Maria Lantos loves researching early erotic literature, but what really pays her bills is her night job as an escort under the name Claudine. It is there that she gives her clients a one-time-only satisfying night. Everything changes when a stranger who looks a little too like her is murdered, and someone starts leaving mysterious notes about her past that only a few people know about. When her day and night life start inching a little too close together, Maria will have to walk a careful line if she wants to stay safe.

CLAUDINE by Barbara Palmer is everything I hoped for and more. Going into it, I expected some steamy scenes and a solid mystery, but what Palmer delivers doesn't stop there. CLAUDINE offers an intense story, through both the characters and the plot, full of passion, stubborn defense, intimacy, and a hell of a suspenseful mystery. Seventy- five percent into the story, you will be so certain you know who is behind all the threats, and then Palmer throws another twist in to make you constantly second guess everything.

What takes the story to a level beyond entertaining and beyond enjoyable is the seriousness Claudine (the main character) puts into the way she demands to be treated. She unabashedly requires respect, just as every other person, no matter their occupation, requests from others. The firm stance she gives when it comes to knowing and expressing herself makes the story completely beautiful and enriching.

Readers looking for a romance story with a little something more should take a long look at CLAUDINE. The action, romance, suspense, and intensity of the novel will take your breath away and give you an excellent view of true fierceness in its place. Barbara Palmer does an astounding job with CLAUDINE, and I can't wait to pick up another book from her.