From Publishers Weekly
A casual flirtation between an 18-year-old girl and a wealthy man twice her age leads to love and danger in this engaging but not entirely plausible thriller by popular romance author Palmer (The Rawhide Man). Brianne Martin's nefarious wheeler-dealer of a stepfather sends her to study in Paris, where she falls for widowed oilman Pierce Hutton. In the process of Pierce trying to protect Brianne from his undercover activities and Brianne trying to seduce Pierce, they both get caught up in Middle Eastern shenanigans that might?if Pierce and his allies didn't turn out to have near-superhero abilities?lead to WWIII. This is definitely thriller-lite (the supposedly tough-guy hero refers to "a hush-hush mission"), however, and Palmer manages to fracture her few French phrases (for example, femme du nuit instead of de la nuit). The dialogue is charming, the characters likable and the sex sizzling, and the roller-coaster emotions between hero and heroine will give Palmer's many fans an enjoyable ride.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
Young Brianne Martin first meets a grief stricken Pierce Hutton in Paris, and unknowingly saves his life. Despite the differences in their ages, Pierce is determined to stand as a friend to the young Brianne in repayment of her service to him. Pierce has no idea that Brianne's young heart has decided to place its affections on him. However, Brianne is wise enough to let Pierce get through his grieving for his late wife before making her interest to Pierce known. They meet again, two years later at a time when Brianne is in dire need of help to get away from a suitor her stepfather is determined she marry. Pierce agrees to help shield her from the unscrupulous advances of Philippe Sabon, and quickly finds that there is more going on between Sabon and Brianne's stepfather than just matchmaking. Brianne and Pierce are drawn into a volatile situation which could have dire international catastrophe written all over it. This was a nice departure from the usual Diana Palmer style. This time she gives us a hero who isn't a misogynist. He is still tortured but he is a man capable of deep and everlasting love, and a man who has touched and lost a love. Palmer's heroine is of her usual mold. Spunky, witty, bold, and willing to open herself up to be hurt in order to win her man. The only problem I had with this story, was the fact that Pierce would suddenly waver from being resolved to leave Brianne alone and the next minute give in and then beat up on himself for doing so. Had this only occurred once it would have been acceptable, however, it happened more than once and you got the sense that Pierce was not exactly firm in his convictions. But this wasn't much of a deterrent to the story, and over all I enjoyed Ms. Palmer's story and agree that it is an entertaining book for those who are Palmer fans. Once In Paris makes one wish they could experience the romance and beauty of the city for themselves! Ms. Palmer again gifts her readers with a hero who is capable of great love and sensitivity. She makes us all long for our own man to lavish our attention and love upon! Diana Palmer never fails to stir the senses with her strong-willed men, witty women, and explosive story lines. And Once In Paris is no exception to this rule! Gloria Lower --
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From Literary Times
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
