Kate Hoffman, Hot & Bothered

Hot & Bothered

Kate Hoffman

Harlequin Temptation, Aug 2004, $4.50, 216 pp.

ISBN: 0373691882

After years away due to an estrangement by refusing to follow in his father's footsteps, realtor Trey Marbury returns home to Belfort, South Carolina to settle his late father's estate. Though twelve years have passed since he was last in town and he has had plenty of women since, he still remembers making love to Libby Parrish, now a cooking show host.

Libby has never forgotten the only man she loved, Trey. When he comes to say hello, she cannot stop herself and keep her distance. They fall into each other's arms; hugs lead to kisses and finally to making love. However, Libby expects Trey to leave once he finishes his business here so she hides part of her heart from him. When the spinster matchmaking Throckmorten sisters decide that Trey and Libby are perfect for one another, they send her a steamy note allegedly from him. Libby drops all her reservations until she learns Trey never wrote the note of love; although that is how he feels, he must persuade her that he wants her with him forever.

HOT & BOTHERED is a torrid contemporary romance that stars two individuals who need a push (from the delightfully interfering elderly siblings) to realize love is forever. Although at times Libby and Trey act as if they are the stars of Temptation Romance 101, readers will appreciate that this nice couple belongs together and root for them to get their act in gear in Kate Hoffman's fine small-town romance.

Harriet Klausner