BEYOND BUSINESS - Rochelle Alers
Silhouette/Desire
April 2005
SYNOPSIS: This the third book in the "Blackstones of Virginia" trilogy by Rochelle Alers. With this installment, we get story of Sheldon Blackstone, patriarch and owner of the successful Blackstone Farms.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: (4) La-Tessa Montgomery
REVIEW: Renee Wilson jumps at the chance of a new start in life and believes that working for Sheldon Blackstone will be just that. Renee is running from the confusion her life has been plunged into recently. Finding out that she is pregnant is one thing, but learning that her lover has run off to Vegas to get married is quite another. With her new job at Blackstone Farms, Renee has the chance to make a fresh start, provide for her growing family, and raise her baby in the peaceful countryside of Virginia. But there are two things that she never counts on, one is the demanding presence of Sheldon Blackstone that draws her to him, the other is the unexpected wave of desire she feels whenever he is near.
Beyond Business is a wonderful love story and an entertaining read. While the book moves at a quick pace, the plot is well developed. The reader misses nothing as the chemistry between Renee and Sheldon sparks and eagerly engages the reader, drawing them deeper into the story. While their passion can not be denied, Ms. Alers takes the time to explore the characters’ tender sides as the compassion they have for one another is evident in their every look, touch, and move.
The supporting characters are interesting and add to the overall storyline without detracting from it. If you have read the other two book in this series, you will enjoy getting a glimpse at characters that have been previously introduced. While I enjoyed the focus on the main characters and their story, the resolution between Renee and her unborn child’s father comes to a rather anti-climatic end.
Overall, Beyond Business is an entertaining, light read. As with most books in the Desire Series, I wish the author had more space to fully develop and explore the plot twists; but all in all, Ms. Alers did an excellent job. This book is the perfect companion when you have a nice couch, a cup of good tea, and few hours of quiet time.
la-tessa@romanceincolor.com (18th April 2005)