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IN TOO DEEP: "Husband Material" - Brenda Jackson Silhouette/Desire July 2010 |
SYNOPSIS: A fabulous summer two-in-one—twice the scandal all in one unforgettable volume!
SERIES ROMANCE |4+| Susan Plummer
REVIEW: IN TOO DEEP is a two-in-one novel featuring stories: Husband Material (4+) by Brenda Jackson and The Sheikh’s Bargained Bride (4+) by Olivia Gates. Readers are in for not one but two really great stories. Husband Material by famed author, Brenda Jackson illustrates that divorce doesn’t mean a thing when two people still love each other.
It has been a year since famed actress Carmen Atkins and movie producer/director, Matthew Birmingham ended their short-lived marriage. Imagine Carmen’s shock to learn he’s crashing her stay at their summer home in the Hamptons. Matthew is still smarting over Carmen’s easy dismissal of their marriage but it’s still his house too and he’s not going anywhere. Neither expects the steamy interludes that ensure leaving them wondering; is it really over?
The story moves along quickly and readers are in for a fast and entertaining plot. Despite being a short story the characters are well developed and come alive on the pages. Carmen is beautiful but down to earth. Despite being a major movie star she is not pompous and actually shuns the media. Matthew and Carmen are similar in that respect but unfortunately his career requires him to remain in the spotlight to the detriment of his relationship with Carmen.
Set in the beauty and opulence of the Hamptons, the story of this A-list couple mirrors the lives of many of Hollywood’s current celebrities. This further creates a connection to the characters and their dilemma. Carmen and Matthew skirt around their issues with veiled barbs. However, beneath the anger, it is apparent they still love each other.
Husband Material is a sensual novella with some pretty scorching love scenes that are sure to have readers hot around the collar. Yet the overall feeling is a story loaded with heart felt emotions. Ms. Jackson never disappoints and once again has created a story readers will remember long after completing the final chapter.
Olivia Gates’ novella The Sheikh’s Bargained Bride is a true labor of love reflected in how well the characters and the plot are developed and brought to life. Although relatively short, readers are not shortchanged because the story is engaging and very entertaining.
Vintner, Sabrina Grant believes her marriage to Sheikh Adham is for love but Adham believes Sabrina married him to secure her family’s vineyards. This misunderstanding traps them in a passionless marriage. Adham pretends to adore Sabrina in public but shuns her in private. Sabrina is adamant to find out the reason for his strange behavior. The truth hurts when Sabrina discovers her father used her as leverage in a business deal. Even more devastating is realizing Adham believes she was a willing pawn in the deal. If Adham believes that then there’s no point in staying them together. However, after Sabrina disappears Adham learns the truth. Realizing his mistake Adham pursues Sabrina. He plans to make amends but first he has to find her.
The Sheikh’s Bargained Bride is set in the Hamptons; a noted playground of the rich and famous. Sabrina has spunk and I like her character for standing up to Adham. She loves Adham but refuses to let him destroy her with his coldness. Adham is taken aback when she challenges him, ignoring his stature and nobility. Adham is one handsome devil and I find his pig-headedness adorable. Both characters are well-developed and I thoroughly enjoy their arguments and subsequent make up. Their passion is explosive even when they are at odds with one another.
Despite its length, The Sheikh’s Bargained Bride delivers a sweet story that is sure to please readers and the characters have earned their place among my other favorites.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 1st September 2010