When software troubleshooter Suzanna Trent attends a Pittsburgh Pirates game to surprise childhood friend (and star player) Tim Trehan, he's delighted to see what a beautiful woman she's grown into. The two share a passionate night together, and Tim, believing he's found the answer to the "curse" that may end his playing days, proposes marriage. The so-called "curse" decrees that whatever befalls his twin brother, Jack—the hero from Michaels's previous novel, Love to Love You Baby—will happen to him. Since Jack suffered a career-ending injury, married and is expecting a baby, Tim is convinced that if he marries, he can stave off the other two. In an unconventional twist, Tim and Suzanna wed by the end of chapter three, but when Suze finds out about the curse, she kicks him out. Eventually, Suze turns the tables and withholds an important bit of news from Tim, but with his schedule, and hers, they aren't together long enough to build trust. Even when they are, they reminisce instead of discussing matters of importance. This lack of communication is frustrating and only leads to confusion. In trying to help, the couple's loving family and friends unwittingly complicate matters further, which makes for some very funny scenes. These moments are too few, however, to redeem this lackluster romance. (June)
Forecast:Cover praise from Nora Roberts and an aggressive print advertising campaign should help this clunker climb the charts. The release of Michaels's first hardcover mystery in July is bound to garner her attention, as well.
