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In
Leanne Banks first single title, SOME GIRLS DO, we met Katie Collins and
briefly met her sisters Lora Jean and Delilah. WHEN SHE’S BAD is the
story of troubled Delilah Montague and the trials she experiences.
Delilah had a very shaky beginning and an even rougher upbringing. Born
to a mother who had four children by four different fathers, Delilah was
taken from her mother and raised by her preacher father. Her very strict
father used every method to literally beat the devil out of Delilah.
Delilah learned to front a very tough exterior to protect her
vulnerabilities.
As the
story opens, Delilah’s best friend, Howard “Cash” Bradford has died.
He’s left controlling ownership in his very successful spa to Delilah.
On his deathbed, Cash told Delilah that there was something very
important he had to tell her, but he passed before he could tell her. It
is this very secret that nearly ruins Delilah’s life and her future.
In the
meantime, Delilah is dealing with a disruptive neighbor, Benjamin
Huntington III, who has insomnia. The power tools he’s using to renovate
his apartment, as well as his love for midnight opera music, keeps
Delilah from getting the rest she needs. Needless to say, Delilah and
Benjamin have a very rocky beginning. After Benjamin is attacked by
muggers, Delilah manages to distract the muggers and save him. When
Delilah finds out that Benjamin is the noisy neighbor, Delilah rudely
dismisses him, but not without him offering to repay her in kind for
saving him.
Delilah finds she needs to extract that promise from Benjamin sooner
than she thinks. Cash’s secret has just manifested itself and Delilah is
nearly up the creek. While Delilah and Benjamin work together, sparks
fly. However, even though Delilah needs Benjamin’s help, she tries to
avoid the strong spark of attraction she feels towards him, for many
reasons.
WHEN
SHE’S BAD is much more than a love story. This is an exceptional book
that explores the inner emotions that make Delilah tick. We see how very
hard Delilah works to hide her vulnerability, while at the same time
working overtime to protect those around her, including Benjamin.
Benjamin can’t believe how much he wants Delilah. She’s different than
any woman he’s ever dated, and he pursues her vigilantly. I admired his
tenacity, as well as his patience.
There’s also an underlying intrigue in this story by Leanne Banks. There
is a connection between Delilah, the deceased Cash, and Cash’s daughter
Lilly. Readers will be anxious to see this dilemma solved, as people’s
futures and chances at love are at risk because of this. One last note.
WHEN SHE’S BAD treats us to bits of Delilah’s wisdom at the beginning of
each chapter, called “Delilah’s Dictums”. A couple of examples
are: “Babe in total control of herself aka Bitch.” “The miracle of
love is that it can happen even if you think you don’t deserve it.”
Each chapter opens with these quotes, and this definitely added to the
enjoyment of this book.
WHEN
SHE’S BAD is an engaging read, one difficult to put down. The character
development is pleasing. I also enjoyed the back stories and how they
smoothly blended with the main story. I will be eagerly awaiting Ms.
Banks next story by Warner, which is Lori Jean’s story – TROUBLE IN HIGH
HEELS. Readers can expect this in the Summer of 2004.
Reviewed by Robin
Taylor for The Road to Romance
December 22, 2003 |
