Cover Designer: Shannon Lumetta
At seventeen, music legend Dylan McAthie ran away from his Alabama home to chase his dreams. Years later, he’s forced to return—coming full circle to escape the nightmare his life has become. Hounded by paparazzi and plagued by the aftermath of personal and professional loss, Dylan craves some quiet anonymity so he can regroup and sort out what lies ahead.
Hired by his estranged brother, Jennifer Adams knows exactly who Dylan is. She grew up next door to his family and has followed his career. But the surly, overbearing man she’s caring for as a private-duty nurse is far from the charming boy she remembers. Nevertheless, she’s determined to be professional, do a good job—and not fail at her first time getting away from home.
As her patient heals, his demeanor softens, and their interactions grow less antagonistic. Soon their chemistry is undeniable—and inappropriate—leaving the inexperienced Jennifer thoroughly confused. Adding to the turmoil, scandal finds Dylan once again, threatening all the progress he’s made and putting Jennifer at risk as collateral damage.
It’s up to Dylan to fix what his fame has so easily broken and find a way to move forward with his life. But will his resurrection mean the death of any relationship with Jennifer?
The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie by Nancee Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
He Lives?
After falling for Nancee Cain’s spunky heroines and complex heroes in her supernatural novels, I was excited to learn she wrote a contemporary romance. She sticks to her Southern settings in this story, which takes place in Pine Bluff, Alabama.
Dylan McAthie is a rock star who has fallen on hard times. The lead singer of his band as well as his pregnant ex-girlfriend have died from drug overdoses. He’s alienated from his family. And, he has sustained severe physical injuries from a car accident.
Enter nurse Jennifer Adams, ten years his junior. The fact that Dylan’s physician brother hired her does not endear her to Dylan. She bears the brunt of his misplaced anger for his screwed-up life.
I was intrigued and amused as the two sassed each other and got under each other’s skin. It’s quite a case of opposites attract. I also was horrified by something that happened to Jennifer.
The church old bitties are a lot of fun! Jennifer has to deal with being the preacher’s daughter, which makes it hard for her to find her own path. I liked her awesome nursing skills how she handled the situation with David.
There are plenty of obstacles and misunderstandings between Jen and Dylan. Jen becomes a bit ditzy due to some events that happen to her, and Dylan constantly takes one step forward and two back. At times he’s thoughtful (like with the amethyst ring) and at times he’s self-absorbed. He’s not sure if he wants to be a good guy or bad guy, and he often hovers somewhere in between.
I would’ve liked to know more about Dylan’s music. What inspired him to learn to play guitar? How’d he go from a local home-grown band to international rock stardom?
I think I also wanted more healing for Dylan to consider this a true resurrection. It’s realistic that he keeps returning to cigarettes and booze (preventing resolution of conflict with Jennifer) but it frustrated me all the same. When he starts treating Jen with sweetness, I felt a little taken by surprise.
I look forward to the next novel in the Pine Bluff series!
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During the day, Nancee Cain works as a nurse/counselor in the field of addiction to support her coffee and reading habit. Nights are spent writing paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge.
Authors are her rock stars, and she’s been known to stalk a few for an autograph, but not in a scary, Stephen King way. Her husband swears her To-Be-Read list qualifies her as a certifiable book hoarder.
Always looking to try something new, she dreams of being an extra in a Bollywood film, or a tattoo artist. (Her lack of rhythm and artistic ability may put a damper on both of these dreams.)
Jennifer Lane Books 