Title:
Now and Forever
Author:
Julia Templeton
Published By:
Ellora's Cave
ISBN:
1-84360-705-0
Copyright:
2003
Format:
Electronic
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Private investigator Alexandria Drake, known as Alex to her friends, is on assignment to run-down Radborne Manor to catch Mr. Consiglio in the act, as the lady he's with is NOT Mrs. Consiglio. Alex hopes that Mr. Consiglio is quick on the draw, as Radborne Manor has been purported to be haunted since the early 1800's when two brothers, the Earls of Strathmore, were murdered within months of each other.
While photographing the tryst, a man appears in front of Alex's lens and floats through the wall. Thinking it's just her overactive imagination; Alex looks down to find a beautiful pocketknife that had not been there a moment before. Alex decides that she has more than enough evidence for Mrs. Consiglio and hurries back to her car. Fear pushes her faster after she witnesses a man screaming on the balcony above her, who then vanishes. Once she reaches her car, she finds the screaming man waiting for her. Knowing that it must be just a trick of the mind, she agrees when he asks her to come for him.
Alex wakes up in a strange bed with the man who had been screaming on the balcony standing above her. He wants to know who she is, and why she has his dead brother, the previous Earl of Strathmore's, pocketknife in her possession. His mode of dress makes Alex think that her partner, Liz, has set up a huge practical joke. When Alex realizes that the place where she is at is Radborne Manor in perfect condition, she knows that this is too elaborate for Liz to afford. Her worst fears are confirmed when Strathmore's valet tells her the year is 1817.
Alex's life only gets more complicated when Devon, the previous Earl, appears to her claiming that he helped bring her back in time to solve not only his murder, but prevent that of his brother, Christian's.
Ms. Templeton draws a lush tale of sensuality and intrigue. Alex and Christian can't help but be drawn to each other, though Alex knows that she will have to give him up if she wishes to return to her time. Christian is a strong man who is willing to do what he needs to do to avenge his beloved brother's death. The sparks these two strike of each other will make you wish for a cold shower.
Reviewed by: Lady Luck
