"Nice Summer Read"

Carly Phillips writes the type of books that are fun and sexy romantic reads, perfect for taking along to the beach on a relaxing summer day and this book fits pretty much into that mold.

The prologue sets the story up nicely showing Tyler Benson and Daniel Hunter, two young teens, conspiring to save their best friend Lillian Dumont from further abuse by her guardian uncle. By faking her death she would be leaving them, but they all agreed the sacrifice was worth the risk in keeping her safe from the clutches of her greedy alcoholic uncle.

Ten years later Lilly, who is now known as Lacey Kincaid, has a new life and a successful business in New York city when Ty her best friend, childhood sweetheart and co- conspirator from Hawkens Cove, has turned up on her doorstep. Ty learned that her uncle was getting ready to claim her inheritance by declaring her officially dead and urged her to come home to claim it for herself. Lacey had never intended to return to the place that had such unhappy memories but seeing Ty again rekindled the flames of a childhood passion that had never completely left her. In order to see where these newly aroused feelings would progress she decided that maybe returning home and becoming the Dumont heiress wouldn't be too hard to take. Unfortunately, it became obvious that someone from Hawkens Cove doesn't want to see Lacey claim that inheritance and Ty would have to keep Lacey alive long enough not only to claim her inheritance but to claim her heart.

*** This was an interesting and fast paced read with a lovely romance for the main characters as well as featuring a blossoming secondary romance for their best friend Hunter and his new gal pal Molly. The plot itself was relatively simple with no big surprises. Motivations and character actions are well defined and the romance is sweet and tender showing the characters taking the time to get reacquainted before immediately falling prey to their physical attraction. Although Phillips is known for her off-beat humor in previous novels the seriousness of the storyline did not call for, nor was humor a major factor in this story. Other than references to Lacey's odiferous dog, I did not find much humor at all in the story. Judging by the cover, I was under the impression that this would follow Phillips signature lighter fare. So I would caution the reader that if you are picking this book up by looking cover, you might be misled when you discover that humor was not a primary ingredient in this story. A fast and sexy read -- just in time for great summer beach reading.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO -- Reviewers International Organization

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted July 25, 2006