Throwback Thursday: Words of Silk by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown
First published in 1984 by Harlequin

Laney McLeod's life changes the minute she finds herself stuck in a high-rise elevator in Manhattan. Fighting her rising panic, she relies on a handsome stranger to help overcome her claustrophobia. The man, Deke Sargent, is just as attracted to this beautiful and vulnerable woman as she is to him. 

When the power comes back on, Deke and Laney find themselves in a passionate embrace that soon leads to a night of love in his apartment. Shocked at her own brazenness, Laney disappears the next morning. Months later, she receives an even greater shock: Deke shows up with an astounding announcement. 

Words of Silk is a fairly decent early offering by Sandra Brown.  It was originally published under her pseudonym, Erin St. Claire  It is a bit dated in its attitudes toward unwed pregnant mothers. I know it was the times, but it was still.  Nowadays, if a kindergarten teacher became pregnant while unmarried, she wouldn't fear losing her job over it. The love scenes were steamy, yet the terminology is laughable. My advice? Just remember the year it was written and go with it.

I was prepared to hate Deke.  It seems that he took liberties with a drunk Laney, but as the story progresses, you find out that she remembers everything that happened that night and she was a willing participant.   I actually liked Deke.  Yes, he does bulldoze his way into Laney's life, but he recognizes that he needs to do that in order to break down her steel walls that she has around her.  I was rooting for him and loved the way he wooed her.  

This throwback is a quick read.  I listened to the audio and it's only 5 hours long. Not a huge investment of time.  Why not give it a shot?