The Ultimate Romantic Challenge
Garbera's title suggests a lighthearted romp, but this is a more somber tale. Alexandra Haughton lost her husband after only a year. That loss, combined with the passing of her parents shortly thereafter, left her devastated. Since then, she has worked tirelessly for her in-laws at their resort hotel in Charleston. For ten years, she has been a staid professional who lets nothing rattle her. Sure, she may have a discreet affair, but even then, no one is allowed past her facade. Sterling Powell has come to Charleston to buy the hotel. He's spoken to Alexandra by phone, but she's nothing like her ice-queen voice implies. They are drawn to each other, and Alexandra decides to bed him and get him out of her system. But Sterling doesn't allow her to. In fact, he's on a mission to figure her out and get past her defenses. Although both characters are well drawn, Sterling is quite the romantic hero in Garbera's very sensual, satisfying story.Maria HattonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved