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Tetsuro Takamitsu is more than a drummer. Trained in the art of taiko, his musical abilities carry him far. About to appear onstage in Cleveland, Tetsuro mangles his hand. Orthopedic surgeon McKenna Stafford is called in to perform surgery. Chocolate brown eyes lock with blue-gray eyes, and a romantic adventure begins.
Japanese Tetsuro abhors being linked to a bed without the use of his hand. His cultural instincts do not allow him to request better food or service. It would be rude. His friends arrive with food suitable to his palate only to relate they will move on with the tour and leave Tetsuro behind. Loneliness creeps in along with memories of lost love.
McKenna Stafford fought her way to the top of the male chain in her hospital. Her tough exterior covers a heart longing for love and family. She is afraid to lower any barriers, yet the pulsing drum beat of her new patient has entered her heart. She thrusts away feelings lest another man tell her what to do.
As Tetsuro improves, he has to find a place to live. Dr. Stafford has a huge empty home which she seldom uses. Tetsuro moves in. A friendship begins. Neither wants to cross a fine-line they draw. A night on the town and too much sake would give Tetsuro an opportunity, but he is a gentleman. He relocates. Now McKenna has to decide whether to pursue this relationship or not. Neither has a vocation which would allow them to relocate easily should anything develop. No, love between these two is ill-fated.
Swanson has written a captivating tale with enjoyable characters caught in two different worlds. She has extensive knowledge of the Japanese culture and has woven her tale to encourage the reader to learn more. Just the sushi scene is worth a read. It isn’t just raw fish! I enjoyed this book. It is sensuous, yet tastefully so.
A haiku: Two strangers first meet
Their paths are two directions
A junction ahead?
Reviewed by Eileen Key
for The Road to Romance
October 30, 2004
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