Janice Fraser has returned to Victoria, British Columbia, where she grew up, to live and recapture the happy memories of her childhood. As a real estate agent she quickly settles in and builds a life for herself.

That is until David Cantwell from Seattle decides to open a branch of business in Victoria. From the moment David steps off the plane Janice feels an indescribable attraction to the man…almost as if they belong together. But Janice has been burned in love before. And under much the same circumstances… Roger Lovett, an Englishman on business in Victoria, and Janice had formed an attachment. Janice would have sworn it was serious and headed for something more, but Roger suddenly left without a word and Janice hadn't heard from him since.

Cautiously she explores the possibilities of a relationship with David. But she hardly knows the man and despite the mutual attraction she tries to keep things businesslike as she shows David around Victoria and the big old houses he favors for his business venture. One such house is the three-story where Janice grew up and hoped to some day purchase for her own home. Newly on the market, Janice feels an ethical obligation to give David a chance at making an offer on the property just as she herself also makes an offer.

David's offer is accepted contingent on his business partner's approval of the house for an antique and golf equipment shop. But David's partner is attractive and decidedly female. Toni is headstrong and stubborn in her goals and Janice is not sure if David is one of those goals. To add spice to the mix Roger suddenly resurfaces and wants to talk with Janice about something of dire importance.

Janice is plunged into her past with the discovery of her father's diaries as her mother's heartbreaking abandonment is explained and Janice relives her childhood before she went to live with her aunt in Seattle. Janice must learn to trust again and put her faith in a man. Will it be Roger or David?…And who is the young woman Roger has brought with him on his return to Victoria and why his persistence on seeing Janice?

I enjoyed Love is the Best Offer for its easygoing story-line that entertained as well as intrigued with its simple but satisfying plot. I especially enjoyed the details and background info on Victoria, British Columbia as it made me feel part of the story with the vibrant descriptions. The drawback to the story was a little too much introspection by Janice that led to more 'telling than showing' of her emotions towards the men in her life. This aside, Love is the Best Offer is a pleasing read that I recommend to chase away the blues.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Torie West
September 30, 2003