A determined woman in love, whether she's an uncivilized Amazon or pistol-packing security guard, is a woman worth cheering for. I've happened upon a couple of fabulous heroines in two novels and, as a counter-balance, a womanizing hero in a third.
Baby Don't Go
By Susan Anderson
(Avon - May 2000, $8.99)
Susan Anderson continues to shine with her latest spunky action-packed romance.
Smart, sassy and confident, Daisy Parker is a lot of bluster. A former cop, Daisy's barely keeping her security business afloat when her first-time lover, one-time stepbrother, Nick Coltrane, arrives at her door to hire her as a bodyguard.
She can't afford to turn him down, despite her angry memories. But living in his apartment and following him around to photo shoots reminds her of how he always "stirred her up".
Nick can't help but feel guilty about how he treated Daisy, but he needs a bodyguard while he tries to sell incriminating photographs of a not-so-nice politician. Daisy and Nick are in danger so they'll just have to grow up and ignore their attractions. Yeah, right.
These are great, imperfect characters that make you smile and want to get to know them better.
Anderson's novels are very much like those of another famous author named Susan, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. If you can't wait to pick up the next Phillips' novel you will be happy to grab hold of this one in the meantime.
The Orchid Hunter
By Jill Marie Landis
(Jove - March 2000, $9.99)
Orchid Hunter is basically a Victorian romance version of the typical clash of civilizations that Disney has used to great effect recently _ Jungle to Jungle, Tarzan and George of the Jungle to name a few.
An Orchid Hunter from England, Trevor Mandeville, discovers Joya Penn living as a native on an African Island. She turns out to be the identical twin of his adopted sister stolen away shortly after birth.
Joya returns to England and proceeds to shock London society. Her uninhibited displays of affection turn Trevor's very ordered life upside-down.
After a memorable meeting with Queen Victoria, Joya realizes that she will never be happy in this strict society.
This is an appealing story with a lot of light laughs.
Reforming a Rake
By Suzanne Enoch
(Avon - March 2000, $ 7.99)
The bad-boy hero is a traditional favourite in Regency romances. Sometimes one of these arrogant characters seems to take control of a plot and won't let go. That's the case in this novel.
The rogue of the story is the scandalous Lucien Balfour, Earl of Kilcairn.
As the last male relative, he has been saddled with the care of his aunt and her 17-year-old daughter. To keep "the harpies" from driving him crazy, Lucien hires experienced, desirable and scandal-ridden governess Alexandra Gallant. She is to prepare his cousin for her London society debut and get her married off as soon as possible.
Alexandra is shocked at the lack of decorum in the Balfour House. Lucien is constantly rude, his aunt never shuts up and the cousin is sweet, stupid and prone to tears. But Alexandra needs the position and is determined to infuse the trio with manners and good taste. Lucien is equally determined to seduce Alexandra and is quite put out when she doesn't cooperate.
His behaviour would result in charges of sexual harassment nowadays, yet in this story Lucien Balfour is both insufferable scoundrel and attractive suitor. Isn't fantasy grand?
Janine Taylor can be reached at romanticleads@canada.com or http://welcome.to/romanticleads
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Copyright © 2000 Janine Taylor
Distributed By Writers Syndication Services
