Caresse Collins, or Cari, as she is called, finds herself assigned to a case in which a woman is the victim of constant beatings, but she refuses to face reality. Instead of reporting the abuse, she insists she has only fallen or makes other excuses for her bruises. Cari is concerned for the couple’s three-year-old daughter, and plans to have the child put into protective custody. Making decisions of this nature is not easy, but she remembers vividly what can happen in domestic disputes. The woman is again severely beaten before Cari can initiate the action, but she arrives in time to see the little girl being removed from the home by her uncle Linc, the mother’s brother. Because Lincoln Maitland is a twin, he is able to sense his sister’s pain and has historically rushed to her aid on several occasions. Despite his protective nature, he has been unable to convince his twin to leave her abusive relationship. On this occasion, he finds his sister with no pulse, and thinkin! g her dead–and fearing the husband’s return–Linc takes his niece and flees. This time the child bears evidence of abuse and Lincoln’s blood is boiling. The suspense begins when his sister is revived and the reader discovers that the brutal husband is the one found dead.

Margaret B. Lawrence has done a superb job of weaving the reality of domestic abuse into a suspense-filled story. Of course, if wouldn’t be classed as a romantic suspense unless Cari and Linc discover one another in the course of his defense case. The trial is so realistic it brought back memories of those Perry Mason shows I loved to watch. If you want a great read, pick up Caresse - A Loving Touch by Margaret B. Lawrence. You won’t be disappointed.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Brett Scott
July 6, 2004