Letters from Home

McPherson Brothers #1

by Rhonda Nelson

Levi McPherson, Army Ranger.

Current Active duty.

Locate a sexy, unidentified correspondent. Conduct very private negotiations!

Natalie Rowland, longtime star of his X-rated dreams...

Levi McPherson's tour of duty has an unexpected anonymous red-hot love letters! Someone he knows is mailing the rugged soldier her very explicit fantasies. And he's loving every word.

On an unexpected leave home, he discovers his sexy secret admirer--Natalie Rowland, the longtime star of his own X-rated dreams!

But he's not letting Natalie know her cover's blown...yet. That way, the exquisite pleasure of fulfilling each and every one of her naughty ideas is all his--and hers....

Genres: Romance, Harlequin Blaze, Military Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary, Military Romance

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2009

Reviews

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm becoming a big fan of Harlequin Blaze author Rhonda Nelson, so whenever I see that she has a new release, I pick it up since she rarely disappoints. And let me tell you, "Letters From Home" is one smokin' hot little read! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was the perfect little story to while away an afternoon. I loved the characters, the premise, the romance, and the sex scenes were hotter than some that you will find in a mass market paperback--no wonder they call them 'Blaze'!

In a nutshell, Army Ranger Levi McPherson and his brother Adam are stationed in Iraq, far away from their little seaside hometown of Bethel Bay, South Carolina. For the past 10 months, a woman from his hometown has been sending him anonymous, X-rated letters spelling out secret fantasies starring Levi and this 'Ms. X', as Levi calls her. This has him all hot and bothered and desperate to find out who she is. He knows who he'd like it to be--his brother's long-time best friend, world reknowned driftwood artist Natalie Rowland.

Natalie's had it bad for Levi since she was in high school. She loves everything about him--his gentlemanly ways, his do the right thing attitude, and his sexy good looks--he's her "beautiful badass who makes her heart sing". Recently she's had fears that something could happen to him in Iraq, and she doesn't want to waste another minute without expressing her deep down desires for him. She just isn't brave enough to do it other than anonymously. But when her assistant mistakenly puts her full return address on one of the letters mailed to Levi, looks like the jig will be up. This could get awkward, especially if Levi has absolutely no interest in her.

When Adam is injured in Iraq, Levi gets some unexpected leave. This is his chance to find out once and for all who the mystery woman is. When Natalie finds out that Levi's home and his mail will be forwarded, she's desperate to get that last letter back that was mistakenly sent. But what if there's no need to do that? What if Levi wants what Natalie wants? She knows he's career minded and can't offer her forever, and she would never want to leave Bethel Bay, but isn't a little time with Levi better than none at all? Will a week be enough with Levi, or will Natalie get her heart broken when they can't have forever?

Loved it. Natalie and Levi were super hot together, although I'm not sure they would have ever gotten together without a little help from Adam. It was nice to see a best friend relationship between a male and female that wasn't physical (and no, Adam is not gay), and I loved how Adam was able to play 'cupid'. Natalie's letters though, were very explicit, and almost came off a little stalker-ish. I wonder what Levi would have done if the letters were not from someone who he had secretly lusted after?

I loved the ending, which was very sweet. I thought Levi came up with the perfect compromise, which had both Levi and Nat giving in just a bit so they could be together. Well done, and a nice epilogue too.

If you're looking for a quick read that will get you hot and bothered and then give you the warm fuzzies when you're done, you can't go wrong with "Letters From Home". Adam's story, The Soldier, will be out in July, and I'll definitely be penciling it in on my calendar! 4 1/2 stars.

[Buggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening Line: "Another letter. From her. Levi McPherson felt a current of heat snake through his weary limbs and settle hotly in his loins"

There is nothing more wonderful to a deployed soldier then a letter from home. However when Army Ranger Levi McPherson begins receiving X-rated letters from an anonymous sender his anticipation for mail call takes on a whole new meaning. He’s taken to calling his sexy new pen pal Ms X and while he knows nothing about her other than what she wants to do to his body and vice-versa he has discovered from the return PO Box that she’s from his hometown of Bethel Bay South Carolina, filling him with nostalgia and trying to place a face to the steamy handwriting.

While also serving in Iraq his younger brother Adam gets injured by a roadside bomb and Levi unexpectedly finds himself back in Bethel Bay on leave. Now other then making sure Adam’s doing okay he’s made it his personal mission to find out who the author of the sexy letters is and then living out each and every one of her fantasies before he returns to the front line.

