The Valentine Bride: Harlequin Happy Valentine's Day; The Brides of Bella Lucia

This book was so good it's going on my Top 10 list. The author first introduced Louise in Book 4 `Wanted: Outback Wife' when we found out she was adopted. The next time we ran into her was in Book 6 `Crazy About the Boss' when, in a state of rebellion, she appeared at the family Christmas party in a red mini-skirt, white angora crop top and flashing belly button ring with an Aussie hunk hanging on her arm. Her cousin Max looked like he wanted to shake her. And I couldn't wait for their story. When The Valentine Bride starts, it's only a few weeks past the infamous Christmas party and Louise is over her public display of rebellion. Still reeling from her parent's recent disclosure of her adoption, Louise has broken from the family and submerged herself in the work of her PR company. But her mind is filled with thoughts of Max Valentine. Raised as cousins, Louise and Max have fought a physical attraction since puberty. Ashamed at her feelings, Louise took her anger out on Max at the slightest provocation. It was the only way she could stay grounded when all she really wanted to do was fling herself into his arms. But they've just discovered Max isn't her blood cousin and suddenly, there's nothing to stop Louise and Max from being together. Except fear. Everyone knows Max runs whenever a woman gets too close. Not only that but when Louise found herself dateless for her prom, her uncle ordered Max to fill in. Max stood her up. And over the years, it wasn't the last time. Finding out Louise's parentage is like a dream come true for Max. He can finally make his move on Louise but when he tries to entice her back into the family business, she balks. When she agrees to work with him until Valentine's Day for a token gesture, Max can't believe his good fortune until he realizes her price is one solitary kiss. But after years of volatile frustration, will they survive it? This is the 7th and final book in The Brides of Bella Lucia series. For the complete listing, go here: http://thebridesofbellalucia.blogspot.com/2006/04/brides.html Heat Level: Sensual My Rating: Excellent - 5 stars