Somebody To Love [Mass Market Paperback]

Setting - New York 1883 --- Araminta knew adversity and although raised in genteel but humble circumstances it didn't take her long before the child realized that though her mother was white, her darker skin set her aside from the poor yet privileged white children. An exceptional chef, through strength, determination and hard work, Araminta was determined to realize her dream of opening her own restaurant on her own. After a series of jobs, she would only have to endure the employment of this less than reputable employer for just a short time more before it would be accomplished. However, running into the very wealthy and supercilious, Griffin Calverson, once again, was not a welcome sight as he aroused in her feelings she had long ago put away as impossible dreams.

Griffin Calverson, had the Midas touch for making money and accumulating all kinds of physical properties. Yet in spite of his immense wealth, he was alone. Discovering once again Araminta Woodhall, the outspoken sultry beauty that once worked for his sister, he realized that she awoke in him a passion that set his heart on fire and he vowed to make her his. The rules of the society of that day would forbid a marriage and he arrogantly offered her carte blanche never realizing that with Araminta, the cost of passion could only be bought by the gift of his heart.

This is the second novel following the debut, SOMEBODY WONDERFUL, by an amazingly fresh and original new voice in historical romance. In this she has again charmed the reader with her witty intelligent dialogs and two protagonists who are as different as night and day... Notwithstanding the difference of color, they were perfect for one another and only Araminta would have the wherewithal to read the great Griffin Calverson the riot act and tell him exactly what an unfeeling jerk he was! Naturally, after his initial anger at her impudence he realized that he admired the fact that she stood up to him. This was another outstanding novel set in New York City amongst the dirty politics (Tammany) and greed that took place during that era. The author writes with humor, passion, page-turning intensity and really digs deep into her characters flaws and eccentricities. This seems to be an author one must definitely put on their watch lists! Superb reading.... --- Marilyn Rondeau, for [...] ----

A guest review by Danielle Hill

Heroine: voluptuous

British ex-patriate Araminta Woodhall is working as a chef in the gambling establishment of Linder Kane, a man whose shady business is best overlooked, until she becomes aware of his abuse of her young, vulnerable friend and his mistress, Olivia. Araminta has a soft heart for the less fortunate because of her gentle mother and cannot ignore the plight of a person in need, especially the young woman who so reminds her of her mother. The situation is escalating rapidly, and Araminta fears for her friend's safety. She finds an unlikely ally in Griffin Calverson, the brother of her friend and former employee, Timona (the heroine of Rothwell's previous novel Somebody Wonderful). She is not exactly eager to seek out the help of the cold as ice, but devastatingly attractive businessman with a reputation of being dangerous to those who cross him. But she knows that she needs to fight fire with fire. Although Kane is a long-time enemy of him and his business associates, Griffin is motivated to help the fiery and voluptuous chef for more personal reasons. He figures the closer he gets to her, the easier it will be to seduce her into his bed, where he can exorcise himself of his obsession with her. What starts as a light flirtation as they join forces to help the young woman who is hiding secrets about her past, becomes a struggle not to fall in love. Love between a chef of mixed race and an aristocratic businessman is not a good idea, but it blossoms as they spend more and more time together. But if they want to spend their lives together, they have to conquer their lifelong fears about giving into their love for each other.

What worked for me:

I enjoyed this book because I love stories with an interracial spin. I also liked the feisty heroine who takes charge of her life despite all the obstacles that she has faced. I enjoyed her tendency to be a mother hen, and the fact that she has not become bitter despite the prejudice that she has faced. The descriptions of the food that she prepares are vivid and mouthwatering, giving a believability to her being a chef. The hero is also very charming and has a vitality that leaps off the page at the reader. He comes off as being a man of contrasts: born upper-class and very polite, but with an inner fire and dangerous edge that is very appealing. From the beginning the reader than see that Araminta is very special to Griffin although he started out wanting her to be his mistress. He always showed respect and caring for her, and embraced her racial heritage instead of looking down at it. There is also an interesting supporting cast of characters that add to the vividness of the story, including a rough-edged bodyguard who is smitten with Araminta.

