THE FLIRT

Author: Kathleen Tessaro ISBN: 9780061125768 7/2008 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: AVON A

Tantalizing words written on an ivory card. It is the first clue that will lead an intrigued and intriguing London lady on an odyssey of sensual experience designed to awaken her romantic nature. Out-of-work actor Hughie Venables-Smythe has found a profitable new outlet for his talents. He is hired, often by distraught husbands, to flirt with wives who are feeling neglected in their relationships. His current seductive campaign is focused on Olivia, the spouse of a narcissistic billionaire, and the lady is responding quite nicely to the cream-colored missives he secretly leaves for her. So nicely, in fact, that Hughie decides to employ a similar technique—and shockingly similar messages—in his pursuit of his own heart’s desire: the aloof and charming lingerie designer, Leticia. But the canny, professional flirt’s brazen anonymous intrusions into the lives of two women are about to set in motion a series of remarkable events that no one could have anticipated—setting the stage for shocking revelations about love, friendship, and domestic bliss.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE FLIRT takes readers on a journey filled with so many details it is easy to imagine being right in the story. I was impressed by the way Kathleen Tessaro's prose is soft and flowing, pulling the story steadily forward without feeling forced. Everything develops nicely, and although this is a quick read, it is highly entertaining.

The characters in this are not all very likeable but they each have a place in the story. Olivia's husband Arnaud, who likes getting angry, annoyed me every time he appeared but, as I said, he had a purpose. And while the whole premise of a handsome bachelor buoying women's spirits and self-esteem through his employment as a flirt, made me feel like I was reading an insider's guide to becoming a gigolo. I couldn't help but be amused. And, I admit, intrigued.

Kathleen Tessaro's writing style is what makes THE FLIRT as good as it is. She pens a compelling tale of missing romance and the lengths some go to in order to ignite passion. Sadly, not all passions can have life breathed into them. But that is something I'll let you find out for yourself, if you choose to do so by reading THE FLIRT.

Kay James