Driftwood artist Natalie Rowland has been best friends with Adam forever and while everyone always assumed they’d get together, she’s only ever had eyes for his brother Levi. On their latest tour Natalie took the opportunity to express her deepest desires. I mean where’s the harm, it’s not like he’s ever going to find out who wrote the letters right? Except to her horror Natalie’s over efficient secretary stamped her name on the last one, and now Levi’s coming home, in fact he should be walking in the hospital any moment now. Does he know she’s Ms X? And if so what’s he going to do about it?

There was just something about this story that I really liked. It was fast paced, uncomplicated and had characters that were relatable and fun. I appreciated the snippets of letters included although for as erotic as they were supposed to be they were really quite tame. I got hooked on the love story here and wondered how this couple who wanted very different things from life were going to make it work in the end. It’s always a sign of a good story when I can’t figure out the HEA and can’t stop reading until I find out. Cheers

I hadn’t read any “Blaze” in a quite a while but author Rhonda Nelson now has me seeking out the next instalment from her “Uniformly Hot” series, which gives us injured soldier Adam’s bit of Blaze.The Soldier (Uniformly Hot, #7) I can’t wait.

[Chris ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Niko Llewyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nat and Levi make a OK couple. Her letters ( well the snippets of them) were full of TMI. Sweet? Yes. Sexy? Definitely. But all in all, just a breathe away from creepy stalker. Everything went too smoothly. The plot conflicts came to a head with a "squeak" instead of a satisfying "boom". Overall this story wasn't very exciting, but I didn't expect fireworks so I'm pretty content.

My Full Review

[Raine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natalie has had a crush on sexy Army Ranger Levi and decides to put all her sexual fantasies into an anonymous letters she writes to him. Needless to say Levi imagines that Natalie is the star in these fantasies. When he comes home he finds out who it is...

Good read!

[Alexis-Morgan Roark · Rating 4 out of 5]

An older Blaze and arguably better than the more recent entries in this series. Yes, there were holes and the people were a little "dumb" to be so smart, but whatever! Go read Tolstoy if you want depth!

Hot, passionate, quick, fun, engaging-THIS is what a Blaze title should be!!

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy and romantic story
5 stars

This was a strong, romantic and sexy book despite the fact that the letter plot wasn't really the main source of conflict and really didn't feature too highly apart from the snippets at the beginning of each chapter.

Levi was the all-male, all-American hero with a big heart while Natalie was a likeable, real girl you could really root for. Together the pair had sizzling chemistry and the book was deliciously hot and sexy.

Overall, this was a really well-written, romantic and at times emotional read. The characters and the plot were strong and the ending satisfying and realistic. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series (The Soldier) and would recommend this book to those who enjoy a good, sexy romance.

[Barbi Huhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Levi is a deployed soldier who is receiving steamy letters from his hometown from a woman who calls herself Ms X.
After his brother, Adam, is involved in an accident while also deployed, Levi returns home. He soon learns the identity of Ms X.
Natalie is Ms X who has been in love with Levi for years. After the 2 of them get together, the question remains how this relationship will work.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Thoroughly enjoyed it & read it in one sitting. Hate the repetitions that authors seem to indulge in these days. The I don’t love; won’t love; can’t love; because of whatever. As well as the, I’m a soldier/marine etc serving my country there’s people to protect etc - over & over again. It’s a waste of good story space.
However, ignore that & read the book. It’s fabulous.
Off to read the next one.

[Delacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Second read through of this book and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time. Sweet and hot at the same time, with some humor thrown in as well. The conflict in the story was pretty mild but ideal when you want a relaxing quick read. Overall, a very good Blaze novel that I expect will be reread again.

[RaChelle Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in a 6 book bundle, and ended up reading them back to back! Each story was a fresh concept with great characters. Light, happy reading. I truly enjoyed each story. ... do yourself a favor and give this author a chance.

[Calannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent read. very hot and sexy.

[Tamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

I love Levi and Natalie’s story! Honestly I have loved everyone of these books. So well written and keep you reading for more.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

Great premise for a sweet romance with plenty of steam. Loved how the story played out and the relationships between the various characters were fabulous.

[Margarette Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Star's

I would recommend this book, and series to adults that enjoy stories that are a mixture of funny, steamy, and romantic.

