Blood is thicker than water...and its stain is deeper.
Nightclub manager Grace Butler is on a mission to buy the pub where her mother's ashes are scattered but the owner wants to sell to anyone but her. And that owner happens to be her father...who has a secret she will do anything to discover.
Social worker and all around good guy Jimmy Betts needs funds to buy a house for three special kids before their care home closes. Time is running
out and he's desperate for cash. He agrees to to a one-time 'job' for bad- man Karl Butler. But in a sudden turn of events, Jimmy finds himself
employed by Karl's beautiful, funny and incredibly sexy daughter, Grace. Their lives couldn't be more different, yet one thread binds them: they're both
trying to escape the bonds of their fathers. Maybe the only way they'll be free is by being together, instead of alone.
Content Warning: Some profanity, sexual situations
Paying the Piper by Rachel Brimble tells the story of Grace Butler and Jimmy Betts. At first glance they appear an unlikely couple; she runs a night club and he is a social worker. Their lives are very different and yet they share so much. Both Grace and Jimmy have been shaped by past events which have served to make them stronger as adults, but this strength has also caused them to put up barriers. Despite their strong attraction to one another, neither is willing to risk losing their hearts. Grace is a hard headed business woman and Jimmy has problems of his own; with his children’s home closing down and a soup kitchen to run, he feels that his only option to find money is to turn to Grace’s disreputable father, Karl; a man with many dark secrets of his own.
I found this an unusual read because of the very different backgrounds between Grace and Jimmy. At first glance they did seem to make a rare alliance. I did like Grace’s character though, she had a great sense of wit and her family loyalty stood out from the very beginning of the book. There are some very amusing parts to the book, with the introduction of Gerald, Grace’s gay friend and some fantastic one liners. My favourite thread in the whole story was the mystery surrounding the family pub. It held my interest and once resolved gave another slant to the story.
Paying the Piper is an interesting read with a good mixture of humour, mystery and sexual chemistry. Set in England, it gives readers the chance to look at the world of nightclubs, country pubs and the darker side of life. It shows us how adult lives are shaped by sometimes terrible events, but demonstrates that we all have the power to change our destiny.
Read this if you like mystery, quick wit and an unconventional storyline.
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| Review by Harlequin |
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| Rated 3 moons Click HERE to buy Paying the Piper |
