The Prince Next Door

I thought this book was funny. Fast paced and joyishly slapstick. Whats not to like? A skin doctor who wants to go on a nude cruise. A mother who fakes her own kidnapping, except her son only pretends to believe her. Oh, and let's not forget one seriously, beyond belief, so-hidious-yet-you-just-can't-look-away, ugly painting. Shakespeare, this is not. But if you want a light read with a lot of humor, go ahead and try this one out. But seriously, this is one ugly painting.

Sue Civil-Brown has been on my `must read' list for a long time - in both her names. Rachel Lee as done series romance and dark suspense that enthralls readers. But I actually enjoy her Sue persona better. She always writes about small town quirky characters and the funny business romance can be. In this breezy, delightful tale Dermatologist Serena Gregory is set on taking a clothing-optional Caribbean cruise. However, since that fell through, in lieu of that thrilling time, she fixed her mind on the diverting next door neighbor Darius Maxwell. The new neighbor is quite a hunk so the vacation that didn't materialize is soon forgotten as she tries to figure out what-is-what with Darius. It seems Darius' mum Maria Teresa has been kidnapped. Or so he's told. Darius believes Mummy-dearest is pulling a stunt to get him to return to his tiny unheard of country and take his rightful place as Prince. Only, Darius wishes the kidnappers well causing the eaves dropping Serena to be shocked. Maria Teresa is frustrated with her son's reluctance to come home and wear the crown. She soon sees the American Serena as a pawn to manipulate her son. Only, Serena is more than a match for Teresa. Their maneuvers are a joy to read. Hey, falling for a real Prince next door, getting involved in kidnapping, foreign intrigue and committing crimes beats a clothing-optional cruise any day. You can always take that cruise as a honeymoon!! Civil-Brown gives her fans a very enjoyable tale sure to tickle their funny bone.

Dermatologist Serena Gregory is on vacation when he overhears the cavalier reaction of the hunk next door, Darius Maxwell whose mom has been kidnapped. Darius knows his widowed mother Maria Teresa is pulling a stunt to get him to take his rightful place as the Prince of Masolimian. He informs the abductor Pablo Minos of the Masolimian Consulate that he feels sorry for him having to deal with Maria while as for him he will deal with art. Maria Teresa is frustrated with her son who is impressed with how Serena saved the life of a lightning victim. They begin to see one another and soon Serena and Darius fall in love. Theatrics worthy of an Oscar, Maria Teresa sees the American as a pawn to manipulate her recalcitrant son to do his duty to his Duchy. However, neither mom nor her diplomatic drafted henchmen are prepared for the battling dermatologist. Maria Teresa's antics sort of like a royal Auntie Mame turn this contemporary tale into an amusing romantic farce. Serena is a wonderful heroine wondering how Darius can be so nonchalant over his mom's kidnapping; Darius is fun as the center of all the activity especially his mom using her loyal Masolimian supporters to try to get Darius to act princely. Fans will enjoy this humorous tale between the dermatologist and THE PRINCE NEXT DOOR. Harriet Klausner