Mary Stella Reviews

Added August 14, 2004

All Keyed Up

Author: Mary Stella
Publisher: Medallion Press
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: July 2004
Genre: Romance: Contemporary
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 1-932815-08-2
Author Email/Website: www.mary-stella.com
Reviewer: Robin Taylor

Jack Benton's Aunt Ruby will do anything to keep Dolphin Land going. Jack is a DEA agent on medical leave, and is more than happy to help the woman who raised him any way possible. When Jack's aunt tells him of a grant that might save Dolphin Land - research on social communications with the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins - Jack is more than a bit skeptical.

Headed to the Florida Keys, Dr. Victoria Sheffield is determined to prove herself - not as the assistant to her father, a revered scientist - but as the talented marine mammal research scientist she knows she can be. She cheated, capitalized on her father's name, Vic. Her father recently had a stroke, unable even to speak. When Ruby Maguire approached her, the opportunity was too good to pass up. Will she succeed before she's found out?

Jack's shrewd nature knows something is a bit off about her, but out of respect for his aunt, he'll back off. But he will be observing her closely - both professionally and personally. Victoria's been hurt - both professionally and personally - so she is very wary of Jack, despite the strong tug of attraction she feels whenever they are around each other. That proves to be nearly almost every waking hour. How is she supposed to cope with that?

While Jack struggles with his reactions to Victoria and her immediate rejection, the research continues, with more than a few snags. Jack soon learns that Victoria has secrets, just as he suspected. However, even though he doubts her motives, he's unable to fight off the fact that she's snagged his heart.

Mary Stella writes a wonderfully entertaining story in All Keyed Up. Rich with double entendres that increase the sexual tension, a little matchmaking by Jack's aunt, and a light intrigue filtering into the story, this proved to be a one-sitting read, leaving me with a smile on my face.

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