~ Review: The Sweetest Temptation ~

SYNOPSIS:  This second installment of the Whitfield Brides series finds pastry chef Faith lamenting her own love life. That is until Ethan McMillan comes to her rescue, and soon their passions heat to the boiling point.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE |4| Susan Plummer

REVIEW:  Love can happen when you least expect it. This is the theme of Rochelle Alers latest novel in the Whitfield Brides series; THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION.

Wedding Cake designer Faith Whitfield spends almost every waking moment creating amazing edible arrangements for her clients. With her hectic work schedule there’s little time in her life for anything else. At a client party, Faith is rescued from an unwanted advance by enigmatic pilot to the stars, Ethan McMillan and his take charge yet unassuming attitude catches her attention. Despite their mutual attraction, both harbor ideas that could prevent anything meaningful from developing between them. Unbeknownst to Ethan, Faith is keeping a secret frog vs. prince scorecard of his actions.

But Ethan is keeping a secret too -- a secret that could possibly rule him a frog on Faith’s scorecard.
 

The novel progresses quickly much in the same way Faith and Ethan’s relationship does. Her ethereal beauty masks a strong individuality which complements his outwardly aloof yet passionate personality. One quick note: In keeping with Faith’s character as someone who insists on honesty, I expected a stronger reaction from her when Ethan reveals his deception. Nevertheless, I was elated it didn’t become a reason to drive them apart. Characters from LONG TIME COMING, the first novel in the Whitfield trilogy, reappear in this novel.
 

New York provides the main backdrop for this very enjoyable story. However, one exotic island location, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is a fitting location where the high point actually occurs. The dialogue is sophisticated but suits the characters perfectly and works well in developing their personalities.
 

If I had to choose which novel I prefer, LONG TIME COMING or THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION; it would be hard to say although I do have a soft spot for Tessa and Micah because their story was first. Overall this is another winner for Ms. Alers.

reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 25th July 2008