I have read this author before and enjoyed her books. This one was (sadly) disappointing especially in light of the fact that I was so looking forward to it. I just didn't *believe* any of it. The plot was contrived and the characters were hollow. Don't *tell* me about the characters and their feelings. *Show* me what the characters are like by their actions. This one just didn't ring true for me. I rarely don't finish a book but sadly put this one down. I don't like feeling that I'm being talked down to by romance authors. I'm always looking for authors who actually give me some credit. I can figure out what's going on in a story by following the action. I don't need it spelled out to me so simplistically. Read and enjoy her other books.