RUE TOULOUSE is a book for anyone who loves New Orleans! Ms. Grahl captures the essence of this magical and romantic city so well that RUE TOULOUSE could not have taken place anywhere else: the atmosphere, the food, the sounds and smells are inseparable from the story. Debby Grahl strikes a perfect balance of steamy romance and intrigue in this gripping mystery of vengeance and family squabbles. Caterine's family is a total nightmare, unfortunately utterly believable in their pettiness as they try to contravene the formidable Miss Dauphine's decision. I love Miss Dauphine, she's a fascinating character: an old-fashioned grand dame in true southern style, with a steel backbone.
I loved that, even though Remi and Caterine felt lust at first sight, their romance took its sweet time to develop; they both have personal issues, and they do not share a similar background: Caterine is wealthy and Remi, ex-NOPD is not, but he's a good man; it was lovely to watch where their infatuation would take them. Caterine is reserved, resourceful, and much tougher than she first appears, while Remi is protective but not aggressively domineering; he values Caterine's opinions and I loved his Cajun roots, which make for colourful cursing! RUE TOULOUSE has a complex plot, and given the number of characters, it could have been confusing, but it's easy to follow and there are numerous twists and turns. I was actually quite taken by surprise by the first incident that occurs early in the story; very ingenious! Ms. Grahl makes everything very realistic, whether the dysfunctional Doucette family or the warm and engaging Michauds, and the investigation that unfolds at a normal pace. RUE TOULOUSE is a great read for anyone who enjoys a solid suspense with complex characters, and the beautiful city of New Orleans.
It's Mardi Gras time in New Orleans. Attending a masquerade ball, wealthy fashion designer Caterine Doucette, dressed as a shimmering ice princess, has her cool façade shattered when she encounters Bayou-born ex-cop Remi Michaud, disguised as the darkly handsome pirate Jean Lafitte. Their true identities hidden, the princess and the pirate come together in an explosion of passion and desire. But when fantasy turns to cold reality, Caterine panics and disappears into the night, unaware this man will soon be sent to rescue her from a killer and will capture her heart. Orphaned at a young age, Caterine grew up in the home of her beloved grandmother, Miss Dauphine Doucette. Despised by her Doucette relatives for the devotion she received from her grandmère, Caterine suffered years of envy and disdain. The young Caterine learned quickly how easily the love she had to give could be thrown back in her face. After Miss Dauphine turns over ownership of the century- old fashion house, Ma Chérie, to Caterine, an attempt is made on her life, for there are those in the Doucette family who will stop at nothing to possess what they feel is their rightful inheritance. Not knowing whom to trust, Caterine goes into hiding. Miss Dauphine, convinced someone in her own family is behind the attack, hires Remi, now working for a private security company, to track her down and unmask her would-be assassin. Learning that the affluent Caterine Doucette is the beautiful princess he held in his arms at the ball, Remi is torn between his growing desire for her and painful memories of another rich socialite's betrayal. Caterine finds herself falling in love with Remi, but old embedded pain leaves her afraid to open her heart. Down in the Big Easy, Caterine and Remi must learn to trust one another if they are to survive in a world of family greed and ruthless revenge.
EXCERPT
Hello, Princess.” Caterine stared in disbelief at the man leaning against the door frame. Her mouth suddenly gone dry, she whispered, “Remi?” “At your service.” She opened her mouth and closed it several times before she stammered, “Wha-what are you doing here?” “Your grandmother sent me.” “Why?” “Let me in, and I’ll tell you.” Without a word, she stepped back to let him pass. He quickly scanned the room. “Nice, isn’t it? I’ve never stayed here, but I’ve heard it’s a great hotel. It suits you. But would you care to tell me why you’re here and not on a plane out of New Orleans?” Caterine’s back stiffened. “I don’t see what concern that is of yours. I called Elaine and expected either Paul or her to come. So, again, what are you doing here instead of Paul?” “You’re in trouble and need help.” “But you don’t even know me.” Remi smiled. “We have met.” Caterine felt her face turning scarlet. He chuckled. “I take it you remember.” Remember? Oh, how she remembered. She’d relived those moments in his arms over and over again. And here he was standing in front of her wanting to help. It took everything she had not to throw herself at him. “I still don’t understand. How did you find out what happened?” “I was on my way home when I heard Ma Chérie’s alarm. I found your hair clip and the blood on the sidewalk. What did that guy do to you?” She shuddered and in a barely audible voice said, “He held a gun to my back and tried to force me into a van.” Remi’s jaw tightened. “That fils de putain left some blood. If we find him, we have a DNA sample.” He reached out and took her hand. “How did you get away from him?” “First I swung wildly and hit him in the nose with the alarm remote I had in my fist. Then I got him with my umbrella.” “Way to go, Princess.” She gave him a slight smile. “And I’m pretty sure the remote saved my life. I set the alarm off while he held the gun to my back.” “You must have been terrified. I promise we’ll get the bastard who did that to you.” She tried to blink back the tears that suddenly filled her eyes. “Don’t cry.” With the tip of his finger, he brushed away the tear that slid down her cheek. “You’re safe. I’m here.”
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