1816 – Jamaica

Michael Mallory, Earl of Clairbourne has been sunk in grief since the death of his wife and unborn son. He is quickly drinking himself into an early grave. His best friend, Guy Barnett, has devised a plan to force Michael to begin to live again. Guy and his mistress, Francoise Antoine, drug and kidnap Michael and strand him on a deserted island...with Delphine Antoine, Francoise’s virginal, if not so innocent daughter. Guy is sure that the lovely Delphine will bring Michael out of his grief.

Delphine has been trained all her life to be the mistress of a wealthy peer. Now she has her first opportunity to test her skills on a man. Delphine is instantly aware of how fortunate she is. Michael is handsome, virile and seductive, even if he is unconscious. Delphine decides to begin her seduction of Michael before he fully awakens, and is delighted with the results.

Michael wakes from a highly erotic dream only to learn it wasn’t a dream at all. The beautiful woman who caressed him in his dreams is sleeping beside him. Michael also realizes he’s not at home. When Delphine gives him the note left by Guy, Michael is furious at his friend and at the jade holding him captive on the island.

Michael is determined to resist Delphine’s seductive allure until he can escape the island. Delphine is determined to seduce Michael, all the while keeping her heart safe. It is amazing what proximity, determination, and wishful thinking will produce. Both Michael and Delphine are sure to learn things about themselves and each other neither could have expected.

MANGO SUMMER is an intensely sensual read, so much so I was tempted to label it an Erotic Historical Romance. Delphine, while technically a virgin, is a highly trained courtesan -- even if she has never practiced her lesson on a man before. She’s a sweet girl who believes her destiny is to be a rich man’s mistress. She never planned to fall in love with the man. Michael is a man who has suffered guilt and anguish over the death of his wife and is determined never to marry again. But with Delphine, he can have the passion from her he desires without the curse of marriage. However, he had not planned to become obsessed with the sensual siren, nor lose his heart to her. Secondary characters of note are Francoise and Guy, major players in the plot, if not in the actual tale. Francoise does not believe in love -- at least not the kind that lasts -- and is determined to see Delphine taken care of by a rich benefactor. Guy does believe in love, his love for Francoise and his affection for her daughter. Guy wants to see Michael happy again, and believes Delphine is the woman to help him.

With intricate character development and vivid narrative, Ms. Conn has created a passionate tale of love, lust, and second chances. The focus of the story remains on the relationship that develops between Michael and Delphine and is often so intensely sensual the book should come with a warning label. <G.> While the plot is not unique, the characters are, and it’s the characters that drive this tale more than any outward forces. MANGO SUMMER is a novel sure to please readers who enjoy an intensely emotional and sensual tale of love and romance. I recommend it for an entertaining read.

Terrie Figueroa