Best Book of 2011: The Black Hawk

Followers of this blog know I've already posted my Top 10ish romances for 2011.

The ish is because there were still so many 2011 titles in my TBR pile that I couldn't come up with a comprehensive list.

Much less my favorite book of the year.

But now I have. One hundred percent. Hands down.

I don't have to read anything else to know The Blawk Hawk by Joanna Bourne is the best book of 2011 for me.

Bourne is a new-to-me author. I'd seen her name on best-of lists and decided to give The Black Hawk a try. Boy, am I glad I did.

The Black Hawk is not only the best romance I've read this year, it's the best book I've read - in any genre - in quite a while.

Why? For so many reasons. But let's start with the fact that it's a complex, intelligent read with the most memorable heroine I've encountered in some time. And everyone would want to be the object of the complicated hero's single-minded affection.

So much is going on in this spy story, that I had to slow down at times to savor it all. To let it sink in.

I usually hate stories that go back and forth in time. In this case, it worked beautifully. Not only did I not mind it, I loved the way it heightened the intensity of the writing.

I checked The Black Hawk out from the library, but I plan to buy it because I want it for my keeper shelf.  I know I'll be reading it again. 

It's a masterful work. If you haven't already read The Black Hawk, you should.