There’s something very appealing about the idea of undying love. The idea of love transcending death is a comforting notion as few of us have any idea of what awaits us once we quit this mortal plane. No doubt this explains the fascination I’ve always had with ghosts and love from beyond the grave. It certainly makes for a wonderful romance.

Roses For Chloe is the story of Tyce Brandon and Delaney Bienville. Ever since Tyce’s ancestor proposed to Delaney’s during the American Civil War, their families have been intertwined – but never by marriage. You see, Tyce’s ancestor never made it home to Chloe’s arms. In order for Chloe to rest, a Bienville and Brandon must be married.

Delaney has no intention of marrying anyone – especially not Tyce Brandon. When she inherits Caroline, a plantation, from her Aunt Donet, she has only one goal in mind. The plantation meant more to her father than his family, so she wants to raze it. She’s already signed the papers. The dilapidated mansion will be destroyed and replaced with a shopping mall.

Tyce has no intention of letting her destroy the house he has poured so much love into – not when Donet wrote a new will leaving Caroline to him! If only he could make Delaney love the place as much as he does! And what about the Bienville rubies that Chloe supposedly hid somewhere on the grounds? Surely those could cover Delaney’s expenses if they could only find them. With a little help from Donet and Chloe, Tyce and Delaney begin to grow closer, but Delaney’s partner and boyfriend, Mark, threatens to destroy not only Caroline but their very lives as well.

Though I tend to prefer historical romances, the fact that Roses For Chloe was set in the present didn’t bother me at all. I thoroughly enjoyed author Elaine Grant’s gift for weaving a tale – especially since she managed to make the deceased Chloe and Donet as real to me as Tyce and Delaney.

Tyce was a great hero. His commitment to the plantation was almost heartbreaking – as was his realization that he would give it all up for Delaney – lucky girl! Delaney was just a little bit harder to like, because she seemed jaded and shrewish at first. Gradually, she grew on me though, and I found myself sympathizing with her as the book went on.

My only other quibble is that Mark, Delaney’s boyfriend, is a little too evil. Just the fact that Delaney had a boyfriend assured a conflict. I could have done without his attempted destruction of Caroline, but I was willing to overlook it simply because I enjoyed the rest of the story so much – especially the union of Chloe and her lost love.

There was a lot of sexual tension between Delaney and Tyce, almost from the very beginning, but only one love scene. I found I didn’t mind the lack of physical affection when there was so much going on between them on other levels. These two characters actually liked one another and respected each other – something I found completely refreshing after reading an endless amount of romances where the hero and heroine are thrown in bed together long before any kind of emotional attachment forms.

If you enjoy paranormal romances, add Roses For Chloe to your shopping list. While it may not haunt you, it will certainly make you smile whenever you catch the scent of roses on the air.