Fabulous Beast (Silhouette Desire, No 127)

Nothing super special, but a pleasant short read. Again, as all Silhouette Desires reprints, suffers from the mini book treatment. Just too short to really develop interesting characters, but they were nice enough to give you a good price. JAK does what she can and it is a nice quick read.Tabitha Graham is on a cruise looking for a little adventure. Recently divorced from a bad marriage (he was on rebound and soon found girl wanted him back), her ego has been scarred by the marriage, leaving her doubting herself in many areas.She rescues Dev Colter in a back alley - she thinks he is a mugged tourist - but he is actual a secret agent. Due to his weakened state of being beaten, Tabby takes care of him and helps him back to the ship. He likes the softness and womanly tenderness he sees in her and encourages Tabby in this mistaken belief he is a mild, almost shy man.Needless to say, Tabby is not happy when she finds the man she 'understands so well' because they are so much alike, is nothing like he man she created in her mind. But Dev knows Tabby likes fanciful beasts like dragons and unicorns - so he is out to convince her a live 'beastie' is even more thrilling to trap.

If you've ever read any of Jayne Ann Krentz's works, it will be blatantly obvious to you as you read this book that it is one of her earlier works. Not a lot of information is given about the backgrounds of "Dev" and "Tabby." The minor characters in this one are very minor. Actually only two other characters even interact with "Dev" and "Tabby" more than once. I still found the book to be an enjoyable read. The main characters are likable and the beginning reminded me of being on a cruise. Even in this earlier work, there are flashes of J. A. Krentz's blooming talents. "Tabby's" discussions of dragons and other creatures reminds me of some of Krentz's later works.

Tabitha Graham disliked being wholesome and sweet and shy, but she realized that this was her in a nutshell. Now she has met a man on her cruise that seemed to be all that and more. Having rescued poor Devlin Colter after thugs had worked him over, Tabitha was determined to protect him and even seduce him. A spy in semi-retirement, Dev was intrigued by Tabby. When the truth about Dev comes out, his tabby cat flees. Now Dev must follow and convince her that even dragons need love.Delightful story of a man and woman looking to change. This is the type of story that made Krentz popular and is still full of love, humor, and fun.