Nikki’s review of Renaissance by Zannie Adams
Contemporary erotic romance ebook released 21 Mar 07 by Ellora’s Cave

Cali Ross has known Kent Landon most of her life. She’s felt a connection with him that she doesn’t understand but has been smart enough not to act on her feelings. He’s rich, powerful, cold, spoiled… in short just the sort of man a woman would be wise to avoid. To her shame, she can’t seem to control herself whenever he’s around.

This story has enjoyable aspects but there are a whole lot of tedious pages in between, way too many predictable plot devices. The sexual tension is good. The characters and dialogue are terrific.

There is a maturity to the characters that comes through. They have a realistic progression to their relationship that is refreshing but, at the same time, drags the book down. Mature adults take a lot more to establish a real relationship than I really want to read about. I don’t say this often, but there needed to be some short cuts here. When I finished I was happy for the couple and happy the book was finally over.

Grade: D+

From the backcover:

Cali Ross gave up a successful career on the West Coast to move closer to her aging father. Although satisfied with her single life she has no objections to spending one hot unforgettable night with the man she could never have in high school. Or two nights – or maybe three. But she has no intentions of falling in love – certainly not with a man as closed-off and jaded as Kent, no matter how irresistible he is.

When he propositioned Cali for a one-night stand, Kent Landon never imagined he would still want her months later. But their fling quickly spirals into a full-blown affair. The more heat and passion he finds in her, the more determined Kent is to make her his alone. He just has to work through his own defenses so he can convince Cali that what started as hot sex has transformed into something deeper. Their renaissance.

Note: While the general information provided on the artist Giotto is accurate, the Giotto painting referenced in the novel is fictional.

Read an excerpt.