The Last Warrior

San Francisco in the 1870s, Meghan McLowry fear for the life of her father, who she suspects is being targeted by the Tongs (Chinese criminal organization) for a business deal gone bad. She needs to find the best bodyguard that money can buy. Someone who isn't afraid to stand up to the Tong, and someone who knows their culture and can speak their language. When she hears rumors about Captain Jacob Talbert, a white man who fights like a Japanese warrior, she knows exactly who she wants to hire for the job, but finding him and getting him to take the job proves to be a difficult task.

Captain Jake Talbert was shipwrecked on the shores of Japan as a young boy. Adopted into a Japanese family, he learned the way of the Samurai, until a show more devastating attack left him shamed. With no family or home, he vowed to make things right and restore honor to his family's name by retrieving five swords that once belonged to his family. After searching for sixteen years, the trail finally leads him to San Francisco and to a fiery woman, who pushes all of his buttons to a most surprising outcome. When she offers him the very treasure he's spent half his life searching for in return for his services, he's livid, but he can't say no.

I LOVED this story! So much so, that I didn't want it to end. I don't read many historical romances, but The Last Warrior will forever have a special place in my heart. I have never read a historical romance that melds both East and West. The rich, colorful world of the Orient with its rigid yet graceful influences spill over into a growing, bustling and untamed city that is San Francisco.

I loved Akira. The older Japanese Samurai with a good old proverb at the ready was the soothing balm amidst the turmoil. His wisdom and sense of humor made the younger folks stop and think.

Callie and Jake made a great pairing. Callie was a little annoying at first, pushing her agenda on Jake regardless of his feelings. When Jake shows up for the first time, it's obvious that Callie has no idea how much trouble she's going to be in. Good trouble. Some of my favorite scenes involve the iguanas, and later, the significance of the white kimono.

A whisper of sound came from the tub. A man's dark head and broad shoulders sliced slowly, cleanly through the surface, causing barely a ripple. Long, water-slicked hair reflected the flicker of the gas wall sconces, reminding Meg of the sheen of firelight on black satin.

Meghan is not the type of woman that Jake likes. While he's used to the exotic beauties of Japan - quiet, gentle, submissive, with ivory skin and raven black hair, Meghan is the exact opposite – blonde, blue-eyed, loud and independent. Jake learns quickly that he enjoys her sass, and her fiery retorts. She matches him wit for wit, and is verbally his equal on every level. Meg is not so quick so notice how much she enjoys the verbal sparring, but that made the pair very likeable and was the source of some very funny moments.

“We should present a united, congenial front, or raise a lot of uncomfortable questions. Try not to look like you've swallowed a sea urchin, Meghan.”

Jake is the perfect tortured hero. His past has defined his present, and as the story unfolds, he gradually learns that the future he's heading towards is very different from what he had imagined. The chemistry with Meg was full of sexual tension that was released in believable increments, and I absolutely believed that these two could fall in love despite their backgrounds. Meg also goes through her own evolution, realizing that her life is pretty meaningless in the scope of things. Where Jake fights for the weak and with great integrity, her friend Mary Lambert has risked being shunned by society to help Chinese orphans being forced into prostitution. Being in close contact with those two people makes Meg reevaluate her life and her purpose. I thought that was very noble. When tragedy strikes, Meg risks losing everything. Will she come to her senses fast enough to have a chance at the life she's always wanted?

I hope Ms Kyle writes more stories just like this one, with the melding of East and West. I'd buy every single one of them.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group for the ARC

Disclaimer: A review in exchange for the ARC was not promised. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own, and in no way represent the views or opinions of the publisher/distributor. show less

THE LAST WARRIOR by Kristen Kyleis an exciting and intriguing historical romance set in 1870 San Francisco. It is an action packed,fast paced story of love,romance,and betrayal. Meet Captain Jake Talbert and Meghan McLowry on a journey of passion,healing and forgiveness. “The Last Warrior” has everything a historical,romance,Americana reader could possibly want in a wonderful story. It has Samurai swords,Samurai warrior,Chinese,Japanese,vengeance,Chinese prostitution, the Tong,justice,respect,redemption,finding a previous heirloom,and winning the love of a lifetime. I have found another historical author. I enjoyed this story. It is a keeper and a sit on the edge of your seat with engaging characters,and an intriguing plot. Jake is show more a true hero and every girls dream warrior. Meghan is a true heroine who is not only stubborn,determined,but who is also feisty. “The Last Warrior” crosses the boundaries between east and west,American and Japanese,love and revenge. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley. Details can be found at Loveswept,Random House Digital,Inc. and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews show less