French Twist by Roxanne St. Claire (2004, Paperback)

One of my rules of thumb for what makes a good book is one that keeps me up past my scheduled bedtime. Roxanne St.Claire manages to weave a sexy, fast-paced race across the continent. She builds not just believable characters, but characters that you want to be, to meet, to sit down and have a drink with.

Janine is not your "spunky" heroine cliche. She is someone who conquers her own fears and exhibits flaws. Luc struggles with guilt and remorse both from his past as well as his present attraction to Janine.

Their subsequent travels across the continent force them to face not just fears but feelings of attraction as well. There is danger and you feel the tension that comes from a well-drawn villain as well.

The ending surpassed "happily ever after" for me and transcended into "yeah, that's the way it should go".

Thanks to Ms. St.Claire for a book that offered twists and turns that kept me up at night. I will be buying anything with her name on it from now on.