The Strength of Desire - HMB Series #3569

The Strength of Desire is the ninth romance novel by British author, Alison Fraser. Hope Gardener has been single-handedly bringing up her daughter Maxine for all of her twelve years. Hope's ex-husband Jack Delacroix was too busy being a rock star on tour to have much to do with Maxine, or provide for her financially. When he did appear, he would inevitably disappoint her. But now Hope's heard that Jack has died, and Jack's younger brother, Guy has turned up on her doorstep to tell her about her inheritance. Hope wants nothing to do with Guy: she learned her lesson thirteen years ago when she opened her heart to a man who apparently only wanted her body. Nor does she want anything from Jack. But is it fair to deprive Maxine of a legacy that will make her future brighter?

Guy and Hope are a pair who spend every moment that they're not fiercely kissing each other, glaring, snarling and shouting at each other. And, boy, are they good at putting each other down. Assumptions and misunderstandings and a bit of malice from an older brother mean thirteen years of enmity that finally, finally resolve into a happy ending. Not Fraser's best, but still quite a good read.