From Publishers Weekly
Adrian St. Claire, sexy chef and part owner of a bed and breakfast in Galveston, Tex., watched his sisters Aurora and Allison fall in love in Ortolon's previous two romances (Falling for You, Lead Me On). Now it's his turn-in this predictable yet warmhearted offering. Edgy, independent Jackie Taylor, owner of the cruise ship Pirate's Pleasure, dislikes slick, handsome men like Adrian, but she soon finds herself spending a lot of time with him when he confronts her with a bargain she can't refuse-he and his sisters will form a partnership between her cruise ship and their bed and breakfast if she lets them read her great-grandfather's letter, which might hold clues to the location of a sunken treasure. Jackie agrees reluctantly, fearful that the letter might dredge up secrets she would prefer remain buried. Sure enough, the letter and the subsequent excavation of her great-grandfather's ship do stir up trouble, as does Adrian's and Jackie's attraction to one another. Though the romantic story line becomes bogged down by back story and readers may tire of Jackie's prickliness, readers who have grown attached to the lovable St. Claire family will eat up this final installment in Ortolon's Pearl Island trilogy faster than a plate of Adrian's brownies.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Adrian's family's bed-and-breakfast is now a success, and as chef, he is one of the reasons it's doing so well. Adrian has everything: good looks, professional accomplishment, and a way with the ladies. But one thing is missing, and that's the recovery of a precious heirloom, which is reportedly at the bottom of their island's cove in a sunken ship. To get funding to search for it, Adrian approaches a woman whose family history is linked with his. Jackie is trying to make a go of her cruise business. Her father was a notorious con man in the Caribbean, and she has worked very hard to distance herself from what she considers a shameful past. It takes a lot of convincing on Adrian's part, but Jackie finally agrees to help him. In the process, they become good friends and business partners. Both wish for more, although they're afraid to reach for it in Ortolon's latest, which is by turns humorous and stirring. Maria Hatton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"An author on the rise...endearing, emotional and romantic!"--Romantic Times
"Julie Ortolon has perfected the art of the male/female relationship." -Virginia Henley
"Julie Ortolon has perfected the art of the male/female relationship." -Virginia Henley
Book Description
Adrian St. Claire, the sexy chef at the Pearl Island B&B, is as tempting as the dishes he serves. In fact, he's never had a woman tell him no--until his family needs help searching for a legendary heirloom on the sunken ship in the island's cove. To find the treasure they need the help of a woman whose history is as linked as theirs to the island's romantic past.
As the owner of the Pirate's Pleasure, Jackie Taylor is far more interested in running her cruise ship along the Texas coast than in chasing tales of lost booty, and even less interested in tangling with a man who collects female admirers just by walking down the street. On top of that, helping the St. Claires could dredge up secrets she'd like to remain buried.
Enticed by Jackie's resistance, Adrian soon has something more than treasure hunts and casual flirtation in mind...and he's not a man who takes no for an answer. But will they each have the courage to risk their hearts for the greatest treasure of all--falling in love?
As the owner of the Pirate's Pleasure, Jackie Taylor is far more interested in running her cruise ship along the Texas coast than in chasing tales of lost booty, and even less interested in tangling with a man who collects female admirers just by walking down the street. On top of that, helping the St. Claires could dredge up secrets she'd like to remain buried.
Enticed by Jackie's resistance, Adrian soon has something more than treasure hunts and casual flirtation in mind...and he's not a man who takes no for an answer. But will they each have the courage to risk their hearts for the greatest treasure of all--falling in love?
About the Author
Most authors say they grew up reading. But not Julie Ortolon. Born with dyslexia, she didn't even learn to read until her early twenties when she discovered that romance novels were worth the struggle. It was only with the additional discovery of computers with spell-check that she was able to turn her favorite hobby--daydreaming romantic stories--into a career. Having her first novel hit the USA Today bestseller list was a dream come true.
Julie lives on the shore of Lake Travis near Austin, TX with her journalist husband, exuberant Australian Shepherd, and spoiled tabby cat. You can learn more about Julie by visiting her web site at www.ortolon.com, or write to her at JulieOrtolon@aol.com. She loves to hear from readers.
Julie lives on the shore of Lake Travis near Austin, TX with her journalist husband, exuberant Australian Shepherd, and spoiled tabby cat. You can learn more about Julie by visiting her web site at www.ortolon.com, or write to her at JulieOrtolon@aol.com. She loves to hear from readers.
