being followed. Deke has the secret service on hand and they show up in time to take the two men into custody. Irina is not happy at all with Rook, of course i'm not sure how I would feel. Two years looking for the man I love to finally find out he did it as he says to keep her safe.
It doesn't take them long to fall into bed for real, but with a phone call that one of the specialists there has been shot Rook goes to check it out. Somebody is defiantly the mole and it is hard to tell which person it is. I had it narrowed down to two, but I had been wrong. I like being surprised sometimes.
By the time that they figure out which one it really is they have Irina in another country right in front of Novus Ordo. Rook doesn't waist time after he gets the call about Irina he goes after her. He loves her and it is clear that she loves him as well.
Ordo is not as cleaver as he thinks he is because he gives too much away. Irina who was not born in America and speaks another language gives them hints to who the terrorist is. Rook is taken hostage once he is there and he is going to get the warrior's death. Death by a firing squad. Irina was promised this and he has the night before his 'death' to have the woman he loves again.
I did think that Ordo was good in letting them have their 'last' night together. Rook and Irina finally make love without being interrupted. It also gives him a chance to use the 'new' chip in his shoulder like the one Deke had in book two.
The morning comes and it is time to see what happens. I won't spoil that part because it is wonderful. I also loved the ending when they are officially back together with something special. Mallory Kane did an excellent job with this book. It should have more than five stars. I loved that Rook was ex Air force along with Deke and Matt. They really are brother's in that way and with their childhood surviving the mountain.
I think these three books would really make a good movie or three, but who knows that ever happen. I know I would watch it though.
Irina Castle has looked for her husband Rook for two long lonely years. However, she gave up finally at the start of this trilogy. Now after four of her specialists have been hurt two including her 'dead' husband's friends she has come face to face with her very much alive husband.
Rook Castle didn't really think the thought through fully when he told his best friend Deke Cunningham that he was to shoot him. It is not until later in the book that it really hits Rook on what it must have been like for Deke to pull the trigger and not know until three days earlier that his best friend was in fact alive.
Rook has spent two years trying to take down Novus Ordo after he saw his face. The mission almost got him killed when he'd went to rescue not only Deke but another person. He was the only person alive to have seen Ordo's true identity.
The book starts right off with a love scene, however, it is from the past and in Irina's dream/nightmare. The same nightmare she's had since her husband was 'killed'. It is the dream of when he was shot and went over board in the middle of the sea. She wakes from this and then it is time for her to face the truth.
Deke has been the one that took over Castle Ranch since Rook's 'death' and he's kept Irina safe, protected, and done what he could for her. He has had to live with the fact he possibly really did kill his best friend. Until days prior with a prearranged number and then in Rook's cabin does he finally see his friend again.
They are thrown right into the action and almost end up dead after being followed. Deke has the secret service on hand and they show up in time to take the two men into custody. Irina is not happy at all with Rook, of course i'm not sure how I would feel. Two years looking for the man I love to finally find out he did it as he says to keep her safe.
It doesn't take them long to fall into bed for real, but with a phone call that one of the specialists there has been shot Rook goes to check it out. Somebody is defiantly the mole and it is hard to tell which person it is. I had it narrowed down to two, but I had been wrong. I like being surprised sometimes.
By the time that they figure out which one it really is they have Irina in another country right in front of Novus Ordo. Rook doesn't waist time after he gets the call about Irina he goes after her. He loves her and it is clear that she loves him as well.
Ordo is not as cleaver as he thinks he is because he gives too much away. Irina who was not born in America and speaks another language gives them hints to who the terrorist is. Rook is taken hostage once he is there and he is going to get the warrior's death. Death by a firing squad. Irina was promised this and he has the night before his 'death' to have the woman he loves again.
I did think that Ordo was good in letting them have their 'last' night together. Rook and Irina finally make love without being interrupted. It also gives him a chance to use the 'new' chip in his shoulder like the one Deke had in book two.
The morning comes and it is time to see what happens. I won't spoil that part because it is wonderful. I also loved the ending when they are officially back together with something special. Mallory Kane did an excellent job with this book. It should have more than five stars. I loved that Rook was ex Air force along with Deke and Matt. They really are brother's in that way and with their childhood surviving the mountain.
I think these three books would really make a good movie or three, but who knows that ever happen. I know I would watch it though.
May 15, 2022
Black hills brotherhood
This has been a wonderful read. But the women in your books look weak. In Rook, after everything he did to Irina, never accepted he betrayed her or told her he was sorry for not trusting her. That's why I could only give it a four. I wish writers would show women as strong, able to be feminine and take care of themselves.
This has been a wonderful read. But the women in your books look weak. In Rook, after everything he did to Irina, never accepted he betrayed her or told her he was sorry for not trusting her. That's why I could only give it a four. I wish writers would show women as strong, able to be feminine and take care of themselves.
October 30, 2021
Chandra's Review
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, sexy, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read!🤗🤗👏👏
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, sexy, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read!🤗🤗👏👏
October 21, 2021
Glad to go finally read about Rook. It was worth a 5 star rating because of the action, suspense, betrayal. He might have been doing the right thing, but letting her believe he was dead, might be too much for her to forgive. Excellent read. HEA.
October 14, 2014
well, this series is good. I still got dizzy reading those bloody scenes. ^^
September 28, 2012
good book
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews