 |
PROMISES MADE - Bernice Layton Genesis Press/Indigo October 2008 |
SYNOPSIS: Two old friends make a temporary marriage of convenience and find sparks igniting between them, but soon they must fight to keep their love alive in the face of their own secrets and an unexpected enemy.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE |4| Marguerite Lemons
REVIEW:
Craig Thompson is a hot shot account executive for a small firm in Houston whose
boss offers him a chance to fulfill his dream of owning the firm upon his
retirement. The only problem Craig has is that he can’t have his inheritance
unless he meets the terms stipulated by his grandfather. Craig has always been
cocky and sure of himself. It is this attitude which prompted his grandfather to
place the marriage stipulation on his inheritance in the first place. Renee
Richards is living life on her own terms, and working as a successful accountant
in a firm in Houston. Renee is impetuous and this particular character flaw has
caused her more trouble than she can handle. She is surprised to hear from
Craig, her deceased brother’s best friend, and her childhood crush. Her surprise
turns to dismay when she realizes exactly what Craig wants. Renee and Craig are
stunned by their attraction to each other and both are hiding secrets which
could cost them everything, including someone’s life.
In PROMISES MADE, both characters have problems communicating with each
other which leads to a multitude of problems and misunderstandings. Instead of
Craig being honest with Renee and posing a proposition; he decides to manipulate
her with a childhood promise. Renee’s insecurities, impetuousness and drama
becomes tedious after awhile. However, the drama created around Craig’s
character and the ensuing sub-plot it creates has an unexpected twist. Ms.
Layton does a great job weaving the other characters into the story while
creating just enough angst to keep it interesting.
PROMISES MADE is a smooth flowing, evenly paced tale of love, honor,
deception, greed and family. There are characters you love and those you’ll
hate, but Ms. Layton makes sure to keep you interested.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 28th October 2008