American art history professor Janine Coulter
has just been handed the assignment of a lifetime as curator of an art show at Versailles where the controversial Pompadour Plum
“Plums” vases are to be on display for the first time. Janine
needs the show to be a success to prove to art world she is more than a pretty face and to
prove her mentor’s discovery of the “Plums.” Prior
to the art show she caught her fiancée having an affair and learned of the suspicious
death of Dr. Albert Farrow her mentor and friend. Janine
doesn’t realize the Plum’s are targeted for theft.
Annoyed that the “Plums” are not displayed as she intended, Janine goes
to Luc Tremont, head of security for the art show, to find out why. Does
Luc know more than he’s telling Janine? At first sight Janine
feels a strong attraction to Luc. But can Janine trust Luc with
the “Plums” and even worse her heart?
Luc
Tremont AKA Nick Jarrett AKA the Scorpion, famous art thief, has struck a deal with
Tristen Stewart, long time pal and FBI agent, to capture an archenemy who escaped from
prison. In return, Luc will receive a pardon and be able to
resume a normal life with a new identity. When Luc meets Janine he
realizes she is special and can’t keep his mind or hands off her. He
realizes there is no future with her since once his mission is complete he will disappear. After discovering that the death of his good friend has too many
similarities to the death of Dr. Farrow, Luc knows he has to solve the mystery fast before
he loses Janine too. Can he work with Janine to complete his
mission without losing his heart and Janine in the end?
Luc
and Janine have a great chemistry…Luc is the kind of man a woman is naturally
attracted to and Janine is the classic “California Girl” no hot blooded male can
resist. Trust is a big deal for Janine after her failed
engagement and Luc just wants a normal life. Is there hope for
this couple or are they doomed from the start?
Roxanne
St. Claire’s sophomore read is really good. The
suspense, intrigue and romance are well written. The main
characters are very likeable and once they take center stage, they don’t give up any
power to the captivating secondary characters. I really enjoyed
the way Ms. St. Claire detailed the artwork, landscapes and the wine process.
I also sensed a sequel for Tristen and Claire, Luc’s sister.
I would recommend this book and I will be on the lookout for other works by this
author.
Reviewed by Jennifer Ray for The Road to
Romance
December
13, 2003 |
