WHAT A GIRL WANTS - Reon Laudat
St. Martin's Press
August 2003
SYNOPSIS: Ava Daniels and Harper Reynolds have not seen each other since they were teens. Upon their reunion, Harper is stunned that ugly-duckling Ava has become drop-dead gorgeous. But this beautiful swan is over her long-ago crush on Harper--or is she?
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: (NR)
REVIEW: For years Ava Daniels has loved Harper Reynolds, and when, in her teen years, he rejects her, she is deeply hurt. Unfortunately, Ava doesn’t realize that Harper cares for her to much to take advantage of her.
When Harper’s Aunt Flossie dies and leaves her house to both of them, they are annoyed about the joint ownership as each has plans for the house. Ava sees this as an opportunity to save her brother, while Harper hopes to use it as a home for runaway teens. Remembering Ava’s coolness towards him whenever they’ve met in recent times, Harper knows that getting control of the house will not be an easy task.
Such a premise hints at the intense conflict that exists between the two main characters; a conflict that develops from scintillating sexual tension into sexy steamy love scenes, and one that will leave readers exhilarated and vibrant at the close of the book.
With her debut, Ms. Laudat’s wooed readers with PICTURE PERFECT, an intense and emotional love story. Last year, with her St. Martin’s release, IT’S A LOVE THANG, she took a new direction, demonstrating a knack for slapstick comedy that gained her new fans.
The strength of WHAT A GIRL WANTS, however, lies in Ms. Laudat’s ability to create fresh unique characters, and her ability to blends light comedy with serious issues that works perfectly. The sub-plot which focuses on the plight of runaway teens is dealt with honestly and is never overwhelmed by the story’s humor.
Ms. Laudat has found an interesting balance of comedy and drama that works well, and is sure to please all of her fans. I look forward with anticipation to her next release.
wayne@romanceincolor.com (12th September 2003)