Napa Valley, California - Present Day

Wealthy businessman Spencer Westmoreland always gets what he wants...and he wants the Russell vineyard. His plans are going along just fine until the Russells' granddaughter, Chardonnay, convinces them not to sell. Spencer decides to visit the family and talk some sense into Miss Russell. Once Spencer arrives, he's taken aback by the beauty and gumption of Chardonnay. Her tenacity and willingness to stand up to him excite him and gets him to thinking about things other than business. Spencer offers Chardonnay a deal...if she marries him and bears his children, he won't turn the vineyard into a plush resort.

Chardonnay isn't at all happy that Spencer Westmoreland is taking advantage of her family's misfortune. When he calls on her in person, he isn't exactly what she expects. Well, maybe the tough businessman, but not the gorgeous hunk that makes her body sit up and take notice. When Spencer offers her marriage in exchange for helping save the vineyard, Chardonnay is hesitant. He talks nothing of love, only of a sexually satisfying arrangement with the promise of children. Can she subject herself to a loveless marriage, especially one with such a sexy man?

In SPENCER'S FORBIDDEN PASSION, Spencer comes face to face with a woman just as stubborn and strong-willed as he is. Chardonnay is passionate in and out of bed, and Spencer doesn't want to let her go. Hurt once before, he isn't interested in love. Unfortunately for him, though, the heart is much stronger than the head. Chardonnay is swept off her feet by Spencer. His every kiss, his masterful touch, has her wanting his heart, as she's already fallen in love with him. When these two come together, it's a firestorm of emotion and sensuality that singes the edges of each page. Secondary characters include the other Westmoreland family members and the Russell family. I love stories that revolve around families and watching the progress of the family members throughout the tale, even if it's just a glimpse of the others' lives. Ms. Jackson does a superb job of weaving together a story chock full of sensuality that still includes family values.

A story filled with passion, emotion, and intriguing characters, Brenda Jackson's latest Westmoreland Family Saga book, SPENCER'S FORBIDDEN PASSION, is a must-read.

Sinclair Reid