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MAN OF FORTUNE - Rochelle Alers Harlequin Kimani/Arabesque July 2009 |
SYNOPSIS: Close friends Kyle, Duncan, and Ivan have become rich, successful co-owners of a beautiful Harlem brownstone. But they lack the perfect women to share their lives with, until true love transforms them into grooms-to-be. In this second novel in The Best Men series, Duncan meets love-wary Tamara Wolcott.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE |4| Susan Plummer
REVIEW: Renowned author, Rochelle Alers has released a new series entitled, The Best Men. The first of the three novels in the series, MAN OF FATE, introduced legal hottie, Kyle Chatham. In this second release, MAN OF FORTUNE, another sexy bachelor, Duncan Gilmore tries his hand once more in the arena of love.
The plot is simple but very effective and makes for an enjoyable read. For
financial planner, Duncan Gilmore, being stuck in a NYC elevator in the middle
of summer is no fun but it becomes an unexpected pleasure when he meets Doctor
Tamara Wolcott. Duncan’s last serious relationship was with a docile, dependent
woman and Tamara proves to be anything but. In fact, Duncan finds her abrasive
nature a challenge especially when he suspects it is only a defense mechanism.
He is determined to break down her barriers although he’s got a few of his own.
After a failed marriage, Tamara doesn’t intend to let another man get close but
she is powerless to resist Duncan’s sweet persuasion. It isn’t long before
Tamara accepts her feelings for Duncan and wants a more committed relationship.
Despite his hot pursuit, Duncan might not be ready to commit again given his
tragic history.
The story begins with an introduction to the bachelors and then moves into
Duncan and Tamara’s story. From this point on the story is engaging and
definitely attention grabbing.
Duncan Gilmore’s character is described as absolutely gorgeous from head to toe
and with a great personality to top it off. Between his good lucks, financial
security, and bedroom skills he is a really good catch except for some emotional
baggage. Tamara Wolcott is fiercely independent but her past has left her unable
to trust and unwilling to love. Other characters such as Duncan’s life long
friends, Kyle and Ivan as well as Jordan and their love interests provide
additional background for this novel.
The story is set in NYC and several local neighborhoods creating a visual backdrop
that really breathes life into the story. The exchanges between Duncan and
Tamara are easy and entertaining. Except for the initial tension between them,
the rest of their conversations are very in tune and expresses great chemistry.
Their connection is instant and the use of dialogue shows it quite vividly. Once
again the relationship with Duncan, Kyle and Ivan is developed through their
verbal interactions. Dialogue goes a long way in making each character very
realistic.
MAN OF FORTUNE is a quick and engaging story and like the first novel in the Best Men Series, MAN OF FATE, will join my must-read-again collection. The third time is often said to be the charm so I can’t wait to see what Ms. Alers has in store for readers in the final novel, MAN OF FANTASY.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 25th June 2009