Fth-Love & Smoke

Prolific romance novelist Blake ( Perfume of Paradise ) makes her hardcover debut in a tale that brims with improbable melodrama, howling inanities, and laughable villains and temptresses. Wealthy New Orleans widow Riva Staulet loathes politician Edison Gallant--and with good reason. Years ago, the despicable playboy killed a civil-rights worker, was the cause of Riva's sister's death from a self-administered abortion and, later, committed bigamy by marrying Riva, whom he soon deserted. After Riva gave birth to Edison's baby, Erin, another of her sisters raised the child. Lonely and penniless, Riva began dancing in a bar frequented by affluent businessman Cosmo Staulet, whom she married. As the socially prominent Mrs. Staulet, Riva meets Edison and threatens to expose his vile past unless he prevents his son from dating Erin, who doesn't suspect her true parentage. Outstanding in a cast of absurd characters is Edison himself, particularly in his sexual assault of Riva in a hospital supply closet. (June)