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Since the day the FBI arrived at Scarlet Oaks Manor to investigate some murders, Remy Terreau has been on edge. What was supposed to be a simple project of renovating the Manor and turning it into a hotel, quickly turned into a nightmare. Delays from the investigation, little mishaps here and there, and the impossibility of hiring a chef were affecting Remy’s sleep and stress level. He’d even begun to hear the voice of Susanna Forrester’s ghost, his long murdered ancestor. Remy is afraid he will go insane, just as Susanna did if he doesn’t find a chef soon and get Scarlet Oaks Manor open for business so he could move on to another project.
Gillian Martin could have been a widely known and celebrated chef. Her knowledge and creativity in the kitchen was both astounding and sensual at the same time. However, she made it a point to never stay for too long in one place, running from a past she didn’t want to face. When Remy Terreau proposes that she come work for him at Scarlet Oaks, she says no for many reasons. She’s afraid he’ll recognize her from her past, and she’s insanely attracted to him. Gillian vows to never be taken by another playboy again.
The passion that sizzles between Remy and Gillian only serves to incite Remy’s determination to have her in his kitchen and his bed. When Gillian finally relents and agrees to a one month trial as lead chef for Scarlet Oaks Manor, Remy believes all his troubles are behind him. Except the Curse won’t go away and is fueled by a black hearted descendant of Camille, the Vudon woman at the heart of the Scarlet Oaks curse. Ghosts, a fire, and a revenge seeking madman all threaten to consume Scarlet Oaks Manor along with Remy and Gillian. Will they admit the love for each other they so desperately deny before the curse tears them apart, or worse, kills them?
Esther Mitchell continues the story of The Curse of the Midnight Star with two colorful characters, Remy and Gillian. Remy with his good looks and New Orleans French would charm the pants off of any woman, but Gillian is his match in spirit and determination. I’m always a sucker for heroines that aren’t society’s idea of “perfect” and Gillian is now one of my favorites. Her gumption and sass make her passion for food and Remy all the more enticing. From its title alone, you know that INTRIGUE isn’t just about the romance between Remy and Gillian. Ms. Mitchell keeps the reader on edge as she weaves the suspense and mystery of the Curse throughout the story, and masterfully brings the romance to a close while keeping the intrigue of the Curse at a pinnacle, ready and waiting for the next installment. This is a series and an author that you don’t want to pass up.
Reviewed by Tina Burns
for The Road to Romance
December 7, 2004
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