"Sensational anthology"

Strictly Business by Brenda Jackson. Houston writer Gina accepts an assignment to interview her former husband Mitchell. Gina still loves her spouse, but believes his only love is his business. Mitchell craves his second chance to prove to Gina that she is everything to him.

Catch Me If You Can by Cindi Louis. In Lovebug, Texas, Lonzell and Leesa plan to marry just before he goes overseas serving in the military. Leesa becomes pregnant but she is unable to contact her beloved. Several years later he returns home to find single mother Leesa raising their son and learns how his mother kept them apart.

Promises and Vows by Felicia Mason. After three years of marriage, Jerome and Elise head towards divorce as both pushes their respective careers before their relationship. They sleep in separate rooms until his voodoo-practicing Aunt arrives for a visit. Jerome vows to use any form of magic to save his relationship with his beloved.

Kidnapped by Kayla Perrin. In Fort Lauderdale Jamal plans to prove to Nia that she is marrying the wrong man. Jamal crashes the wedding, abducts the bride before vows are exchanged, and blackmails her into spending an evening with him in Key West.

These are fine contemporary tales with strong plots starring lead protagonists who seem real though the males appear a bit nerdy when it comes to commitment. Fans of well-written modern day relationship anthologies will want to read THE BEST MAN because it is one of the sub-genres better collections.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 24, 2003