REVIEW: Untamed by Diana Palmer

In Untamed by Diana Palmer, Stanton Rourke has his reasons for being wild and unruly when it comes to Clarisse “Tat” Carrington, but he’ll never be able to explain, much less apologize, for them. Pushing her away has barely kept him on the edge of sanity, so relying on the adrenaline rush from his career as a mercenary has helped him focus. But when Rourke becomes aware of lies he’s been told over the years, everything changes, and soon his attitude toward Tat makes a complete turnaround.

“I’ve got a lot to make up to you,” he said solemnly. “I don’t even know where to start. I’ve done so much damage, Tat,” he added in a husky tone. “Far too much.”

Tat has never really understood the animosity her once best friend, Stanton, feels for her. But she has her own issues to deal with as a journalist in some of the most war-torn areas of the world. Tat’s affection toward Stanton comes roaring back when he protects her from a vicious threat against her and several others. Confused, she is sent reeling as tragedy after tragedy descends upon her life and those around her. Will her protector, Stanton, still be there for her? Or has too much come between them?

He searched her eyes. “You should hate me, Tat,” he said very softly. He drew in a breath. “But I’m damned glad that you don’t.”
She shrugged. “I wouldn’t really know how,” she said after a minute.

Drama, shocking discoveries, unrequited love, redemption. These are the building blocks of a solid romance, and that is certainly what we had in Untamed.

I am a newbie when it comes to the Long, Tall Texans series, which this book is tied into, so there was probably a lot about Rourke and Tat that I didn’t pick up on right away. However, author Diana Palmer did a nice job of giving enough background between them for us to understand the predicament they were in. Looking at the cover, I’ll admit that I thought this was a Western romance. The last half of the book was indeed set in Texas, but I was pleasantly surprised that the first half was in South Africa. The culture and even the unrest in that location made for some very suspenseful reading.

Secrets and their consequences, as well as forgiveness, seemed to be the theme of this novel. Fans of Ms. Palmer’s previous books have undoubtedly been waiting to find out what exactly caused the rift between former best friends, Rourke and Tat. Every single heartbreaking moment of their past comes out on these pages. Some of the scenes, I’ll be honest, were a bit melodramatic for me, but like I said, I’m not familiar with their evolution over the course of this series. However, I did love their connection and how much they wanted to protect each other at all cost. The love between them was absolutely palpable.

Fans of second chance romances that triumph over tragedy and loss will enjoy this heartfelt story. Just be forewarned: you’ll need to keep some tissues handy. Untamed will definitely pull at your heartstrings.

Book Info:

Publication: June 30th 2015 | by HQN Books |

Stanton Rourke lives life on the edge. The steely South African mercenary is dangerous in every way…especially to Clarisse Carrington’s heart.

She and Rourke were playmates as children, but she’s not the innocent girl he once knew. When tragedy robbed Clarisse of her entire family, her life was changed forever. Besides, she’s a grown woman now, and there are secrets that hold her back from succumbing to her pursuer.

As she struggles to keep her distance, sparks as hot as a Texas summer fly between them. But danger is following Clarisse, leaving her no choice but to rely on Rourke, even as the old wounds lying dormant between them flare up again…