Self-help diva of America Dr. Isabel Favor suddenly
finds herself in dire straits when her accountant absconds with all her wealth. Fate then
deals her another shocking blow when her fiancé dumps her for an older woman and before
leaving, shakes her confidence to the utmost by leveling low blows at her sexuality. Her
reputation destroyed and her wealth gone, Isabel suddenly finds her own belief in her
teachings badly shaken. With a friend’s help she goes to spend some time to recoup at
a farmhouse nestled among the beautiful hills of Tuscany. There she has a memorable
encounter with a handsome and charismatic Italian, who later turns out to be the famous
screen villain, Lorenzo (Ren) Gage. This Hollywood icon and self-help guru have very
little in common…..except passion. In the beautiful, fruity and earthy atmosphere of
Tuscany, they both find it hard, almost impossible, to resist temptation. But Isabel knows
only too well that they can never have anything deeper than a passing fling.
Ren has a reputation for killing, maiming, destroying and
raping….on the silver screen, of course. And the gossip rags are always full of news
about this sexy villain who’s a well-known lothario. The latest scandal has him
responsible for his girlfriend’s suicide, a well known actress. His reputation is
enough to put off Isabel, but she’s utterly shocked and surprised when gradually she
discovers his wonderful sense of humor, his tender side which he refuses to admit as he
thinks of it as a weakness, his expertise in not only the bedroom but also the
kitchen…..and many of his good, but hidden qualities. When the townspeople suddenly
turn hostile, Isabel finds in Ren her only ally. Together they embark on a secret
investigation to find the truth behind the mysterious goings-on amidst the vineyards, and
at the same time come to a mutual agreement to have a strings-free and purely physical
relationship. But can these two individuals, who’re complete opposites in everything,
find love together?
Susan Elizabeth Phillips has presented the readers with a fun-filled,
interesting and charismatic tale in this book. The book has got everything going for it
– a good strong storyline; a beautiful, atmospheric and exotic setting; lots of
intriguing and engaging characters, besides the principal two; and a passion which is too
strong for either the main protagonists or the readers to resist! The refreshing and
lovable little love story also has a deeply spiritual bent to it, and carries a strong
message with it. The story is not unusual or unique, but the careful way in which the
author develops this timeworn theme is well worth appreciating, and in fact, gains charm
by the truckload in the process. Both Isabel and Ren are very complex and deep characters,
and gradually all their feelings and thoughts are explored, and the readers will be
convinced by their gradual progress along the path of love. Of lust and sex there is
plenty, and these scenes are riotous and very sensual. This well-rounded tale also has
plenty of and very authentic, local color and atmosphere. In short, the book is a pure joy
to read.
Reviewed By Rashmi Srinivas for The Road to Romance
June 4, 2003 |
