Whispering Rock - Robyn Carr

Synopsis:
A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town’s first cop, he does so knowing it’s time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever. He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she’s got some fears she can’t escape—but now she has someone who will shower her just what it means to trust again.

Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she’s so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.

Review:

I truly love how characters from all of the books, seem to pop up in the subsequent books.  It is great getting to know characters and be able to follow their lives after they get their own happily-ever-after.  In Whispering Rock, we get to know Mike and Brie a lot better.  Brie is a victim of a brutal rape and beating. She comes to Virgin River to recover and get her bearings back.  Eventually she returns to Sacramento and to her dad.  Mike feels such a connection to Brie, after his own brush with violence, that he starts calling and visiting and eventually becoming very good friends.  Mike takes a job with the town a cop, of sorts, and is immediately blindsided with Mel bringing to his attention several girls and suspicions that chill him to the bone.  He becomes determined to bring peace back to Virgin River while also help Brie conquer her own demons that come calling.

Notable Quote:

"They wanted to know two things, have I ever shot anyone and have I ever been shot.  My answers were yes and not yet.  Shortly after that I was shot.  I don't think that'll get the department any recruits".  (Mike talking to the new teacher, Zach, after being asked if he would come talk to his class about being a cop)

Rating:

5 out of 5.  This series just gets better and better.  I am loving getting to know the people of Virgin River along with following the old friends we have already met.