Limecello’s review of French Kissing by Nancy Warren
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze 1 Apr 08
I tend to really like Ms. Warren’s books published by Brava, and the Blaze line is one of my favorites, so when she wrote a book for Blaze, it was the perfect match. Although the book started slowly for me, I’m glad I came back to it and gave it a chance. The book seems a bit cliché, but it isn’t, and turned out to be a highly enjoyable read.
While I like fashion and find Paris fascinating, French Kissing took some time to grow on me. Kimi Renton and Holden MacGreggor are like a Papillion, and a Great Dane, and just as different. She’s a fashion writer, and he’s a PI on assignment, posing as a photographer. At first, I thought both Kimi, and the book might be a bit too fluffy, and that Holden would be too cold. However, once the characters resign themselves to working with each other, however, it’s smooth sailing.
One reason I didn’t like the book initially, was talk of the couple Nicola Pietra, and Mark Apple – aka ApplePie. Eye roll. However, they are minor characters, and provide comic relief, as well as the premise for the book. French Kissing is also surprisingly complex. There are two subplots, that weave into the main plot beautifully, and serve to support the story, rather than distract from it.
Kimi seems very shallow, but she has surprising depth, and is a great person. She’s willing to curtail her activities in her favorite week of the year. She’s also intelligent, and follows things through once she commits to it. Holden can’t tell J. Crew from Tom Ford, until Kimi puts him through fashion boot camp. He thinks fashion is frivolous, but puts his all into being a good photographer, and to prove himself to Kimi. He’s a good sport, and a surprisingly understanding male. They’re both witty, intelligent, and able to compromise. It also helps that they’re instantly attracted to each other and have amazing chemistry.
The crime investigation was creative, and the villains unexpected. The twists and turns in the story not only serve to bring Kimi and Holden together, they’re interesting and believable. French Kissing is an action packed story that has romance, drama, angst, intrigue, an international couture theft ring, and the mafia. French Kissing is well written, and a great short read. The plot is fresh and new, and a lot of fun. I recommend reading this book.
Grade: B+
Fashion crime” takes on a whole new meaning…
Manhattan magazine editor and fashionista Kimi Renton is one of the beautiful people at couture week every year. But this time she’s stuck with a rumpled P.I. posing as her photographer. Holden MacGreggor is tough-guy gorgeous—and badly attired. So if he’s going to play the part right, she’s going to have to dress him properly…then undress him slowly.
Soon they’re having so much fun under the covers they almost forget that they’re supposed to be undercover, busting up an international theft ring. Then ooh, la la turns into oh-oh when they’re found out.
Could this be the last tango in Paris for both of them?
Read an excerpt here.
