Aris Whittier, Foolish Notions

Foolish Notions

Aris Whittier

Five Star, Apr 2007, $26.95

ISBN: 1594145849

In Los Angeles, affluent CEO James Taylor wants the best for his mom as she undergoes cancer treatment, so he plans to hire a live-in nurse for her. However, Marie has rejected all candidates; insisting Samantha is the only one for the job. Used to getting his way, the arrogant James says to his mom anyone but Sam. He loses the debate and his former girlfriend Sam, the only woman ever to dump James, is hired. Sam agrees only because she cares for Marie and once dreamed of being a close daughter-in-law before she caught James kissing another woman.

James realizes he wants Sam back in his life. He bullies her and threatens to rough up her current boyfriend. She knows that she still wants and probably loves James, but does not trust him.

Readers will enjoy this solid contemporary romance as James' obsessive behavior and Sam's reactions ring true though the audience will wonder why she puts up with his tactics. The storyline is well-written and entertaining as James tries to regain what he lost while Sam tries to avoid him as she misses what he cost them, and an ailing Marie plays matchmaker as she knows they belong together. However, a final revelatory twist seems off-kilter based on the traits of the lead couple and all that went before. Still, this is overall a fine tale.

Harriet Klausner