Thursday, March 29, 2007

SWEET SENSATION by Gwyneth Bolton


Gwyneth Bolton is like Secretariat winning the Triple Crown waaaay back in the 1970’s. She accelerates as she races around the track to the astonishment of all. Each new novel has more depth and dimension than the one before.

SWEET SENSATION is the story of Deidre, a former hip-hop star who gave up the limelight to be a mommy to her secret baby. She never stopped loving the father of her baby, but she didn’t want to raise her daughter in that lifestyle. Especially after a friend was murdered. Fast forward and their secret baby is on the verge of adolescence and Deidre is outted by a television show. Daddy comes calling and Daughter gangs up with him to be a real family. But, Deidre is still scared. Turns out, she has good reason. Flex, her baby’s daddy, knows the murderer is out there again. And he knows Deidre and their daughter will be targeted. Will Deidre have the courage to believe in their enduring love? Can Flex really protect them?

I loved that the daughter was a fully involved protagonist in this story, because THE STAR CAPTAINS’ DAUGHTER is also a triangular story. Turns out, that’s kind of rare in the romance genre.

I love Flex and Deidre’s flaws. He wants a traditional family for his daughter that he never had. She’s afraid to take a leap of faith with their relationship. Their love scenes are well-supported by the story and enhance their enduring love. *Heat Level: Sensual.*

Some of you may worry that you won’t get this story because it’s set in the hip-hop culture, but I can testify that Gwyneth does an excellent job of defining the culture in the context of the story so you’re never wondering what the slang means or anything. The themes and feelings of this story are universal and will make your heart soar at the end of a long, hard day at the office. Trust me. Go out and buy this book. Good authors you can count on to consistently deliver the goods are hard to find. Don’t let Gwyneth get away!

8 comments:

Gwyneth Bolton said...

Thanks for taking the time to read and review SWEET SENSATION, Kimber An. I'm glad the story and the characters touched you enough to make you want to spend a moment reflecting on and writing about them. I really love SWEET SENSATION because after writing it I felt like I had finally found my voice in romance: urban, smart, sexy, hip-hop... I guess I'll have to wait and see what others think.

Gwyneth

Kimber Li said...

It's always great to hit one's stride anything, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

Kimber an,

I haven't had a chance to read Sweet Sensation but after reading your review I want to read it even more.

Tiffany

Kimber Li said...

Oh, good! Besides being great for Gwyneth, it also means I'm doing my part well enough. Thanks for popping in!

LadyBronco said...

Gotta love that smirk!

This book is on my list to get this weekend.

Can't wait!

Kimber Li said...

I still can't get my smirk right. Ah, well.

PatriciaW said...

It's already on my list.

Can always use another blog devoted to romance reading. Nice review, Kimber An.

Kimber Li said...

Thanks, patricia, and thanks for popping in!