(Mass Market Paperback)
Adrian St. Claire, the sexy chef at the Pearl Island B&B, is as tempting as the dishes he serves. In fact, he's never had a woman tell him no--until his family needs help searching for a legendary heirloom on the sunken ship in the island's cove. To find the treasure they need the help of a woman whose history is as linked as theirs to the island's romantic past.
As the owner of the Pirate's Pleasure, Jackie Taylor is far more interested in running her cruise ship along the Texas coast than in chasing tales of lost booty, and even less interested in tangling with a man who collects female admirers just by walking down the street. On top of that, helping the St. Claires could dredge up secrets she'd like to remain buried.
Enticed by Jackie's resistance, Adrian soon has something more than treasure hunts and casual flirtation in mind...and he's not a man who takes no for an answer. But will they each have the courage to risk their hearts for the greatest treasure of all--falling in love?
Adrian St. Claire, sexy chef and part owner of a bed and breakfast in Galveston, Tex., watched his sisters Aurora and Allison fall in love in Ortolon's previous two romances (Falling for You, Lead Me On). Now it's his turn in this predictable yet warmhearted offering. Edgy, independent Jackie Taylor, owner of the cruise ship Pirate's Pleasure, dislikes slick, handsome men like Adrian, but she soon finds herself spending a lot of time with him when he confronts her with a bargain she can't refuse he and his sisters will form a partnership between her cruise ship and their bed and breakfast if she lets them read her great-grandfather's letter, which might hold clues to the location of a sunken treasure. Jackie agrees reluctantly, fearful that the letter might dredge up secrets she would prefer remain buried. Sure enough, the letter and the subsequent excavation of her great-grandfather's ship do stir up trouble, as does Adrian's and Jackie's attraction to one another. Though the romantic story line becomes bogged down by back story and readers may tire of Jackie's prickliness, readers who have grown attached to the lovable St. Claire family will eat up this final installment in Ortolon's Pearl Island trilogy faster than a plate of Adrian's brownies. (Feb.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
More Reviews and RecommendationsMost authors say they grew up reading. But not Julie Ortolon. Born with dyslexia, she didn't even learn to read until her early twenties when she discovered that romance novels were worth the struggle. It was only with the additional discovery of computers with spell-check that she was able to turn her favorite hobby--daydreaming romantic stories--into a career. Having her first novel hit the USA Today bestseller list was a dream come true.
Julie lives on the shore of Lake Travis near Austin, TX with her journalist husband, exuberant Australian Shepherd, and spoiled tabby cat. You can learn more about Julie by visiting her web site at ortolon.com, or write to her at JulieOrtolon@aol.com. She loves to hear from readers.
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March 03, 2004: Julie Ortolon concludes the Pearl Island trilogy with a wonderful book, Don?t Tempt Me. Adrian St. Clair is the chef at the families B & B on Pearl Island. His family has decided to search for a missing heirloom off their home. But he needs the help of Jack Kingsley great granddaughter, Jackie Taylor. Jackie has a letter that will help the St.Clairs wish to hunt for the heirloom. But Jackie has very personal reasons for avoiding the limelight that this treasure hunt will bring. Adrian is the type of man Jackie tries to avoid. With his devastating good looks, charming personality he is making her want for things she has never had. Jackie finally agrees to help but only if her and Adrian keep it friends only. That theory doesn?t last long for either of them. Adrian latterly charms the clothes off Jackie and for once she decides to go with the flow. Neither is planning for the feelings that they have for each other. When Jackie?s past comes back to haunt her, it takes all of Adrian?s will and charm to get her to fight for them. Adrian and Jackie have such amazing chemistry and passion. They both have issues to deal with and its riveting watching them work thru them as a couple. You will love them all the more. This is my favorite book out of the trilogy. Adrian and Jackie just touched a special place in my heart.
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February 01, 2004: I love this last book of the Pearl Island trilogy! Loved the first two, and this is a great wrap-up. There's not only the love story of the 2 main characters, Jackie and Aidan, there's also the love story of Marguerite and Jack--the long-lost lovers whose souls can't rest until their business is finished here on earth. I love a story with a bit of real-life magic woven into it, and that's what Julie Ortolon gives us here. She effortlessly weaves lots of contradictions into her writing and stories: plain writing, real-life characters and situations, and yet there is a definite element of the fanciful here. Ortolon's stories are simultaneously light- hearted and deeply emotional. Her writing invites her readers into the story and makes us feel included in a warm circle of characters. The Texas Gulf Coast comes alive in all three of the Pearl Island books--the rhythm of the water and the sun, heat and humidity are almost like characters themselves. And an added perk in 'Don?t Tempt Me' is the inclusion of Ortolon?s recipe for chocolate brownies--the same ones that are the focal point of one of the book?s steamiest scenes! Read this book, but read books 1 and 2 of the trilogy first. You'll be glad you read them in order.