Limecello’s review of Amorous Liaisons by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Oct 08

Amorous Liaisons is the newest book in the Lust in Translation series. Blaze is one of my favorite lines, and Ms Mayberry is one of my favorite Blaze authors. Win, win. I’ve been in a funk with books, but I read this one in a day. I’m impressed with the Lust in Translation books I’ve been reading. I can’t wait for the next one, and will likely look for others in the back list as well.

Maddy Green is an extremely complex, developed heroine. She seems flighty, not exactly shallow, but completely consumed in her own world as a prima ballerina. Understandable, considering the demands of what was her life, but as a result Maddy isn’t very good at being a normal person. Dance has consumed her past twenty plus years, and she hasn’t looked to the future, going by the philosophy of “out of sight, out of mind.” Maddy is a caring person, she simply has a lot to deal with. Once she gets it sorted out, Maddy shows surprising depth and warmth.

Max Laurent is pretty much the perfect hero. He’s charming, talented, multifaceted, and sacrificed his entire career for family. And that’s all before the novel started – Max welcomes Maddy into his home even though they haven’t much interacted in eight years. It’s mentioned a few times that Max has a Sir Galahad complex, and that is definitely true. What doesn’t hurt is that Max is French, was an amazing dancer, and kept his dancer’s body. What’s not to love?

Ms Mayberry writes she did a lot of research on retired ballet dancers, and I believe it. Although the plot almost crossed the line of “too much information” a few times, the reader really sympathizes with what Maddy is going through. The sequence is entirely natural and realistic. Maddy’s irrational and in denial, but such behavior is expected, and generally normal. The characterization and reactions that Maddy and Max display are eminently believable.

I loved that the novel was set in Paris, as it is part of the Lust in Translation series. It was nice that Ms Mayberry included some of Maddy’s frustration with the language barrier. On the topic of language and terms, in a way I had mixed feelings about it. I loved when Max used French to talk dirty to Maddy during sex – very hot. However, much of the random French, and especially all the ballet terms, I found frustrating. I ended up looking up every dance step or sequence on YouTube, which was helpful.

Amorous Liaisons read differently from Ms Mayberry’s other writings, at least in my mind. No better or worse, just unlike the other stories – possibly because the book dealt with serious issues, and didn’t quite have the lighter tone of her other books. One similar theme, however, was the obtuseness Maddy and Max displayed in not realizing how the other person felt about them. Neither character revealed their feelings to the other until the very end.

It was so nice to tour Paris with Max and Maddy. Ms Mayberry’s attention to detail in regards to dance, personality, psychological and a number of other issues is impressive. Maddy and Max are well written and likable, the story is emotional and involving, and I feel that Ms Mayberry has written another terrific book. I definitely recommend this book to any of Ms Mayberry’s fans, as well as anyone looking for a great contemporary read packed with emotion.

Grade: B

Friends with benefits

Max Laurent has always wanted Maddy Green. But he let her go once before rather than stand between her and her dreams. Now she’s on his Paris doorstep, needing a place to stay. She’s just as hot and he wants her just as much. How can he resist seducing her?

When Maddy’s world falls apart, it’s only natural that she turns to Max for support. But fall into his bed? Never…until one steamy night, that is. And having had a taste of him, she’s hungry for more. Then she has the chance to resume her career, although it means leaving him. Can she throw away the best sex – and the best friend – she’s ever had?

Read an excerpt here.