French Twist

Once there was a beautiful woman who symbolized the height of French art and politics in the 18th century. She was La Marquise de Pompadour, patron of the arts and mistress of King Louis XV. The recent discovery of three unusually colored Sèvres vases bearing her image has made headlines around the world and brought Dr. Janine Coulter to Versailles. Taking over as curator of the Pompadour Plums exhibit, Janine is determined to finish the lifelong dream of her mentor Albert Farrow, who recently died under mysterious circumstances. But in the days leading up to the exhibit's premiere, rumors abound that an infamous art thief known as The Scorpion is planning to steal the Plums, and Janine is forced to work closely with security expert Luc Tremont to stop the heist. If all went as planned for "Luc Tremont," he would soon be getting a pardon and his old identity back. Once known as one of the most successful thieves of the modern era, Luc Tremont aka Nick Jarrett aka The Scorpion has spent the last five years atoning for his crimes by working undercover for the FBI throughout Europe. When his old nemesis Karim Benazir escapes from prison and assumes the Scorpion persona, Luc arranges to use the Pompadour Plums as the ultimate bait. Switching the Plums with a fake set, the trap should have been perfect. Unfortunately, when the theft is discovered, the real vases are also missing. Now, Luc and Janine -- the one person who can tell the difference between the fake and real sets -- must track and find the Plums before they disappear forever. And with them, Luc's last chance at redemption. FRENCH TWIST is an absolutely grand adventure. The charming and chameleon-like Nick and the intrepid Janine are an attractive pair whose sizzling chemistry will have readers thinking of those romantic art/jewel heist movies of the 50's and 60's. Interesting and varied secondary characters provide depth and layers to the story, and in Ms. St. Claire's narrative, France has never been portrayed so vividly and lovingly. With her flair for romance and suspense in exotic locales, Roxanne St. Claire is well on her way to the bestseller lists. TheSchemer

One of my rules of thumb for what makes a good book is one that keeps me up past my scheduled bedtime. Roxanne St.Claire manages to weave a sexy, fast-paced race across the continent. She builds not just believable characters, but characters that you want to be, to meet, to sit down and have a drink with. Janine is not your "spunky" heroine cliche. She is someone who conquers her own fears and exhibits flaws. Luc struggles with guilt and remorse both from his past as well as his present attraction to Janine. Their subsequent travels across the continent force them to face not just fears but feelings of attraction as well. There is danger and you feel the tension that comes from a well-drawn villain as well. The ending surpassed "happily ever after" for me and transcended into "yeah, that's the way it should go". Thanks to Ms. St.Claire for a book that offered twists and turns that kept me up at night. I will be buying anything with her name on it from now on.

My first introduction to Roxanne St. Claire was through her debut earlier this year with Silhouette Desire. Last weekend I picked up a copy of her single title, FRENCH TWIST. I absolutely couldn't put the book down. I read it on an airline flight and literally turned the last page as the plane landed. The plot is exquisite, the setting brings back memories of strolling through the Palace of Versailles and the characters are ones you love to love. Ms. St. Claire is now on my "must read" list and I eagerly await her upcoming releases. Her first book, TROPICAL GETAWAY, is scheduled reading for this weekend.

I don't think I've ever read a romance novel set in France, but wow, I'm glad I tried this one. Really exciting, with a yummy hero and lots of twists and turns. Off to track down this author's other books...

I liked St. Claire's first book, Tropical Getaway, a lot, but I think this one is even better, and I'd recommend it to any reader. The characters are feisty and fun...the settings are beautiful...and the pace is perfect, with lots of suspenseful drama and yet plenty of time for quieter, more emotional (and sensual) moments. I loved both the heroine, who's smart and strong, and the hero, Luc (very glamorous, sophisticated and tough but also your basic good guy). Their interaction is sexy and romantic (obviously) but also feels grounded, tender and real. If you like books featuring either France and/or the art world that's a bonus, but at heart this book's appeal is much broader....it's just a terrific story. Last but not least it's really well-written, and that isn't always true of romances, which often seem slipshod or careless. I was glad to read St. Claire has several books coming up....I can't wait! I'd urge anyone who likes romance or suspense to try this one.