Paradise calls to Chase Wilcox. A man of science fascinated by the rebirth of life in the wake of cataclysmic natural upheaval, he is drawn to the lush beauty of the island of Hawaii and the secrets it holds -- while escaping the destruction of his own personal world.

The island is home to many unexpected wonders, which is why Nicole Ballard could never leave. A research assistant, an artist, a dancer -- a tall and stunning redhead who goes by the stage name Pele, goddess of fire -- she, too, hides a secret pain, releasing her pent-up sensuality to the accompaniment of native drums before a mesmerized audience.

Joined on a scientific project that carries them both into the moist, verdant heart of a tropical wonderland, Nicole and Chase will be forced to confront their own lingering inner darkness, while resisting a newly inflamed need to touch, to give...to care. In the shadow of Mount Kilauea, all restraints will be broken, as emotions flow hot and free as rivers of molten rock. And desire will erupt, as unpredictable and dangerous as the living volcano, transforming the very landscape of their lives.

Hawaii = Heat. That's the author's central equation in this romance set on the Big Island. Fires are seething within the earth, as well as in the bodies of Chase and Nicole (aka Pele, red-haired hula dancer). Both are Mainland refugees from broken marriages who have been badly burned by past relationships. James Daniels's cool delivery keeps a lid on the sexual tension until it slowly, irresistibly, boils over, just as Mt. Kilauea starts to do. The beat of island drums that ends each tape imitates the lovers' pounding hearts. E.V. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

 

Elizabeth Lowell's acclaimed suspense novels include the New York Times bestsellers Die in Plain Sight, Moving Target, and Running Scared, as well as the four books featuring the Donovan family, Amber Beach, Jade Island, Pearl Cove, and Midnight in Ruby Bayou. Lowell has more than thirty million books in print. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband, with whom she writes mystery novels under a pseudonym.