Contemporary
Wounded Hearts
By Heather Eileen
Aug 9, 2007 - 5:23:59 PM

Erin Riley dreams every day about her fiancé who is fighting in the war overseas, believing that his love and devotion remains as steady as hers. So when she receives a letter from him indicating that he doesn't want to see her again, her heart is broken. Because of a 40-lb weight gain, Erin is convinced his leaving her is because of her weight. What she doesn't realize is that it is the weight on Patrick's heart that threatens to separate them. Despite his adamant insistence that he not see her, Erin hatches a plan to get Patrick back and find out what has made him so causally end their relationship.

Patrick O'Rourke feels like a dead man inside. Surviving the war when many of his friends didn't come home feels worse than if he died along with them. Convinced he no longer deserves a pure soul like Erin, Patrick feels he is doing her a favor by breaking it off before he comes home.  His time in the Middle East helped him come to terms with his desires to dominate his partner and he no longer has the energy or desire to fight off the temptation. The idea of subjecting Erin--happy, beautiful Erin--to his basic urges seems cruel. He believes the best choice is to let her go and not expose her to the heartless man he now believes himself to be.

This novella was so awesome I had to read it twice! It completely sucked me in emotionally. I love reading about heroines who are a little larger than the average 'it' girl. Erin's story will hit close to home for any woman who's been dumped or teased for being a few pounds overweight. Liz Andrews taps perfectly into the insecurity that can come along with a few extra pounds. Despite her weight, Patrick can't help his feelings for Erin. His desire for Erin and her body was especially heartwarming. Patrick shows Erin that a few extra pounds can't get between a man and the woman he loves.