Review: Sexy as Sin

Sexy as Sin by Rosalind James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brett Hunter is a forty-something billionaire American property developer (seen in the previous books) visiting the site of his latest development in Byron Bay, Australia. Walking on the beach one morning (trying to face his fear of the sea) he witnesses a beautiful young surfer (Willow Sanderson) face a great White Shark and help get other surfers to safety. It's a beautiful, amazing, freaky morning in which Brett and Willow feel an instant connection, despite the obvious disparities between them - age, nationality, income, outlook on life. Of course, as always happens, Willow is the caterer for the kick-off sales event prior to breaking earth on Brett's new development. Willow has just bought into a partnership with Amanda in a catering company called Nourish and she is finding it a struggle to be accepted as a full partner by Amanda, her husband and the employees - all of whom appear to be more obstructive than supportive. As an added complication, Willow is the cousin of Rafe and Jace, neighbours of Brett in Sinful, Montana and the heroes of the first two books.

Despite their differences Brett and Willow become close, especially after Brett breaks his leg and Willow offers to look after him while he recovers but there are sinister forces at work as Willow and several guests get food-poisoning at an event she catered. Is it jealousy? Is Amanda cheating Willow somehow? Or is one of the guests the real target?

I read the first few chapters of this on Rosalind James' website and it didn't really grab me, unlike the two previous novels, but when it came up on special offer I bought it anyway and have only just got around to reading it.

There is a definite Pretty Woman vibe, something which Willow acknowledges, Brett is much older and an uptight billionaire businesswoman whereas Willow is the younger, free-er spirited woman who helps him to relax and metaphorically smell the roses. In return, Brett gives Willow the confidence to stand up to Amanda and assert her right to be heard.

Set against the stunning natural beauty of Byron Bay the reader is swept away by the descriptions of the landscape and the amazing scents of the countryside, enticed by the fabulous food that Willow prepares for Brett and her clients, the romance of a thoughtful billionaire and his impressive rental home.

From a dubious start I came to love this book, Brett and Willow. Although the mystery behind who was sabotaging Willow was not a huge surprise it was still a well-thought out plot and an engaging read, I especially liked the reference to the Australian soap!

Overall, a great addition to the trilogy, glad I took advantage of the sale.

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