WELCOME TO LEO'S by Rochelle Alers, Donna Hill, Brenda

Jackson and Francis Ray

The mood is set

The food is sublime

The music will have you swaying to the beat in time

The club is owned and operated by brothers, three to be exact

And a female cousin who keeps everything on track

Step inside, have a seat and forget your woes

You may find love and romance here

Welcome to Leo's

WELCOME TO LEO'S is St. Martins 3rd anthology featuring the divas of romance. With the success of the other two anthologies, ROSIE'S CURL AND WEAVE and DELLA'S HOUSE OF STYLE, there's no way they could go wrong with this cast of writers. LEO'S is an elegant supper club in Washington, DC named for the Hardcastle brother's father. Each story entwines the club and it's owners in a uniquely and interesting way.

In the second story, "Eye of the Beholder", Jae Crawford has always had a love for the blues and her voice could put Sarah Vaughn's to shame. Being raised in the church by a minister father, Jae was taught that nightclubs are the devil's playground. Then one night while celebrating her birthday with her best friend, she meets Clyde Burrell, the entertainment manager at LEO'S. Only Clyde doesn't tell Jae what he does, because of her dislike for nightclubs and the people who frequent them. After hearing her sing in church, he convinces her to perform at LEO'S during Open Mike Night. Jae learns of Clyde's deceit, which sends their up-and-coming relationship down the tube. This story is an excellent example of how a little white lie can ruin your life. Well, your love life at least. Donna Hill wonderfully brings together twototally different people demonstrating how love conquers all. That is, once you learn to trust and believe in that person.

New diva on the block, Brenda Jackson contributes a story of second chance meeting of old lovers who find the Fire and Desire is still burning in Main Agenda. Lawyer Lincoln Corbain has recently moved to the DC area when one night at LEO's, he spots a woman he hasn't seen in over 4 years. It was a Spring Fling he would never forget. Raven Anderson was raised by a woman scorned by love. "Their mother had instilled it deep within their brains to always pursue their dreams and never become dependent on a man." She preached to her daughters to never let anything or specifically "anyone" come before their careers and all 3 had obeyed her lessons. Even at the cost of a broken heart and losing the man you love. Now here was Linc, back in her life again and refusing to give into her reasons for not starting up a relationship again. Ms. Jackson brings some very interesting characters to life in her story. Not only do you fall in love with the hero and heroine, but also the secondary characters carve out a place in your heart. This is Brenda Jackson's first project with these Divas and I don't mind telling you, I am loving this arrangement.

The last story, "Sweet Temptations" by Francis Ray, is about a couple of very independent people who have their own agenda and know what they want out of life. Chase M. Braxton, a Texas Ranger, is a visiting instructor at Howard University. His boss' wife sets him up with Julia Anne Ferrington, owner of Sweet Temptations, so he wouldn't be feel alone in a strange city. Chase has no desire to become involved in a serious relationship, especially a long distance one. He has learned from his dad and brother that marriage and lawmen don't mix. However, neither he nor Julia can deny the strong attraction between them. They agree to just enjoy each other while he is in DC. Funny thing about enjoying yourself, you end up not wanting it to end. This is what happens to Julia and she tries to break things off with Chase. Ms. Ray's description of Chase when Julia first sees him had me drooling. She is a master when it comes to imagery.  Also the humor thrown in was delightful.