Jayne Ann Krentz, Twist of Fate

Twist of Fate

Jayne Ann Krentz

Harlequin HQN, February 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 0373772297

Though she needs a cane to walk since the recent car accident, and she will require surgery, Seattle guidance counselor Hannah Jessett comes to Vegas to try to persuade ruthless business shark Gideon Cage from taking over her brother's firm Accelerated Design. She offers the predator a game of chance, high card; if he wins she hands over her shares of stock, while if she wins he backs off. He agrees and she draws the higher card.

Gideon cannot get Hannah out of his mind, as she brought to him his first refreshing event since he was betrayed by his mentor years ago. Though he must contend with his late teacher's offspring Hugh Ballantine, Gideon decides to go after Hannah. She, in turn, is looking at the journals her late Aunt Elizabeth Nord; a renowned but controversial anthropologist took when she visited Revelation Island. The shy counselor steps out of character for the second time in a short period to follow up on her aunt's revolutionary work. Gideon joins her.

TWIST OF FATE is a delightful lighthearted contemporary romance with some suspense elements, mostly late. The tale stars a likable seemingly naive heroine and an apparent business predator; readers will quickly decide that perceptions and images can be deceiving. The support cast enhances the fun story line, starting when Hannah pulls out her deck of cards and Gideon keeps them as a souvenir, and never slows down until the final confrontation with Aunt Elizabeth's legacy.