(Mass Market Paperback)
The forecast was smooth sailing for Oliver Chancellor, scion of Galveston's premier financier. Destine to take his place in the hallowed marble corridors of his family's bank, Chance is content with the future that's been mapped out for him, right down to his upcoming engagement to a prim debutante enthusiastically approved by his socialite mother.
But when beautiful Rory St. Claire crosses his path, Chance recklessly plunges into unchartered terrirory with nothing but his heart to guide him--and a beautiful woman to tempt him...
Propelled by a lifelong goal to but the island home reportedly haunted by her colorful ancestors, Rory desperately needs Chance's help in securing a business loan, and she won't take no for an answer. In the midst of convincing the hesitant blueblood to take a chance on her dream, Rory unexpectedly lands in Chance's arms, stunned by his red-blooded passion--and her own awakened desire. Now, the mismatched pair can't keep their hands off one another, and something tells Rory she's headed for trouble--trouble in the name of love...
Oliver Chancellor is a blue-blooded banker whose perfectly orchestrated life plan includes a comfortable career and a socially prominent (if not very exciting) future wife. Then sexy Aurora St. Claire enlists him to help her obtain financing for her dream: turning a mysterious Galveston mansion, which is part of her colorful family heritage, into a bed and breakfast. Passion ignites over the loan application, but Chance can't see impetuous, earthy and iconoclastic Rory fitting into his orderly existence. Meanwhile, Rory discovers that she's fallen in love with Chance and become pregnant, neither of which she's ready to admit to this unavailable man. Only when Chance becomes a partner in the inn and begins to see the emptiness of his glittering future can the couple come together in a happy ending that arrives after just the right amount of drama. A legend of a long-ago love and haunting runs throughout the book, adding a nice touch of melancholy to a tale as sunny as its Texas setting. With its well-balanced blend of comic exaggeration and genuine heart, Ortolon's story is a light but thoroughly satisfying romantic confection. (Apr.) Forecast: A relative newcomer to the genre, Ortolon is just beginning to gain a foothold in the market, but the cartoon-like cover won't help this book's sales any. Her latest may find its niche, however, if it's displayed with similar works, like Rachel Gibson's Lola Carlyle Reveals All or Susan Andersen's Head over Heels. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
More Reviews and RecommendationsReader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings
July 03, 2003: I really enjoyed this book! It was a lighthearted funny read. While it was slightly predictable, in a good way, the author always managed to keep my attention. The only complaint I have about it is that once you start getting in to it you can't stop reading it!!!
Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings
June 30, 2002: I really loved this book. If was fast paced, but not so fast that I couldn't get a feel for the characters. Very easy to read. Can't wait for Lead Me On.