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True Enchanter

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True Enchanter by Susan Napier ~ Harlequin Presents # 1051 - February 1988
The Marlows - Book # 2

Since his auto accident, Richard Marlow no longer played the sexy leading man in front of the camera. He was now the demanding and tremendously inspired director behind it and he had several hugely successful films to his credit. High school special ed teacher, Joanna Carson, had a talent for inspiring delinquent teenagers, and part of that was through coaching in the drama department. Richard's next female lead is seventeen-year-old Becky, who happens to be Joanna's niece, and it's fallen to Joanna to be Becky's on location tutor and chaperone. From the first moment their eyes met, Richard and Joanna had a connection. Richard has finally found a woman who isn't star struck and who doesn't hesitate to let him know she disapproves of him. Joanna finds Richard's attentions confusing, is he just playing with her to discourage Becky's obvious crush.

Since his accident, Richard's life had become more serious and he'd buried the fun loving prankster. Joanna makes him want to have fun again and he knows he has to keep her in his life. Though Joanna admires the filmmaker that Richard is, it's the private man that she's come to love and want to be with. But the huge difference in their lifestyles terrifies Joanna and she pushes Richard away. So it takes a desperate Richard to win her over! And wow does he ever! It was fun watching the irreverent playboy we were introduced to in "Love in the Valley" meet his match!

If you are fond of a comedy of manners or Shakespeare, you'll love this story. Joanna, a teacher of delinquent teenagers, is far from impressed by the Hollywood lifestyle and its so-called devotion to its craft. But her sister ropes her into chaperoning her niece who has a bit part in director Richard Marlow's new movie. Joanna will also make sure the girl does her school work.

Joanna's niece has a crush on her director and this worries Joanna as he's much too old and experienced for the teenager. Plus, Joanna's attracted to him herself.

Richard was once a movie star but he limps and uses a cane now. But all that's done is slow him down a bit so the rabid females on his trail can catch him more easily. Joanna is, again, not impressed. She has silvery hair and is flat-chested, but has an elfin quality and a smart mouth that Richard cannot resist.

So it is a bit of the "Taming of the Shrew," so if you like that you'll like this. Joanna is nowhere near the witch that The Bard's Kate character was. She's pretty funny and you'll root for her as she leads the great Marlow on a merry chase. It was unclear which one was the "true enchanter," I guess to them it was each other.

Nice scene near the end where Marlow takes Joanna and her class of con artists out to eat at a 4-star restaurant. If you have to choose: Susan Napier's done better with "Counterfeit Secretary," "Another Time" and "Honeymoon Baby."