"Debut book wonderfully combines mystery and romance for a great read!"

The Santoris had always hoped they'd have a passionate reunion with their five-years-gone son, Marco. His sister, Ava, still carries the guilt from the night he was forced from their lives. Unfortunately, such a reunion isn't to be, as Ava discovers when she gets a tragic call from the Coast Guard. Encouraged to sue for large sums of money by a self-interested lawyer, she goes to the cruise line where Marco worked to confront the villain she's been told is responsible for his death.

This fiery Italian-American finds it hard to react when confronted by Dane Erickson's icy Scandinavian demeanor. He sees her as another money-grubbing gold-digger out to ruin the "family" he's created in the Caribbean. She sees him as the man responsible for her estranged-brother's death. An incriminating conversation overheard aboard one of the ships forces them to look past their preconceived notions in order to learn the truth.

Tropical Getaway is a great story. It falls into the category of books not to be judged by their covers...or their names. This is no mere piece of fluff to read and forget. Instead, it twines mystery and romance into a realistic and interesting tale. The characters are excellently realized and the setting of the Caribbean and fantasy cruise ships is delicious. Other things that sound delicious are the tantalizing details of the food on the ship and in the Santoris' restaurant. Ms. St. Claire's debut book would be great to read while looking out the window over snow and ice, dreaming of the sun-drenched isles of the Caribbean.

Reviewed by Vicky Gilpin
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted February 13, 2003