[Shock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a cliffhanger, unique plot. Good read overall.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

HBZ #475

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting: Baghdad, Iraq – soldier getting x rated / anonymous letters; Bethel Bay (backwater town north of Hilton Head, South Carolina) – her own designed beach front house, his family house, the shore, the town bakery;

Theme: love – distance;

Characters:
Levi McPherson: army brat; Ranger; loves the travel, loves the patriotism, loves the energy; loves getting letters – especially the xrated ones from a mystery woman from home; has entertained fantasies about Natalie, but convinced that someday she and Adam’s friendship would grow into something more, so schooled himself to hands off;

Natalie Rowland aka Mysterious Ms. X: She’s always loved Levi – solidified the night they were all at the beach and nearby a couple started fighting, and he slapped her – and he quietly went over and beat the guy down; she has been best friends with his younger brother, so close to him, though not close… she started sending letters to express her feelings, her yearnings, her dreams… she is an artist – using driftwood as the medium to her sculptures; she is intimately involved with the town – on the town council, organizes drives, hosts a walking tour for tourists, etc.; her mother died recently – drowning in the ocean, a riptide overcoming her great swimming ability; her father became overprotective and accompanies her to the shore each morning and evening;

Winnie Cuthbert: Natalie’s best friend… runs the bakery… has had a competitive relationship with Adam – and a long lived crush on Adam;

Adam McPhearson: also in the Rangers; stepped on an IED, and had lower portion of leg removed; he is home recovering… Natalie is his best friend, but no chemistry (they tried a kiss once, just to make sure)… she visits him daily now that he is home, careful to treat him as always… when his brother arrives home, he sees the attraction between them… and discerns she is the author of the mystery letters – and helps them get together;

Her father / his parents: her father – overprotective – but goes to help Uncle Billy for a week (once Levi promises to join her on the beach combing expeditions) and comes back realizing he needs to make changes; his parents… retired from the armed forces to Bethel Bay, very happy with one another, want what is right for their boys;

Summary:
Levi is home for a week, determined to figure out who his mystery writer is – somewhat hoping it is Natalie – the one woman he has had recurring fantasies about… She’s in a bit of a panic, because the last letter she sent, her assistant stamped with return label and mailed out… so the secret will be out when he gets it – and he has the mail forwarded to him… when they meet up over Adam, they exchange looks that seem to invite more… and he checks out her studio, and finds how talented she is… and spends more time together…

As they get closer, both physically and emotionally – his ingrained need to serve and her ingrained need to nest – seem unresolvable – but when they exchange kisses (and he makes her come)… and then when he gets the posted letter that assures him she is the author, and he goes to her with one thought in mind – fulfill as many fantasies as possible – both are careful to be clear this if for the week… but hour by hour, day by day, both want more…

But he leaves at the end of the week (two months, and this tour is up)… and she goes on with her life, but is miserable… he can’t stop thinking about her… and in a rare phone conversation with his brother… his brother asks him if he loves her, and when he says yes – he tells her they will find a way – maybe unconventionally, but they’d find a way – something was better than nothing …

And 6 weeks later, he shows up at her place – asks her to marry him… to spend time between where he is stationed and Bethel… ahhhh

[Phe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars – Letters from Home is an adult contemporary/military romance by Rhonda Nelson, and part of the Harlequin Blaze Uniformly Hot! series. The Few. The Proud. The Sexy as Hell!

Since arriving in Iraq some ten months ago, army Ranger Levi McPherson has received letters from his former unit mates, his parents, his sister, his nieces and nephews, his high-school algebra teacher and, hell, even his boat mechanic. And he’s appreciated each and every one of them. Aside from the rare telephone call and e-mail, there's nothing more wonderful to a deployed soldier than a letter from home. But when he starts getting anonymous sexy love letters, he’s immediately intrigued ... and more than a little infatuated.

Natalie Rowland has nursed a crush on Levi since high school—a crush that started within a few days of the McPhersons’ arrival in Bethel Bay. And she can vividly remember the exact moment she fell in love with him. So when she first decided to start writing him, she had no idea that she was going to write about her actual dreams and fantasies; filling each of the anonymous letters with the deepest desires of her heart, which just happened to involve the deepest desires of her flesh...

Admittedly, the letters from the Mysterious Ms. X, as Levi had begun to call her since she never signed her name but instead ended each steamy missive with a simple “Yours,” were the ones he found himself anticipating the most during mail call. And because the return address was a post-office box in Bethel Bay, a sleepy little backwater town nestled just north of Hilton Head, South Carolina, he knew she was a hometown girl. So when he’s given the unexpected opportunity to go home for a few days, he makes it his mission to uncover the identity of his mysterious letter writer—and then indulge in each and every one of her fantasies...

I just love a man in uniform! Letters from Home is a quick, sexy, steamy read with a satisfying HEA, perfect for the beach or a lazy afternoon.

Content: graphic language, explicit sex and oral.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Iraq War Veteran Levi McPherson has been receiving letters from home...steamy letters letting him know he's the object of the senders fantasy life. The only problem is he doesn't know who is writing them! When his brother, also in the Army, is injured and sent home, Levi goes home and leave and unexpectedly discovers that his brother's longtime best friend - Natalie - is the letter writer. Levi has always carried a torch for Natalie but never acted on it because he always thought in the back of his mind his brother and Natalie would go from friends to lovers and he didn't want to mess that up.

