Review: 5 blue ribbons from Romance Junkies
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 30, 2009
Charity Harris has had enough of the little game she and Gabriel have been playing for several years.  They shared one sexual encounter eight years ago that was less than satisfying but that hasn't stopped her from obsessing over him.  Somehow she just knows that they could be so good together - if Gabriel would just unleash the beast lurking beneath his nice guy exterior.Gabriel Bettencourt likes sex rough and hard and he's positive that Charity is too sweet to be able to handle his needs.  It was holding back that had caused that night eight years ago to be so unsatisfactory.  She's exactly the sort of woman he'd want if it wasn't for the little issue of his sexual tastes.  He's in for quite a surprise because Charity isn't going to continue to allow him to pretend indifference where she's concerned.With Christmas just around the corner Charity's pulling out all the stops and going after the man she's been in love with for longer than she cares to remember.  From an early age their mother's had them paired up together and with so much in common - their Portuguese heritage and sense of family values being a big plus - they do make the perfect couple.  Everyone around them recognizes their attraction to each other and their playful innuendos aren't kidding anyone.  With the aid of a little red sweater and a little too much Jose Cuervo she confronts Gabriel and even though he doesn't admit to his true feeling for her the kiss they share after he drives her home leaves no doubt that she gets to him.  Of course he pulls the gentlemanly act and leaves her sexually frustrated because he's not going to take advantage of an intoxicated woman.  Good thing Charity doesn't give up easily and she's got a fiery temper that will serve her well while dealing with Gabriel and his convoluted thinking where she's concerned.Lauren Dane does it again.  SWEET CHARITY encompasses everything I've come to love in Ms. Dane's novels.  The characters are down to earth, loveable, and absolutely delightful to get to know.  Charity's ballsy confrontations with Gabriel left me snickering and a little in awe of her bravado.  Gabriel's protective instincts and preference for BDSM loving left me drooling.  One of the things I loved about this story is how much the characters treasure their families and their heritage.  Add how perfect Charity and Gabriel are for each other without even realizing it really warms the heart.  Of course, Charity's fiery temper had me laughing out loud because sweet she definitely isn't once riled.  Congratulations Ms. Dane, on yet another story that will be added to my overflowing keeper files.Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)