Crystal Green, Born to Be Bad

Crystal Green, Born to Be Bad - Weekly Gossip reporter Gemma Duncan dreams of winning a Pulitzer while writing for the New Orleans Times-Picayune although she figures her chances of either occurring is about as great as performing an ice skating triple axel. Still, when interviewing psychics for a living, Gemma knows not to use her real name so she reports stories like love with Tarot cards as Duncan James just in case she has a chance at a real newspaper.

Gemma overhears an interesting though angry discussion between city golden boy Damien Theroux and business mogul Lamont over illegal gambling debts. Lamont accuses Theroux of cheating as some avenging angel who apparently milks the rich to give to poor causes. Thinking she might have a chance for that Pulitzer and her real name as a reporter, Gemma decides to go undercover to learn the true nature of Theroux's illegal dealings. She takes a waitress job at one of his restaurants, but when she and Damien meet, an attraction rises between them. As they play wild sex games, she finds the information to expose her beloved's wrong doings even if he does them with good intentions; Gemma must choose between her ambition and her love.

Undercover romance readers will enjoy this interesting but unique tale of love between an idealistic reporter and a skeptical punisher. The sex scenes are graphic so be prepared for some torrid encounters. Though the audience might have problems with Damien, who is more demon than angel, he seems realistic. Fans will enjoy the relationship between the cynical Damien and the virginal Gemma reminiscent of Guys and Dolls.

Harlequin Blaze, Apr 2005, $4.75, 249 pp.

ISBN: 0373791836

Harriet Klausner