 Contemporary Romance |
BAD TO THE BONE Mildred Riley BET/Arabesque February 2003 (2+) Alicia Thomas |
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PLOT SYNOPSIS: |
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Narrowly escaping a hit-and-run accident that kills an innocent bystander, reporter Sherissa Howard wonders if it's time to reassess her priorities. Shaken by the experience, she is unprepared for her response to homicide detective Peter Linwood, who's full of questions--and desires that both frighten and arouse her. |
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REVIEW: |
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In BAD TO THE BONE, Sherissa Holland and Peter Linwood meet when Sherissa witnesses the hit and run of an up and coming boxer. Their first encounter is rough as Peter tries to impress her, but comes off as arrogant, which totally turns her off. She doesn’t spend a lot of time dwelling on it because of her engagement to Jack Davonna. Jack is pressing her to set a wedding date, but Sherissa is not sure whether she can handle playing second fiddle to his business. His growing magazine enterprise is already a powerful mistress.
Peter Linwood is committed to being a good detective. He is fortunate to have an experienced partner who has patience and the heart of a teacher. When a follow-up interview with Sherissa is needed, he is determined to make a better impression. He does not improve his status when he suggests that she was the intended victim.
BAD TO THE BONE gives the impression that it was over-edited. Not only are there gaps in the development of the relationship between two main characters, but there is no build up in the feelings and/or attraction between the two. Sherissa and Peter spend the majority of the time apart, and their relationship is adverse for three quarters of the book. The disagreements are filled with animosity and apprehension instead of repressed feelings or desire. Along with these weaknesses, the ending of the story seems rushed.
There are a few interesting secondary characters. The ones that stand out are Sherissa’s twin brother, Todd, and Peter’s partner, Lt. Williams. The character of Augustus Hodges has the potential to be a colorful villain but doesn’t fulfill the expectations set in the prologue.
BAD TO THE BONE is an interesting mystery. I enjoyed the story but it failed for me as a romance. For a better example of Ms. Riley’s work read TRUST IN LOVE. |
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alicia@romanceincolor.net (22nd January 2003) |
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