A Black Tie Affair by Sherrill Bodine
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Forever
Available: January 1, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0446618595
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Book received from: Publisher
Fashion curator Athena Smith will do anything to get her perfectly manicured hands on the Clayworth family’s celebrated couture collection for her exhibit. So when she’s called in to make sure the gowns are the real deal, she’s ecstatic…until a dress she’s examining turns out to be loaded with toxins (talk about killer threads!) and Athena faints dead away, only to wake up face-to-face with the One That Got Away, notorious Chicago banker Drew Clayworth.
Drew still believes Athena betrayed him all those years ago, and he’s sure he can’t trust her. But when the priceless gowns go missing, she offers to help track them down. Reluctantly allied in the quest, Drew and Athena are soon stunned by the barely restrained passion still sizzling between them…and memories both bitter and sweet. Is their new partnership just a business arrangement? Or is this something more than . . . A Black Tie Affair?
Fashion curator Athena Smith has the chance to acquire some vintage couture dresses for her exhibit at the Chicago Fashion Museum. The rich and powerful Clayworth family have agreed to allow Athena to examine the dresses for authenticity and she is allowed to visit the family’s Secret Closet, a large underground vault that houses the collection. While examining the dresses, Athena is overcome by mysterious fumes that have the affect of truth serum and is rushed to the hospital. In all the confusion the dresses are stolen.
When Drew Clayworth hears what has happened he rushes to the hospital to see Athena. However things are awkward for Drew since he Athena have a romantic history but have not seen each other in 15 years because of a betrayal on Athena’s part. Athena is feeling no pain due to the affects of the mysterious fumes and blurts out that she has missed him and still loves him. Drew, not sure what to do with this information goes along with it. To further complicate their damaged relationship, Athena’s father has been accused of questionable business practices by the Clayworth family and Athena feels compelled to stand by her father even though she is in love with Drew.
Because of the health risk the dresses pose, Drew and Athena set out to recover them as soon as possible forcing them to spend a great deal of time together allowing old feelings to resurface and the sparks to fly.
A Black Tie Affair is a light, fast read, with several moments that made me laugh out loud. While I was amused and generally entertained, there were a few things that didn’t work for me. The big reveal on Athena’s betrayal was disappointing. While it was certainly something young lovers might break up over, it doesn’t seem like something a couple would avoid each other for 15 years over especially since their lives are so intertwined. Also, the mystery of the noxious fumes was never fully resolved. While there was a good theory, there was no real confirmation as to what caused all the trouble in the first place. We never found out who stole the dresses so I assume the author is leaving that open for another book in the series. I would have liked a bit more resolution.
If you’re looking for a light read with bit of love and romance lightly sprinkled with mystery, then you might enjoy A Black Tie Affair.
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Other books in the series:
About Sophia (FV)
Nice review FV. This book wasn't for me but they can't all be
Mandi–This one didn't blow me away but every now and then it's nice to sit down with a light read and this one had a few LOL moments that I enjoyed.
I like the fashion angle as I have a whittle addiction with shoes. Nice review!!
KC–Yes, the fashion angle was fun. I like the cover because I'm all princessy…in my head
I enjoyed reading your review FV
but somehow I don't think it is the one for me to add to my shelves :S I'm more of a dark and intense story reader *grin*
Leontine–I usually prefer a "meatier" read but now and then I like something light and fluffy.
Ive read a lot of mixed reviews on this one…hmmm…maybe if Im in the mood for light and fluffy Ill try it out, but like you mentioned earlier I too normally prefer "meatier" reads! ;o) Great review!
Since read the "dark side" UF or PR's this book would be a "fun" change for later on in the reading diet. Thanks for the review, it has at least given me another author and series to put on my list to try "someday".
jackie b central texas
Great review! This sounds like a good book, I will have to check it out. What an awesome blog you have!!! I just snagged your button, lol!