"Truly, madly and deeply in love"

Manhattan is the common setting of this two reissue of Harlequin romance of distinction by publishing phenomenon Nora Roberts. Local Hero, the more polished tale out of the two, is Ms. Robert's attempt at exploring the single- family platform prevalent in 1990s and its insecurities through a schmaltzy romance between banker Hester Wallace and comic whiz Mitch Dempsey. Being neigbours the unlikely duo is brought together by their attachment for Randall, Hester's bubbly son who worships Mitch as a daddy-figure. Abandoned by her irresponsible ex, Hester is naturally wary and vulnerable of this whirlwind romance.

The second romance, Dual Image fulfils our soap-opera fantasies as movie scriptwriter Booth DeWitt is enchanted by soap-opera actress Ariel Kirkwood. Hurt by a cold ambitious actress Elizabeth Hunter, Booth is reminded of the deceptions when Ariel plays a character scripted like her. Ariel faces a custody battle for her nephew and a rocky path to love. Ms. Roberts captures the nuances of love and its shades of emotions beautifully with a frosty happy ending and amicable characters that leaves millions of her fans in awe - truly, madly and deeply.

Reviewed by Desmond CHan
Posted January 18, 2003

Summary

Discover passion in the city that never sleeps . . . #1 New York Times bestselling author NORA ROBERTS presents the passionate heart of the city that never sleeps, in these two complete novels . . . LOCAL HERO His trade was creating heroes, but comic book writer Mitch Dempsey had never seen himself as one. But something about Hester Wallace, the shy single mom who moved in upstairs, made him long to protect, honor and love her forever. . . . DUAL IMAGE Playing Booth DeWitt's cruel ex-wife was pushing Ariel Kirkwood's acting career in the right direction -- but pushing sexy Booth away. She wanted to be his leading lady - - for life. Could she convince Booth to see her for the woman she truly was?