Review: “Black Hills”
Time for another “Nichole Revelation.” I’m not a big romance fan.
Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t read them. It just means I don’t usually read romances. If you were to ask my husband, he might even say I’m just plain not very romanic at all. In fact, my engagement ring took the form of a new computer. (I did get a diamond after we’d been married a few years, but the computer was much more practical!)
But with a title like Black Hills, how could I not pick up the Nora Roberts latest? (Hey, I’ve only lived in the Hills for the past 15 years!)
I was fully prepared to read this, knowing that the “boy meets girl/girl hates boy/boy saves girl/girl falls for boy” formula of a romance was probably as exciting as the story would get, though the backdrop of my adopted home would make it more interesting.
I was wrong.
Black Hills does take place in the real Hills. And not just the common areas that tourists get to see, but the real Hills known best to people who actually live here. Ms. Roberts clearly did some research and probably made a trip out here to scout locations. And, in my opinion, did a good job. (Hey, Mustang Sally’s makes fantastic burgers, if you’re ever in the neighborhood!) The flip side of that, though, is that there were a few references that just didn’t “ring true.” I’ve never heard anyone say they were going to “ride to Rimrock” since most would just name the town next to it or the area on the state highway. There is a nice church camp there, though.
The story did have those elements of romance, but they were believable. We’re talking decades and childhood sweethearts, not the guy you’d meet in the grocery store — or the casino given the novel’s proximity to Deadwood. There was also enough mystery to keep me intrigued. Following the two main characters from childhood to early 30s showed some wonderful character development. Ms. Roberts knowledge of human development and personalities was right-on. I was almost immediately entralled with them and invested.
I really enjoyed the story and the wonder of if they were going to catch “the murdering so-and-so” (which is how the villain is referred to once). I wouldn’t classify this novel as a mystery, but there was definitely some intrigue that keep me reading.
So, Ms. Roberts, let me appoligize here and now for doubting your story. I don’t think I’ll give up my vast mystery collection for romances anytime soon, but I doubt I’ll be the “romance snob” I’ve been in the past.
Blessings!
Nichole