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RISK - Ann Christopher Kensington Dafina/Romance February 2007 |
SYNOPSIS: With a dance a passion starts to simmer between a seemingly carefree young man and a by the rules woman. Years later when they meet again the simmer turns into a fire that will have to withstand loss, misunderstanding and each of their own determination to do what they feel is best. In the end they will have to realize it take a little risk to get what the heart desires.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE |4++| Monica Jeffers
REVIEW: Successful lawyer Angela Dennis knows all about
heartbreak. Recently dumped by her fiancée she is reeling to get her
bearings when another tragedy makes her life go even crazier. Carefree
playboy Justus Robinson plays the field and keeps women at a distance
from his heart and emotions except where Angela Velma is concerned. From
years ago he has wanted her and now despite all they face he plans to
have her.
In RISK, Ann Christopher has a vibrant cast of characters that show the
complexities of family, love and overcoming loss. Angela is faced with
the break up from her fiancée when not to long after she finds her
sister and her sister’s husband is dead. They leave behind her niece
Maya who Angela is not close to. Now Angela has to take care of Maya,
keep her career going and face Justus Robinson her sister’s brother in
law. Although trying to deny it Angela is attracted to Justus but her
fear of being hurt and his lifestyle hold her back.
Justus Robinson is devastated by the loss of his brother and plans to
step up and take care of his niece Maya. Being able to get close to
Angela is a side benefit. He knows that Angela only see the impulsive
and carefree bachelor however he plans to show her there is more to him.
After moving to fast Justus tries to play it cool while slowly getting
Angela to trust him and see him as a man. As time goes by Angela starts
to make him feel more than attraction, she gets under his skin. Angela’s
fear of hurt and lack of trust colors their relationship. After an
accident Angela withdraws from both Justus and Maya, her niece.
When Angela realizes that her priorities in life has changes she decides
to not let her past hold her back from her future.
Ms. Christopher has a wonderful cast of minor characters that enrich the
story with their strong opinions and vibrant personalities. Vincent
Robinson, Justus’s father, with his tumultuous relationship with Justus,
strong opinions, and his growth draws a reader from dislike to surprise
caring about him and the wisdom he imparts. Maya, Angela and Justus’s
inquisitive three-year old niece, shows the softer side to Angela and
the more responsible caring side of Justus. The tight relationship
between Brian, Justus’s friend, and Justus bring home the truth that you
don’t have to be related just by blood to be a family.
The novel, RISK draws the reader into a complex, intriguing story of
loss, frailties of relationships and the romance between Justus and
Angela. It touches on all the various emotions, insecurities, and
experiences anyone faces in their day-to-day lives. The story flows with
a natural rhythm and intensity that the reader will be able to be a part
of it and feel as if it has happened to them. RISK, is a true triumph of
story telling.
RISK is, an arresting read that gripped me from the first passionate
encounter and didn't let me go. The characters and storyline bring fresh
life to each page. Angela and Justus became more than characters in a
novel. They became real with all the mistakes and frailties that we
have. After reading this novel, I have to go back and read more of Ann
Christopher’s work. I eagerly await another novel by Ms. Christopher.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 3rd February 2007