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``Origin in Death'' by J.D. Robb; Putnam Books ($23.95)
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Nothing makes a J.D. Robb fan happier than to see a new "In Death" book on the shelf. So fans, get ready to be happy.
"Origin in Death" is giving readers another chance to visit Eve and Roarke. There are simply no accolades lavish enough to praise this series justly.
Since these characters were introduced almost 10 years ago, they and their cohorts have become friends of sorts, ones we enthusiastically welcome the twice a year or so that Nora Roberts (aka J.D. Robb) brings them to our lives.
It isn't nearly enough, but we just have to take what we can get.
The unique thing about this series of 21 books is that you get to watch the romantic relationship between Eve and Roarke evolve past their happily-ever-after. And just when you think Roarke can't get any better, he does.
Once again, Eve is investigating a homicide. This time, a kindly doctor is killed; it's up to Eve to find out who did it and why. Of course, Roarke manages to help. And he manages to distract Eve, when she needs distracting, in ways only he can.
That is what makes him Roarke.
For those of you who may never have read a J.D. Robb book, the series is set in 2059. Don't let that weird you out, though. It's just a way of allowing Roberts to have a bit of "what if" sort of fun.
Eve and Roarke are married, and blissfully in love. On the outside, they seem an unlikely match. But those who know them realize they're perfect for each other.
Eve is a dedicated and celebrated homicide detective. Roarke is the richest and most powerful man in the universe. And quite the hunk. And he does romance unlike any other.
While Eve is muddling through a complicated case, Roarke is trying to figure out how to welcome a family he recently discovered existed to a Thanksgiving weekend. See, murder, mayhem and billion-dollar business deals don't fluster our hero, but having his family visit does.
It just adds to his charm.
HOW IT STACKS UP
Overall rating: 5 of 5 hearts. What else do you expect from a J.D. Robb book? What else could it be with Eve and Roarke as the main characters?
Hunk appeal: 10-plus-plus, no comparison, off the charts. Roarke remains the undisputed model of the perfect romance hero.
Steamy-scene grade: XXXX. Roarke remains the undisputed model of the perfect romance hero.
Happily-Ever-After: Very good, especially because we know Eve and Roarke will return in a few months. Eve once again triumphs over evil and goes home to enjoy her blissful love with her perfect husband.
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DUSTY SHELF
Many great romance novels have been written through the years. It's worth dusting off these oldies
"Rules of Play" by Nora Roberts is yet again another re-release of two of the author's earlier works.
"Opposites Attract," first released in 1984, is the story of love reunited. Ty and Asher are professional tennis stars, and their tale takes us into that world. Is it an accurate portrayal?
Who knows? Who cares? It's a great romance about two soul mates who are separated by misunderstandings and who suffer years for it. Once they're reunited, those misunderstandings eventually are resolved - as well as some new ones - and they're able to embark on their happily-ever-after.
"The Heart's Victory" dates to 1982, and is another story of two reunited lovers - sort of. Cynthia "Foxy" Fox grew up on the racing circuit - and grew up with a monstrous crush on Lance. But Lance broke her young and tender heart and she spent the next several years hating him for it. Foxy returns to that world as a professional photographer on assignment, and sparks ignite between her and Lance. This time, Lance isn't turning her away.
For many romance readers, these stories are so old, they're new. And any time you can delve into a never-before-read book by Roberts, it will be a happy time.
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(c) 2005, The State (Columbia, S.C.). Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service.
