Darling Jasmine

The final chapter (covering the years 1615-1623) in the lustful life of tireless matriarch Skye O'Malley unfolds in England and Scotland as Skye intervenes yet again on behalf of her favorite granddaughter, beautiful, hot-blooded Jasmine. Having fled England resisting a marriage decreed by King James, Jasmine has fallen into disgrace at the court. Her exasperated, persistent bridegroom-to-be, Scottish Earl of Glenkirk James Leslie, trails after Skye and at last finds Jasmine and her children. Assisted by Grandmama Skye's skillful designs, the romance evolves rather effortlessly into a happy match bound by potent, explicit sexuality. Although all is forgiven at court, the old king makes inadvertent trouble for the couple when he arouses the ire of the depraved marquis of Hartsfield, Piers St. Denis, whose evil chicanery creates touches of psychological drama and a narrow escape for Jasmine. Time has not deepened Jasmine or Skye, but friends of the O'Malley clan read Small for the exciting tale and the sex, neither of which is missing here. The women's memories of past exploits enliven tranquil moments with charm and poignancy, and Skye's last adventures will bring tears to readers' eyes. (Sept.)