Wendy Etherington, Are You Lonesome Tonight?

Are You Lonesome Tonight?

Wendy Etherington

Harlequin Temptation, Jan 2004, $4.25, 224 pp.

ISBN: 0373691580

Francesca D'Arcy has always dreamed of opening up a fine hotel with a five star gourmet restaurant to include the best wines. Partnering with her long time friend Tony Galini, she opens the fabulous Cabernet Inn. Knowing that if this venture fails, more than just her aspirations will sink as she has invested everything into this business. Thus, though she fantasizes about how good Tony would be in bed with her, Francesca vows no way especially with this philanderer as she knows that business and sex do not mix.

Tony really wants Francesca as his and is willing to give up almost anything to make her his. However, there is only one thing he refuses to risk and that is her friendship. Since she shows no signs of reciprocating his feelings, Tony will bury his own. However, a booking error places Francesca and Tony in the "right" bed together so that the best intentions are shattered. Can they be friends and lovers to each other?

ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT is a fine contemporary romance starring two delightful protagonists. The story line is the typical "Wrong Bed" drama in which the lead couple hides their desire for the other until they accidentally share the same bed. Francesca is a charmer as fans will understand her dreams and desires that seemingly clash. Though Tony is supposed to be a "bad boy", he acts totally opposite as he comes across as a caring person proving that the good guys sometimes win the girl too even in romance novels.

Harriet Klausner