Size-wise Araminta was described by Griffith as having "the voluptuous hourglass figure of a Bowery actress".

What didn't work for me:

I felt that the suspense thread could have been a little more compelling. It seemed very thin although it did lend credibility to the reappearance of the main characters in each others' lives. It may have been intentional but I found Olivia annoying and somewhat prejudiced in her attitude towards Araminta, who was going out of her way to befriend and help her.

Overall:

It was an enjoyable read with interesting characters who won me over. I especially liked Araminta for her feisty, passionate, and caring nature. Griffin was very appealing and sexy, and I enjoyed watching him fall desperately in love with Araminta despite his efforts to the contrary. I enjoyed the cross-cultural romantic aspects as well. I would give it an A-.

Warning: Issues of racism are touched on in a very light but realistic manner. I found this to be refreshingly honest. The author dealt with the heroine's mixed race and showed the obstacles that she faced in a way that made you only admire her more. There is some very mild violence. The sensuality level is pretty light but enjoyable.

If you liked "Somebody to Love" you might also enjoy "Slightly Wicked", "Only in my Dreams", "Miss Carlyle's Curricle", "Into Temptation", "Suddenly You", "The Accidental Bride", "The Bride and the Beast", "The Fire-Flower", "The Last Days of a Rake", "Cat and the Countess", "The Courtship", or "Enchanting Pleasures".

Kate Rothwell's "Somebody to Love" follows the exploits of the Calverson family, this time centering on Timona Calverson's worldly and successful brother, Griffin, and her best friend - Araminta.

Araminta Woodhall, the Calverson's family cook, left to work with Linder Kane, a wealthy, albeit cruel man who keeps his mistress, Olivia, captive in his house, one he repeatedly beats into submission. Araminta realizes Kane's treacherous side all too soon, yet stays for two reasons: one is to save enough money to open her own restaurant; the second is her desire to help Olivia escape Kane. If she can only convince Olivia to leave...

Griffin Calverson has his reasons for being isolated. He has no mother. His father hunts dinosaur bones and has no interest in overseeing the family wealth. It was up to Griffin to keep a watchful eye over his younger sister until she married. A man of many worldly successes, Griffin learns that Linder Kane, a deceitful man, might be trying to steal his company.

Since the two of them have not met, Griffin visits Kane's home, presumably to dine and gamble, but secretly to learn what he can about his ruthless business opponent. The rumor that Araminta had become Griffin's cook becomes truth when Kane insists his cook make an appearance to accept the crowd's compliments.

Griffin, who can't afford to have her reveal his identity, seeks her out. When he confronts her, Araminta recalls the growing attraction she had for the handsome brother of her best friend when she worked for the Calversons. And although Griffin was also attracted to Araminta, he knows society would frown upon his marriage to a woman of color and develops his own agenda - that of wooing the sultry beauty into becoming his mistress.

Araminta, a strong willed, independent woman, will do whatever it takes to help the people she loves. Her desire to aide her helpless friend, Olivia, forces Araminta to seek Griffin's help. Despite her growing attraction to Griffin over the course of several meetings, she refuses to become his mistress. She wants marriage, though she too realizes the impossibility of achieving that goal with Griffin.

Deceit and danger from Griffin's competitor, Kane, quickly ensnares the young couple. When Griffin is attacked by Kane's henchmen and recovers at Araminta's home, he learns the truth of her parentage, the obstacles she has overcome, and begins to realize how much she means to him, especially when one of Griffin's friends, a police detective, proposes marriage to Araminta.

Will Araminta and Olivia escape Kane's clutches? Will Kane destroy Griffin and his empire? Most important, will Araminta sacrifice her long-standing principles to remain by Griffin's side, reach her goal of owning a restaurant, or settle for marriage to a policeman?

"Somebody to Love" is a well-written novel of two people who share a common enemy. The plot is swift-paced, the characters fully-developed with individual challenges and goals that slowly merge to a thrilling ending. Kate Rothwell's "Somebody to Love" is precisely that - a wonderful tale of love, pride and greed.

Linda Morelli

Award-winning author of FIERY SURRENDER and SHADOW OF DOUBT