Hailey North
North, Hailey - BEDROOM EYES (Avon - 1998) (3+)
BEDROOM EYES is a difficult book to categorize. Contemporary fantasy, suspense, romance, paranormal, comedy—all of these elements and more are here, but after a few days of pondering, I'm still not sure how to label it.
Penelope Sue Fields, experienced tax attorney and gourmet chef wannabe, has worked hard all of her life to live up to her single mother's grandiose expectations. Following her mother's death, she is unexpectedly recruited by a prestigious law firm in the South. Deciding that a move might be just what she needs to jump-start a real life, she leaves Chicago and its memories behind for a new beginning in New Orleans. But, unbeknownst to her, there are forces at work—forces that are attempting to manipulate her life. . .and not all of them are benign or kindly.
Up until this time, Penelope's social life (especially concerning men) had been woefully lacking. During her sad and lonely childhood she developed an extraordinarily active fantasy life and often visited, what had become for her, a safe and exciting place in her mind. The ability to take herself to that place of altered reality followed her into adulthood; but unfortunately, she couldn't always control the timing of her visits. Early on in the story, and usually at very inappropriate places, we see Penelope slipping into some very sensual dream states. Enter ex-cop (or so it seems), Tony Olano. Penelope is definitely not this bad boy's usual cup of tea, but there is something about her that he can't quite resist. He really, really shouldn't be having "those kind of thoughts" about prim Miss Fields though—because it becomes increasingly apparent that she is a key element in a covert police operation in which he is involved.
Just when we begin to see some real chemistry between the hero and heroine, another element of fantasy is added to the story that further complicates the tale. While out shopping one afternoon, Penelope happens upon Mrs. Merlin. Although Mrs. Merlin seems like a nice enough sort, she is also sassy, flashy, and only six-inches tall. This middle-aged purveyor of candle magick is very dedicated to helping people take care of their problems, but despite her good intentions, she just can't seem to get "it" right. After a little debate with herself, Penelope becomes Mrs. Merlin's assistant, and the two of them get involved in some pretty strange adventures. The story really flies from that point, and it is fairly bursting with new developments that pop up at every turn.
In retrospect, it seems to me that had the author chosen just a few of the themes that were introduced in BEDROOM EYES and developed them further, it would've been a much more enjoyable read. Physical abuse, mob activity and corrupt cops were all mentioned at one time or another, but they only seemed to be window dressing for a plot that went in several directions at once. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, another element was thrown in and I was often left shaking my head thinking, "Now what's going on?" The dual elements of fantasy were strong, the descriptions of candle magick were fascinating and believable, and the sensual dream states were exciting; however, those flashes of excellent writing weren't quite enough to overcome the jerky plot transitions for me. Quoting directly from the book, "Life consists of a series of adjustments to an ever changing reality." So true. The same could be said for the story line of BEDROOM EYES. The "plus" in my rating is for the author's bold attempt to do something very unique. If you are a fan of really fanciful reads, this book might work for you. ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
North, Hailey - PILLOW TALK (Avon - 7/99) (4)
"Jules is dead?" Margaret "Meg" McKenzie Cooper Ponthier
couldn't believe the news when Parker, her new brother-in-law, burst into her New Orleans hotel room to announce that her husband of less than 24 hours had been killed. All of her plans flew out the window with those three little words.
Meg, orphaned as a child, had become a widow just the previous year after eleven years of marriage to Ted Cooper. Destitute with three young children to support, she had entered into a business arrangement with Jules Ponthier, in which she agreed to marriage so he could force his brother Parker to sell the family business. As his wife, she would have the deciding vote of three—on Jules' side, of course; and she would receive thirty-thousand dollars for three days' work. That money would help her finish college, get a better job (she was a cocktail waitress at a Las Vegas casino, where she met Jules), and pay all the bills her late husband Ted had left.
Jules had already paid her an advance of ten-thousand dollars, so Meg feels honor bound to go to his family's home and play the bereaved widow until after the funeral. Then she plans to go home to her children before anyone in the Ponthier family finds out about them and her deal with Jules. But matters become a bit complicated. Parker, who first thought Meg was a "lady of the night" when he found her in his brother's hotel room that fateful night, had been flabbergasted to learn that his brother had married again (for the third time); and he insists that she continue to play the grieving widow for his mother, relatives, and friends.
Burned by an engagement that went bad, Parker has decided he would rather stay single than marry for show, like his brother and his parents had done. He wants a wife who is a partner and a loving person, not someone who merely plays the role. Even though Meg is his brother's widow, and therefore untouchable, he still finds this gutsy, intelligent, and beautiful woman very tempting. But there is more to Meg than meets the eye. What is she hiding from his family?
PILLOW TALK is a humorous and fast-paced romance, filled with interesting characters. Meg and Parker are vividly described and quite likable, and the chemistry between them sizzles. The remaining members of the dysfunctional Ponthier family are colorful and amusing, especially Grandfather and Jules' son, Gus. These two will have readers chuckling. But there is also a serious side to this story: dreaming of happiness and making wishes known at "pillow talk" time. I recommend PILLOW TALK to readers who enjoy an amusing, yet heartwarming story about two needy souls who have been disappointed by love in the past. ~Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web
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