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CHRISTMAS HEAT - Devon Vaughn Archer Harlequin Kimani/Romance December 2007 |
SYNOPSIS: Audrey Lamour was a successful artist and devoted mother, forever indebted to the heroic fireman who pulled her from a blaze twenty-five years ago on Christmas Day. She honored him by painting his portrait—never dreaming her picture would become a lifeline to love…
SERIES ROMANCE |4| Sophia Chase
REVIEW: Passion and heat intensify a cold, hard winter as Devon
Vaughn Archer relates the love story of Audrey Lamour and Conrad
Pearson. After a tragic Christmas Day fire which claims the lives of
Audrey Lamour’s parents as well as that of Conrad Pearson’s father, the
two struggle to overcome the grief of a marred childhood while
discovering the joy of love at Christmas time. As a tribute to Conrad’s
father, the heroic fireman who rescues her from the fire, Audrey, an
extraordinarily talented artist, paints an emotionally charged portrait.
This proves to be the catalyst for a bond between the two as Conrad
returns to his childhood hometown in a search for closure after his
father’s death.
Though slow paced, the novel displays much of the characters’ emotional
states. However, the pace lends itself to the development of the love,
devotion and strong bond shared by Audrey and Conrad.
Characterization is also important in the novel. Audrey is the epitome
of a true woman. She is passionate, caring and graceful while also being
fiercely independent and outspoken. Though he is somewhat deceptive in
his actions, Conrad may be deemed as a strong and highly emotional Black
man who is not afraid to display his true feelings and opinions. The
characters help to captivate the reader as they provide a true insight
into the happenings of the story. Dialogue is also central in the story
as it helps the reader to see development of the love affair between the
two protagonists.
The setting creates a rich ambiance. Set in a quaint little town, one
senses a feeling of togetherness and unity in the story. The fact that
the town is small also allows the couple to spend much quality time,
thus becoming well acquainted with each other.
Intriguing, that’s the one word that may be used to describe Devon
Vaughn Archer’s CHRISTMAS HEAT. The story provides worthwhile reading
for the romantic at heart as it captures the true feelings of the
Christmas season, a season where love and joy come to the fore. Archer
has definitely matured and improved in his writing. Keep up the good
work!
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 28th December 2007