1 Woman + 2 Men in 1 Body = 1 Romance

Attorney Rebecca Dumarier uses her no-nonsense style to battle for successful romance writers around the globe. Despite her success in the romance industry, her personal romantic life is a disaster. Sure, she's a high-powered attorney, but can she handle a little broken heart?

Confused by feelings she always keeps hidden, Rebecca jumps a flight to Sedona, Arizona. There she's caught up in the vortex of a mysterious romance with Max, a man with an intoxicating voice, who sends roses, romance novels, and chocolate, but refuses to reveal his face.

To make matters worse, Rebecca thinks she's falling for shy trance channeler Tom Paxton. His precocious daughter and ex-wife/manager complicate the budding relationship until Tom discovers that someone is using his body for romance and his credit card for internet purchases. Investigating an old diary and using her worldly wiles, Rebecca discovers the identity of the man she truly loves. Now if she can only figure out which man that is.

Above the flow of water over river stones, Rebecca heard noises from the hotel kitchen. She turned and in the dim light watched a man in a white coat approach. She sat straighter and was about to stand to greet him when she recognized the senior wine steward carrying a tray.
“Miss Dumaurier. A gentleman requested this for you,” he said with a formal bow, but a knowing smile.
“What gentleman?”
“The gentleman said, ‘If the lady asks, tell her an admirer.’” The waiter placed a delicate crystal wine glass and a linen napkin on the small wooden table next to the bench, announcing, “Champagne, 1988 Krug Clos du Mesnil.” He added, “Our finest,” to be sure she understood, then turned and retreated up the path.
Rebecca lifted the wafer-thin tulip glass to her nose and inhaled the distinctive smell of the legendary wine, allowing its bubbles to tickle her nose. A sip, just a sip. This was a business meeting. Yet, she couldn’t deny herself a taste of the most expensive champagne ever imported.
“Excellent,” she whispered.
“I am so happy that you like it,” said a deep, very male, voice behind her.
Startled, she began to turn, but the voice she recognized from the phone message said, “No. Rebecca, please stay where you are. For now.”
“Yes, but why can’t I see you? I’m not used to business meetings in the dark.”
He laughed. “Much business is conducted that way. My dear, you enjoy your champagne and I will tell you my story.”
“This is so weird! I mean...irregular.”
“Perhaps, a little romantic?” His voice, like warm honey, made her heart beat faster.
She ignored the heat, which felt a lot like desire. “Your message suggested a copyright dispute. Tell me the facts.”
“Ah, of course, business first. Well then,” he sighed. “I wrote a...let us say...a book. An unscrupulous editor obtained possession and after cutting, adding, and totally distorting my meaning and intent, published it.”
“I want what is mine.”
“How many copies have been sold?”
“A million...maybe more. Fifty editions, counting translations and foreign rights. I am willing to forget about the TV series if they cease all rerunning of films immediately.”
“Mr...Max, you are talking big money. Only a few authors ever have that kind of success. Who is this author?”
“I am the author. Will you take my case?” the velvety voice asked.
She felt breath warm on the back of her neck. She had to see him. She didn’t think she could prevent herself from turning around one more minute. “Yes,” she whispered.
“Good. The deal is made. I will deliver the documentation to you, soon. But now...”
Rebecca felt a hand rest on her shoulder, cool and strong. A shiver of excitement ran through her body. Unconsciously, she leaned toward his hand, deepening the touch.
He released her and brushed the back of his hand lightly against her neck and cheek. His voice trembled. “Enjoy your champagne, Rebecca, my dear.”
She turned. Fine hairs stood away from the back of her neck. Trees rustled in the evening breeze and the creek bubbled past. That spicy sweet smell lingered in the air, but no one stood behind her. On the table beside the wine glass lay a perfect long-stemmed red rose.

Rating:

Reviewer: Nicole

Rebecca is a no-nonsense literary lawyer without a romantic bone in her body, at least says her mother and ex-fiancé. This vacation to Sedona was supposed to be a romantic get-away for two but after ending the engagement Rebecca is determined to go alone and enjoy it. Tom is a spiritual guru, who, with his ex-wife and young angelic daughter holds spiritual seminars, sometimes against his will. He's been feeling very tired lately and can't seem to put his finger on the cause. Cosmic forces seem to start drawing these two unlikely soul mates together but there is danger on the horizon. Will they be able to put all the pieces together before they are both killed?

Amber Polo creates a story with not only solid, easy to relate to characters but a beautiful backdrop. The story takes a mysterious turn with letters from a time gone past but you sense that they are relevant to the fate of the characters right away. Polo does a fantastic job bringing the plot to culmination and making it feel real. You can actually experience the inner struggle within Tom and Rebecca and feel the energy pulling them together. An A+ for Polo.
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