Joanna Wayne The Gentleman’s Club

The Gentleman's Club

Joanna Wayne

Signature Spotlight, Jun 2005, $5.99

ISBN: 0373836511

In New Orleans, the lowest attorney on the food chain at the corporate law firm of Williams, Williams and Castle, Rachel Powers prepares to assist a client with the IRS when a battered woman insists on seeing her. Tess Shepherd explains a friend sent her to Rachel. Five years ago Tess says she met wealthy Logan McCain following her high school graduation celebration; he forced himself on her and she gave birth nine months later to twins Danny and Davy. She never saw him again until recently when he demanded the boys. Rachel does not practice family law so she recommends where Tess can get an attorney, but the woman walks out, not interested in anyone else.

Not long afterward Tess is murdered and her twins are missing. Although she knows she gave the right advice, Rachel feels guilt and concern for the boys. She begins making inquiries concentrating on insuring the safety of the children. When she gets to know Logan, she concludes he is no killer and would never force himself on a woman, but she also recognizes the rose colored glasses of love.

Romantic suspense readers will enjoy this strong tale due to the transition of the lead couple especially Rachel who slowly and believably goes from suspicious to a woman in love who trusts her partner. The storyline is action-packed with an interesting twist albeit used too often in literature and movies. Still the cast is fine; the cause is heroic; and the escapades delightfully written so that sub-genre fans will want to follow the exploits of Rachel and Logan as they risk their lives to rescue the twin boys.

Harriet Klausner