Once and Again (Arabesque) [Mass Market Paperback]

Daphne Thorne couldn't believe her feelings for Nathan still existed. It had been years since she had seen her high school boyfriend or "crush" would be more like it. But when Daphne finds him in her apartment waiting for her shortly after his disastrous "non-wedding", she knows she is in deep trouble. Unable to say no, Daphne agrees to let Nathan rent her vacant apartment; and her emotions and life begin to spiral out of seemingly control. She has always had a crush on her brother's best friend, Nathan. She was devastated when he dropped her and began to see someone else. Daphne vowed never to let him or any man hurt her like that again. With her wall of protections seemingly in place, Daphne is not prepared for the cracks in her wall that Nathan penetrates.

Nathan is a single parent with an infant daughter to take care of and a need to "hide out" for a while. Because he is very wealthy, Daphne knows that he doesn't need to rent her vacant apartment; he could live anywhere else with all of his money. But, Daphne needs the money to save her business. Nathan, however, has a plan of his own and that includes winning Daphne's trust and her heart. Daphne tries desperately to stay clear of Nathan and to not fall for him again. But one look at the tender care he takes of his baby daughter and he captured her heart once again. But Daphne is fighting her heart and fighting to hang on to her business. Unwilling to seek help and trying to do everything on her own; Daphne has to learn to trust her heart and to trust a man who has already broken it once before.

This is a story about forgiving, moving on, letting go of the past and trusting in the present to bring joy for the future. Deirdre Savoy does a wonderful job of creating characters that warm your heart. Her vivid descriptions of Nathan and his interactions with his baby daughter are captivating. She presents a picture of a dedicated and loving father, which is refreshing. Ms. Savoy is able to describe the scenes in her book with such clarity and the emotion of her characters with such depth that the reader feels the intensity of the emotions that the characters exhibits. This is a fabulous example of an award-winning author at work

The book opens up with Nathan waiting for the bride to arrive, he is shocked but overjoyed when he receives the note stating that she is not coming. When he announces to the guest that there will not be a wedding he is shocked again to see his old girlfriend, Daphne Thorne in attendace. Daphne is the sister of his best friend Michael whose story is the book "Always."

Nathan is determined to have Daphne back in his life. So he seeks her help by asking to rent out her downstairs apartment. It is not long before their attraction is rekindled. Nathan and Daphne have to let go of the past to move on to a passionate and loving future. This is another excellant story by the author. It is written at a pace where the reader will not lose interest but quickly turn pages to see what will happen next.

I recommend this and all of Dee's books to all romance readers. Although this is only her third book, I consider her a veteran in the romance writing field. And it looks like she will be around for a long time. Keep up the good work Deirdre. I can't wait to read Nathan's sister story.