Natalie has loved Levi since she was a teenager. Thinking that at age 27, any kind of relationship with Levi is out of the cards due to his career and her life in her hometown (she's very active in the community and has a thriving business), decides to put her feelings for Levi into words and hopefully move on with her life. Doing so anonymously is her answer, knowing she would be mortified if her friendship with Levi or his brother were threatened because of the letters.

When Levi and Natalie finally come together with no secret letters between them, its great. I didn't see how these two would end up with a permanent relationship though, given their different career goals. Luckily the author works it out in a touching and believable way that is satisfying for both characters.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie Rowland, is a driftwood artist deeply rooted in her coastal home of Bethel Bay. She would never leave her widowed father or all the community activites she is involved in. Since high school she and Adam McPherson have been best buds, despite what others may think, their relationship is purely platonic. However, Natalie has always secretly admired and lusted after Adam's older brother Levi an Army Ranger stationed in Iraq. Levi is career military and destined for world travel not setting down any ties. Natalie writes anonymous sensuous letters to Levi figuring if they can't have a real life together, why not a fantasy. However, she has meant to keep her identity a secret until Levi comes home for a visit and is on a mission to identify his secret admirer.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letters from Home has everything that you would expect from the Uniformly Hot series and with a sexy and endearing storyline with a touch of mystery, I couldn't put this book down. Ms. Nelson created some really likeable characters and the next instalment from the series is a continuation of from this one.

Levi and Natalie have always known each other and have had feelings for each other but never acted on it. Natalie has been secretly writing to Levi whilst he has been fighting in Iraq and when he unexpectedly comes for a week, they have some catching up to do.

This is super sexy as well as funny quick read. It has a feel good factor as well as some heartbreak. Ms. Nelson has done a great job and will definitely be looking out for some of her other work.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really beginning to like Rhonda Nelson's style of romance writing! This is the second book I've read by her and I have enjoyed every minute of it! She really kept me intrigued with the budding yet long time running self preservation between Natalie and Levi. She also threw in bits from one of my favorite movies (Love, Actually). This book had a bit of everything, love, steamy romance and bit of comedy and wonder all mixed together! I can't wait to read more by Rhonda Nelson and I can't wait to read the somewhat sequel to this book "The Soldier" to find out what happens between Levi's younger brother Adam and Natalie's best friend Winnie!

[Lisa C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still noticing that the trend of regular Americans in series romance is being let by this series, which is okay, but I don't really need a series of all fantasies. Except for the occasional cowboy, Silhouette Desires really don't measure up any more (and I'm not really looking for cowboys, either). Very disappointed that Harlequin thinks American audiences only one overly aggressive male leads in our series reading. Miss the way the series was before it was bought (or maybe before I knew who owned it).

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute story. But oddly, once everything was in the open, it was no longer interesting and Adam and Winnie seemed more worthwhile. I think its their banter. The heroine, Natalie, is ok. and so is Levi (I liked his name). Just that they aren't really memorable. There was not enough build up to their attraction. How can they not notice their chemistry earlier, when they both liked each other for years. That was just a dumb moment for the characters, but RN did not give them enough occasion to create tension.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Rhonda at the Heart of Dixie Readers Luncheon. What a fun event! I'm looking forward to being part of the Heart of Dixie RWA chapter. This book is very good. The story is tightly constructed and easy flowing. Levi and Natalie are well rounded characters you become fulling invested with from the first word. I like it very much. Good job Rhonda! I can't wait for Adam's story.

[Lady Aeval · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It covered some serious topics, but without weighing down the story. The characters were well developed and I was excited to seek out the books that with some of the peripheral characters. Nothing in the book was really that outrageous to be believed. It was hot, fun, and a quick read.

[Joycee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love these stories - long-time friends who've had a thing for each other, but not realizing that their feelings were requited. I also like the chapters starting out with snippets of correspondence between the protagonists. The ending seemed a little rushed, but I'm glad they got their HEA.

Looking forward to Adam & Winnie's story ...

[Mem · Rating 5 out of 5]

B475 Jun2009 McPherson Brothers #1 Ranger Levi McPherson has been getting anonymous, red-hot love letters during his tour of duty. When he's home on leave he is determined to find out who is writing the letters and and show her actions speak louder than words.
Natalie Rowland, drift wood artist, is the mysterious writer.

[Eff · Rating 3 out of 5]

A generally good book about a soldier's investigation into the identity of the mystery woman who has sent him letters while away at war. A nice soft plot, very cliched and classic for the weekend reader. Wasn't really worth the four bucks I spent on it.