On Angel Wings

ON ANGEL WINGS is the second novel in Roz Denny Fox's series of books that tell the story of Mick Callen and his twin sister Marlee. Both are pilots, with Marlee currently pregnant with her new husband Wylie's baby, and Mick taking over the family company Cloud Chasers, now that their grandfather Pappy Jack Callen had passed away six months ago. Pappy Jack raised the twins after their parents had died in a car accident twenty years ago, and it’s understandable that his death has left a big hole in their lives, especially for Mick who worked and lived closely with Pappy Jack until his death.

While the first book, ANGELS OF THE BIG SKY was Marlee's story, this second book is Mick's. Mick had only recently recovered from being shot down in Afghanistan, having spent months in hospitals. He is now back in action, flying his planes for his company and doing volunteer work for Montana's Angel Fleet. He's still having a hard time dealing with Pappy's death, but life goes on and he's making the most of it.

Hana Egan is a member of a group of firefighters known as "smoke jumpers", who help put out forest fires in Montana. Theirs is a dangerous life, but Hana is not one to back down from a challenge no matter how dangerous it could be. Mick has always had a soft spot for Hana, but she's involved with another smokejumper, Jess, a man who is arrogant and is known to be a womanizer. It is no secret that Mick and Jess do not get along, and while Mick has feelings for Hana, he does not let on and does not interfere with their romance.

When six smokejumpers decide to do a dangerous hike before calling it quits for the season, there is an accident and Mick is one of the men on board to help out the injured. Unfortunately, Hana is one of the injured hikers, and she’s lucky to be alive. Because Hana doesn't have any family, Mick takes it upon himself to help Hana with her hospital bills and her recovery afterwards. Hana, who has always been independent, doesn't take his charity very well and in fact, is quite angry about it.

ON ANGEL WINGS is the story of two very stubborn and independent people who deep down have feelings for each other but let pride get in the way before admitting it. Mick, who finds out after her accident that Hana is pregnant, is torn between the fact that the father could be Jess, a man he despises, and the love he secretly has had for Hana. He wants to do whatever he can to help her through this difficult time, despite her protestations, as she recovers from her injuries that could possibly bring about a possible loss of her baby. Hana is having a difficult time accepting the fact that she may never be able to return to the job she loves, and with Mick's nurturing help, she slowly recovers. But it takes a lot before the two of them are able to find their way to happiness and a happy-ever-after.

Some readers may find that they want to strangle Mick at times, because of his sometimes-selfish behavior in regards to Hana and her past relationship with Jess. Mick has a very difficult time getting past that relationship, and with his hot temper and his male ego, he often acts out his anger and jealousy he feels for Hana’s relationship with Jess, causing Hana more stress at a time when she needs absolute calm and support. The memory of Jess often gets in the way, but the reader will hope that Mick will finally see the light and realize that what is important is Hana and her unborn baby, and not the fact that Jess could be the father. Readers will soon discover, however, that Mick is all heart, and while he as any man would react jealously to her past relationship, the bottom line is that Mick comes around and shows how much he really loves Hana.

ON ANGELS WINGS was yet another enjoyable novel by Roz Denny Fox, and as always her novels will entertain readers on every level, doing what she does best – writing romances.

December 2006