Joyride (Harlequin Temptation) [Paperback]

Detective Leo Wolfman hates the desk assignment he received following a drug bust in which he was shot. But four months of typing with two fingers leaves him desperate for a "real" assignment. So his boss says if Leo solves a "bump and run" then he can return to regular duty. The investigation leads him to a boxing ring and a gorgeous woman he only knows as Red. Leo doesn't suspect the woman follows actually took her cousin's place for a few weeks, and is really Corinne. The subterfuge gives her opportunity to be as wild and sexy as she wants. Leo doesn't know Corinne is attracted to and excited by his bold perusal when he enters her dressing room and finds her naked. Indeed, her mixed signals baffle him with her mix of siren and innocence. Leo only knows that his reaction throws his libido into overdrive.

Author Colleen Collins brings the humor that makes her popular in Harlequin's Duet line to the Temptation selection JOY RIDE. Dramatic, uninhibited and a touch of the forbidden make JOY RIDE a thrilling experience. Collins exploits what anonymity can do for a woman with a suppresses streak of daring and boldness when that anonymity gives room for sensual self-discovery that transforms the previous inconspicuous Corinne. Further, Collins has a deft touch for creating outrageous yet believable characterizations. The hero and heroine have depth while still allowing the narrative to remain light in tone. In addition, not only does the naughty cousin that Corinne replace walk on the wild side, but so does the hero's pet parrot who's named Mel Gibson and has a drinking problem. Indeed, all the secondary characters sparkle as brilliantly as Corinne and Leo. Very highly recommended.

Sandie welcomes Corrine, but informs her favorite relative that she needs to go away. Her lover pulled a bump and run with Sandie in his car on an old man's Studebaker and she needs time to think. Corrine pretends to be Sandie over the next few days. Vegas police detective Leo Wolfman still recovers from a bullet he took on a case that involved his now ex-wife. His first non-desk assignment since the injury is the Studebaker case. However, when he sees Corrine masquerading as Sandie, he struggles with an attraction he does not want, but soon love proves too powerful even for this romantic turned cynic. Corrine shares his feelings, but wonders if he loves her or her Sandie impersonation.

JOYRIDE is a humorous contemporary romance that category readers will enjoy. Though the story line requires acceptance of the quirks of the cast especially why Sandie would potentially endanger her beloved cousin, fans will enjoy their eccentricity. Colleen Collins has written a fun book that deserves a sequel starring a lovesick professional wrestler.

Harriet Klausner