The meetings between Elissa Sheldon and her friend Martin Randolph after
work were only to plan his wife's surprise birthday party. Perfectly innocent.
Only it didn't appear that way to her boss, Wade Taggert. A lovely, young
woman meeting an older man -- a married older man -- who just happened to
have recommended her for a promotion...it all seemed pretty clear to him.
When Elissa shows up at Wade's office expecting the promotion, she doesn't get it.
Instead, she is accused of trying to sleep her way to the top, of choosing
the wrong man, and invited to try again with the right man...HIM. Incensed
by Wade's refusal to believe her explanation, Elissa resolved to teach Wade a
lesson he'd never forget, and ended up learning a lesson of her own...in
love.
Dangerous Magic was the first Jayne Ann Krentz book I read, and thus is my
sentimental favorite. However, it wasn't sentiment that made me read this
book over 100 times in the past 16 years. It was the characters. I fell in
love with them, especially the hero. Wade has all the expected Krentz alpha
hero characteristics -- intelligence, strength, honor, humor. But there is
more. Intriguing flashes of vulnerability allow you to see beyond the
surface so that you can feel his need for Elissa. Not just in a sexual sense, but
for HER. This is important, as it provides an understanding of his actions, and
keeps him from becoming overbearing. When you combine a hero like Wade with
an equally compelling heroine, plenty of sexual tension, and a truly
romantic ending, you have the ingredients for Dangerous Magic. Let it work its spell
on you.
Sondrea Cash
