Fantasy (Signature Select) [Mass Market Paperback]

Sebastian Sinclair would do anything for a worthy cause, even if it means putting on a monkey suit and being auctioned off in front of a group of rich and raunchy women. Sebastian hates being treated like a sex object, but knowing that the money raised was going to help abused women - a cause dear to his heart - how could he refuse? But the sense of feeling like a piece of meat does not sit very well with Sebastian, at least not until someone catches his eye.

Like something out of a movie, their eyes meet across a crowded room, and they can't look away from each other. Sebastian's interest is drawn to the woman staring at him with such innocent fascination, and couldn't be more pleased when he ends up as her prize for the next five days.

Brandi Sommers is mortified that her meddlesome but loving sister Shay bought her a man for her birthday (interesting note: Shay has her own story in "Secret Life of Bryan"). After extracting a promise from the gorgeous and sexy Mr. Sinclair to let her be in charge, she agrees to the prize package of a stay at a cozy yet luxurious cabin. While wary in his presence, Brandi finds she can trust him to let her be the one in control. She's shocked to discover how badly he wants her - it excites and terrifies her. Having suffered a traumatic experience years ago, Brandi is not sure how to deal with her awakening sexuality, but senses she can trust Sebastian to keep his promise.

Sebastian has never been so strongly affected by a woman. Her innate sensuality and innocence drive him crazy, but he senses there is more to her than what he sees. Willing himself to be patient, he allows her to dictate the direction of their relationship, and begins to care for this amazing woman who sets his blood on fire. Losing his heart, he realizes that he wants their five days to turn into forever. Now he just has to convince Brandi that she wants the same thing...

This is a re-issue of one of Lori Foster's earliest books, and it stands the test of time. I just read it for the first time, and was not disappointed. Even in the beginning, you can find traces of the sexy and tender style that is signature Foster. Another plus to this re-release is as a Signature Select title, there are additional bonus features at the end of the story, such as Lori Foster's Ideal Vacation Fantasy. If you've never read it, I urge you to pick up a copy. If you have read it, it's definitely worth a re-read. Lori Foster's talent is timeless....

The book opens with a cliche': Sebastian Sinclair, body guard delux, agreed to allow himself to be sold at a charity bachelor auction. Brandi Sommer's sister Shay winds up buying him for Brandi. Brandi is both fascinated by, and wary of him, but agrees to spend the weekend with him that Shay has arrainged. The book then goes on in an unexpected direction to deal (quite well I thought) with the difficult subject of rape and how survivors cope and move on with their lives. I liked the fact that while Sebastion was an alpha-type hero, he could allow himself to take the submissive role with Brandi. The only thing that bothered me was the time frame. I felt the action was too fast. That a woman who had survived a brutal rape would overcome her fear in a matter of days kind jarred me from fully sinking into the story. Otherwise, Ms Foster takes what could easily have been another ho hum premise and breaths life and humor into her characters. If you can get it, read it.

I do agree with other reviewers that this is a very sweet and touching story. Yes, it deals with a very sensitive issue that many women can unfortunately relate to. However, there was not much going on in the book to keep my attention and I became bored with it very quickly. When an author adds the element of physical violation into a book, it becomes a lot harder (so it seems to me) to write a story that doesn't fizzle because of it. It's just not a good romance book subject to me and in Lori Foster's "Fantasy", it's right at center stage.

Brandi Sommers is a woman with a painful past that has scarred her for life. When she agrees to support her sister Shay's charity auction, she never imagined that one of the hunky men up for sale would be interested in her. It's pretty clear from the eye contact they exchange that he, Sebastian Sinclair, wants Brandi to bid on him, but she's horrified at the thought and makes no move to do so. Shay takes matters into her own hands and purchases Sebastian for Brandi as a birthday gift. Before she knows what has happened, Brandi and Sebastian are on their way to Gatlinburg, TN for a relaxing five days at a secluded resort (Actually, would YOU be relaxed in that kind of situation, with a complete stranger?). She's not sure how to handle the larger than life man, while Sebastian knows there must be a reason for her skittishness. He's determined to have her, but wants to gain her trust first.

I had no problem seeing Sebastian as a nice, caring and sensitive guy. He had an incredible amount of patience and understanding for Brandi's situation. Brandi was frustrating at times because she had that wonderful guy at her disposal, but didn't really want anything to do with him once she'd had her wicked way with him. Yes, it had everything to do with her past, but for gosh sakes! Sebastian was nothing like the men who had harmed her! He couldn't have made it more clear throughout the book that he genuinely cared about her. This book read more like a short story and I really wished that it had been one as opposed to a (just barely) full length book. Not what I'm used to reading from Lori Foster, but I understand that this was a reissue, so maybe it was written before her steamier stuff. Three stars for the sweet and endearing Sebastian that any woman would be lucky to have.