In the Dark

this series is really a very good read, you can get totally involved in the family and the secrets of the hotel

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques Julie Sullivan had made a new life for herself, putting behind her the problems from her past... or so she thought. Now in New Orleans, Julie enjoys working as Charlotte Marchand's right-hand woman, assisting in the management of the classy Hotel Marchand. Having put her past life as a model responsible for bringing one of the modeling world's biggest scandals, involving her former agent to light, she is content in her new life. But someone has vengeance in mind for Julie's involvement in said scandal... Mac Jensen is a private investigator extraordinaire, hired to keep an eye on Julie and protect her from dangers arising from the release of her formal modeling agent from prison. He is undercover as the head of security at Hotel Marchand, and finds more than one problem with which he has to deal. Someone seems set on taking advantage of rumors surrounding the hotel's waning finances, staging little "accidents" all around the hotel. Never mind the fact Mac finds himself undeniably attracted to Julie, and if he's not mistaken, the feelings are mutual. Both mysteries come to a head at the famed First Night celebration, when a blackout puts both Julie's life and the hotel's reputation at great risk. Time is running out... Can Mac save Julie from imminent danger and get to the bottom of the problems at Hotel Marchand? In the Dark by Judith Arnold is a compelling beginning to one of Harlequin's latest continuity series. The stage is set for underlying plot lines surrounding the hotel, bound to be carried throughout the entire series. It is evident some mysteries are not yet to be resolved, presumably to be taken through to a climax in the final book in the series. Readers are kept guessing as to just who is harassing and threatening Julie. Though not a twist per se, the actual identity of who is after Julie is a surprise as no hints are given throughout most of the story. We are led to believe the threat is someone else entirely. Julie is an elegant woman with brains and beauty combining into a very impressive person, especially to Mac. She has overcome much to get where she is today and is very happy with her accomplishments and the life resulting from them. If it feels like maybe something is missing, that's perfectly fine with her, until Mac enters her life, mixing up all her feelings. He epitomizes everything she escaped from, and she's not exactly eager to allow him in to her life. But love always overcomes it all and when she finally gives in to her longing, she is in for quite a surprise. How that all plays out is sure to keep readers charmed by Julie and Mac's story. In the Dark is a satisfying start to the Hotel Marchand series and I for one intend to read the rest of the series and see how everything finally plays out. © Kelley A. Hartsell, September 2006. All rights reserved.

I enjoyed the story. I had a little trouble accepting Mac at first but he is very good at security. The book moves right along making you feel as if family and workers are working together to make this party which is going to take place at the hotel a success. We are surprised at the twist which takes place near the end. Julie almost looses her life but proves to be very smart. Looking forward to the other books in this series.

Marcie Sullivan hires Crescent City Security personal protection specialist Mac Jensen to protect her sister Julie from a dangerous person she sent up the river with her testimony over eight years ago, but who is now free; Marcie also insists that Mac hide the truth of his assignment from her beloved sibling who would be upset with the fuss. To provide cover on his assignment and keeping Julie in the dark for his real reason to be near her, Mac accepts the job of head of security at New Orleans' beautiful Marchand Hotel where Julie is the number two person in charge. In spite of the carnage caused by Katrina, it is the party season in the city with Christmas, New Year's, Twelfth Night, and Mardi Gras in a six week hectic period with the hotel hosting galas for its guests. As the first event occurs, someone apparently wants to destroy the hotel as incidents happen that keep security hopping and Mac away from his first job of protecting Julie. However, when the lights go out during a bash, Mac needs to keep the guests and employees safe while insuring no harm comes to the woman he now loves. The first Hotel Marchand romantic suspense, IN THE DARK, is a terrific setup entry that establishes a lofty signature bar of quality for subsequent novels to match or exceed. The exciting story line is fast-paced as the past catches up with the heroine while her champion is caught between a hard place and a rock as he knows any decision he makes will be a choice of the lesser of two evils. Sub-genre fans will appreciate this fine thriller and wonder how next in the chute Marie Ferrarella will compare when she tells Sylvie Marchand's tale. Harriet Klausner