"Great start entry in the Redstone series"

Whatever the name Justine Dare or Justine Davis, she always gives you strong characters and a worthwhile story. This is the first in the Redstone Incorporated series (Silhouette Intimate Moments, No. 1141) centering on the resort empire created by Joshua Redstone.

In this one, it's not just another day in paradise! Single mom, Paige Cooper has been hired to teach children on the distant paradise resort in the Redstone chain just getting ready to open. She is thrilled for the opportunity because it gets her rebellious 15-year-old son away from the gang violence of Los Angeles. However, the son hates the move and is making it hard on mom. The serenity of the peaceful island starts to crack when Noah Rider, head of shakedowns before opening, comes to check out the new resort. Five years ago, Paige's jerk husband died in a plane crash - with his girlfriend and Rider had been sent by Redstone to help her with arrangements. Numb with shock, Paige gets a double slap on the day of the funeral, when divorce papers are served. Her husband had planned to leave her and wanted nothing of their son; he was starting a new life with his girlfriend. In her sorrow, she turned to Noah, but before anything serious happened, they were interrupted. During the past five years, Noah and Paige have relived their mistake and with a strong helping of regret. Paige only held on knowing no one knew of her husband's betrayal.

She is shocked to find Redstone sent Noah to the resort, but they quickly make peace with him, each taking a share of the blame. Paige is distraught to learn not only did Noah know of the divorce papers, but most of Redstone did.

That humiliation is quickly supplanted and shown just how unimportant, when terrorists storm Paige's classroom and take her and the kids hostage. Noah is determined to save everyone, and win Paige's love.

The characters are very human, with very real problems. This writer gives you a strong, believable storyline, as she does always.

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted September 29, 2004

Summary

For single mom Paige Cooper, a job with Redstone, Incorporated, meant a new life. But soon after she settled into her new home, her serenity was shattered when she was abducted by vicious terrorists. Her only hope of rescue was Noah Rider. The man who had once stolen her heart with one soul-searing kiss...

Noah was on a mission to protect all that he held dear -- in particular, his beautiful new employee. With Paige in danger, suddenly the bachelor no woman could ever claim was ready to lay down his life for one. Could it be the rugged lone wolf was in love?