"Paris Ballerina Meets Bawdy Theater Owner - FUN"

As the darling of the Paris ballet, Sylvie Lamoureux's hard work and sacrifices had paid off, including the attentions and love of a royal prince. All would be of no consequence when she chanced upon a letter that sent her across the English Channel to discover a sister she never knew. Before she ever gets to meet her sister, she lands in the arms of bawdy theater owner Tom Shaughessy while trying to hide from a persistent ex-lover who followed her from France.

Now, while Tom was not adverse to the notion of women jumping into his arms this lithe little feisty baggage would test his mettle with her courage, wit and overt sensuality. Forced by circumstances to accept the good natured offer of assistance from Tom to join his troupe in his naughty productions at the White Lily, the once prima ballerina would be conflicted as she tried to reconcile the showman with the private man who instilled a sensual desire in her that she'd never before experienced.

This was a lovely story, well-written and rife with subtle nuances of two people who very slowly come to 'know' one another as they fall in love. Long does an about face with this second book of her 'Three Sisters Trilogy' relying more on character development rather than on the adventure, excitement and action the first book featured as a more robust mystery. Theirs was not a love at first sight 'jump in the sack' lusty pillow fluffer, but a sweeter, slower development of a true love that Long defined with humor, style and grace. Additionally, Long delivers some signature humor with a motley cast of secondary characters, from the aging starlet, to the diminutive 'General', and the young toddler Jamie adding substance and gentle humor to this sweetly sensual tale that should appeal to this newer author's growing fan base.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO -- Reviewers International Organization

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted February 21, 2007