Customer Reviews

L.A. Confidential (Sexy City Nights) (Harlequin Blaze)

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Ken Harper's talent and ambition matched Lisa Neal perfectly, making him irresistible. Unfortunately, it was her own ambition that cost LIsa the sexy restaurateur, leading her to New York for the opportunity of a lifetime. She'd worked her tail off for years for an opportunity to become a player in the Hollywood scene, and when one of the country's hottest independent producers offers her a job, she immediately leaves LA and Ken behind. Too bad the hot producer found more satisfaction in snorting the drugs investor's money could buy than he did in making movies. And too bad Lisa's name was linked in the scandal. Now she's returning to the City of Angels with a promise of return to the world of film if she can convince Ken to help.

Ken's restaurant Oxygen continues to succeed. Not bad for a college drop-out from Blanco, Texas. His semi-celebrity status doesn't please him, but can't be avoided, even when it brings women like Alicia Duncan. Alicia wants an interview with Ken at Oxygen and will do anything to get it. Ken refuses to diminish the mystique of the restaurant with testimonials, personal appearances, or commercials. So when Lisa returns to town and convinces Ken to let her use Oxygen for a film site, Alicia wants to know why.

Every year Oxygen's anniversary reminds Ken of the loss of the love of his life. At the restaurant's opening he had an engagement ring in his pocket, believing Lisa felt the same way he did. Instead, she was gone to New York two days later with another man. "Hit-and-run dating", as his best friend calls it, wasn't making him happy. Maybe if he helps her, Ken can finally get on with his life. So he agrees to let Lisa use Oxygen, for a price. Ken had been waiting to marry Lisa before he made love to her. Now he wants Lisa not just for sex but decadence, "A wild time the likes of which we never got to have before." But the question remains if a night of sin and sex will be enough to satisfy them both.

Author Julie Kenner once again delivers a romance that turns up the heat! With the ambiance of Los Angeles for her background, LA CONFIDENTIAL is a sexy, dazzling romp. The single-mindedness of the heroine's decision to pursue her career goals never threats the hero's success, nor does she back away from her goals for love. Indeed, this reviewer is very impressed with the successful conclusion that never comprises the strength of these wonderful characters. In addition, Ken's best friend who happens to tend bar at Oxygen is a hoot! His knowledge of women's magazines gives the novel a touch of verve that is irresistible. LA CONFIDENTIAL has been added to the keeper shelf. Very highly recommended.

L.A. Confidential by Julie Kenner
Harlequin Blaze # 16 - November 2001

Five years ago, Lisa and Ken were both driven to succeed in their careers. Ken as a restaurateur and Lisa as a film producer. At the grand opening of Ken's restaurant Oxygen, Lisa is approached by one of the world's leading producers and is offered the job of her dreams but she has to decide then and there. She takes it and moves to New York. Things don't work out in NYC; Lisa's reputation was scandalized by that leading producer. She's got a second chance at getting her career back on track, but that involves going back to L.A. and asking Ken for help. Ken's now a huge success, with many fine restaurants to his credit, but he gave up all his personal goals when Lisa left and broke his heart. Lisa needs Ken's permission to film in his restaurant, Oxygen, something Ken has never allowed to anyone before. Ken agrees to the filming if Lisa offers a bit of quid pro quo. Ken wants revenge; he wants Lisa in his bed so he can work her out of his system.

This was an okay book. The writing was well done, the love scenes were hot. I liked Ken for the most part. Lisa needed to clear up the past with Ken and I don't think that ever really happened. To me she often came across as needy and selfish. Not the best I've read from Ms. Kenner.

Sexy City Nights - Multi-Author series
Exposed by Julie Elizabeth Leto - HBZ-12 - August 2001
Body Heat by Carly Phillips - HBZ-8 - September 2001
Heat Waves by Janelle Denison - HBZ-12 - October 2001
L.A. Confidential by Julie Kenner - HBZ-16 - November 2001

favorite scene with lisa-
finally realizing with greg that ken means more to her than her job.

favorite scene with ken-
making a deal with alicia about the pics.

together-
lisa comes back to ken for good.

Julie Kenner is a great writer - I have enjoyed all of her books so far. This is no exception.... I loved the characters. I am hoping that maybe she writes a book about the chef Tim so that we can see how Lisa and Ken are doing...