I've read some of Kasey Michaels' Silhouette romances in the past, and while they were nice enough, they weren't especially memorable. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You is one I'll definitely remember - it was utterly charming.
Rich heiress Shelby Taite is bored with her life. She's tired of her limited world and she's tired of always doing things because she's expected to do them, not because she wants to do them. Quinn Delaney, partner in the security firm that provides protection to her family, thinks they are Rich and Repulsive. When Shelby, who wants to experience real life before her wedding to boring Parker Westbrook, escapes from her rich but restricted world, Quinn has to follow her and make sure she keeps out of trouble.
Shelby is the star of this book; her character simply sparkles. Far from being Rich and Repulsive, she is charming, likable and very capable once she is on her own. She gets a job at a little restaurant, whips the place into shape and soon becomes a favorite of the townspeople who eat there. Shelby is determined to experience life and enjoys the smallest pleasures (McDonalds french fries, for example).
Quinn is a tad overshadowed by Shelby, but he's still a good character. He is sure that Shelby will fall into the Rich and Repulsive category, and can't imagine how she'll survive on her own for very long. Quinn is proven quite wrong on both counts, and he finds himself falling for her. I particularly enjoyed his talks with business partner Grady (whose story is in Michaels' next book) and his office staff.
Shelby and Quinn lie to each other about their identities. When Shelby finally remembers who Quinn is, she's hurt, but doesn't overreact. I thought Michaels handled this aspect of their relationship in an interesting way. What could have been a Big Misunderstanding that led to a separation does not.
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You is just adorable. The storyline isn't anything special, but the characters, both main and supporting, make it above average. In addition to Shelby and Quinn, there are Brandy and Gary, who have been engaged for twelve years. Brandy takes Shelby in and becomes her guide to real life. Both Shelby and Quinn bond with Brandy and Gary and try to help their romance along. Shelby's brother, his companion, Shelby's uncle and the restaurant customers round out the quirky cast. The only supporting character who doesn't quite work is the villain, who is bland instead of menacing, but he doesn't detract from the story too much.
I laughed out loud several times while reading this and almost embarrassed myself by doing so at one of my husband's meetings. This is a feel-good romance that will leave you with a smile on your face. It definitely left me with one.
Sensuality: Warm
Publication Date: 2000
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