The Black Sheep [Paperback]

This is my second book by Laura Leone (first was the wonderful ULTERIOR MOTIVES) and I really enjoyed it. It's a modern-day (well, 1992 when this book was published) twist on Shakespeare's The Tempest with a man named Prospero whose island sanctuary is suddenly invaded.

Prospero "Roe" Hunter has spent most of his adult life trying to escape his family's very public tabloid lifestyle. His mother was a famous actress, his father a well-known crooner. His brother is an agent in the music end of the entertainment industry but Roe has chosen to lead adventure tours in the most remote and often dangerous places around the world. He's taken a break to recharge his batteries at his family's villa on a small island off the Sicilian coast. Unfortunately one phone call from his brother is about to change everything. He informs Roe that he must have heart surgery and, while he's recouperating, he's sending his biggest client to stay on Sontara and asks Roe to keep an eye on her. Much to Roe's dismay, she's the biggest rock star in the world and she's brought her strange entourage with her. So much for peace and quiet!

Gingie (think Madonna only kind, sweet and unassuming) is a huge star and her whole adult life has been dedicated to her songwriting and music career. Her family background is idyllic compared with Roe's, coming from a family of high achievers. But Gingie's calling was music, not academia and eventhough she's proud of her career and accomplishments, she still feels like she doesn't quite measure up. After several days spent relaxing on the island she comes to recognize that Roe is likely suffering from depression and decides to reach out to him. But she never intended to develop feelings for him!

Gingie's song lyrics, music, clothing and live performances drip with sensuality and Roe is as affected as the next guy. The more time he spends with Gingie, though the more he sees some contradictions in her. While overtly sexy, she also exudes an unexpected innocence. Though she's a huge star, she's also extremely unassuming and very kind to all of the people she meets. He slowly comes to the realization that not all of his assumptions about her are anywhere near accurate. While Roe is drawn to Gingie both on a physical and emotional level he is not interested in becoming swept up into a life in the public eye again - but can he bear to let her go?

A great "take me away from the ordinary" read with a likable hero and heroine. My only issue was with certain aspects of Gingie's character. It seemed to me just too unrealistic that a woman who had spent over a decade in the music business would still be so naive and innocent. Other than that minor criticism, it's a really nice read. Recommended.

If you're looking for a romance that will make you forget your daily stresses, Laura Leone's The Black Sheep will not disappoint you. Though this was originally published as a Silhouette Desire way back in 1992, it doesn't come across dated in the least. In fact, it is a refreshing change from the chick lits and covert agent-kick ass heroine-based romances that proliferate the romance genre today.

Gingie is an appealing heroine who grows on you page after page and their romance is not only sweet in the old-fashioned sense but hot and sensual. Leone's descriptions of Sontara bring it to life and the secondary characters all add up to a vastly enjoyable romance.

This is how romances ought to read like! I loved Fever Dreams but I thought the Black Sheep had a charm of its own that no other romances except Mary Stewart's can compare with. If you haven't read Leone's romances, get them today - they are well worth the tradeback prices!