Untamed Italian, Blackmailed Innocent

Its the same formula but Mrs. Baird made it her own. Lets start off with Zac..sinfully gorgeous and of course an alpha male who was annoyed that Sally did as much as nodded at him when she first sees him. He is used to being fawned over by women. Sally pays him no mind and was not impressed by him or his blatant ogling of her. One thing that I love love about Sally is that she is educated and independent. Oh she is also beautiful and innocent of course. A scenario happens where Sally has no choice but to oblige Zac. I will not give the rest away but I read this book twice definitely a keeper.

Repetitive story elements are key characteristics of Harlequin romances. It kind of reminds of the cooking show Chopped. All contestantsare given baskets of identical items and given free reign to make it their own. In this case Jacquline Baird's basket contained the standard Harlequin formula: Innocent Young woman catches the eye of rich tycoon. Kudos to Baird for taking this forluma and making it her own. The charcters, their lives, emotions, dialogue, history and ambitions are real, modern and well drawn. Sally is a strong, damaged character with her own life and desires that clash, very entertainingly with those of the hero Zac. Sally is not a heroine who sits around wringing her hands and wondering if the hero will come to love her. What a breath of fresh air. Over the book, Zac and Sally grew as individuals and as a couple. I could have done without the stock "surprise" at the end, but it ws not enough to diminish my enjoyment of a truly fine romans that has earned its spot on my keeper shelf.