Wilde Hotel, Briony Wilde's biker hotel and bar, is in financial straits; the planning department wants the site, she may lose her alcohol license; things are just not going well. Then a gorgeous man walks into the bar; he looks like a GQ cover model, definitely not a biker. He's having car trouble, and Briony thinks he just might be a very convenient distraction. Unfortunately, Briony didn't ask her one-night-stand's name; he's Cole Knight, the son of her mortal enemy from the planning department. That's when having creatively devious acquaintances comes in handy: why not blackmail Cole!

BURNED BY BLACKMAIL is one blackmail story that really worked for me; the plot twists are entirely believable, nothing sounds contrived because of Ms. De Winton's imaginative take on the subject, which is not always the case. I also liked that the hero is not the biker, but a mild-mannered businessman, although he is not as lily- white as first appeared. Ms. De Winton is known for creating strong heroines, and Briony is no different; she's sassy, determined, and very loyal to her substitute family of tough bikers. The chemistry between Cole and Briony is palpable, and it is quite entertaining to watch them trying to fight their mutual attraction in spite of being on opposite sides, which gives way to particularly amusing banter.

But most impressive is the quality of Ms. De Winton's writing. Her prose is flawlessly smooth, yet it has a musical quality that naturally enhances the narrative, and punctuates the pacing. Michele De Winton's style is modern, young, with a classy urban vibe; the words flow together with flair and panache; her voice is very distinctive and lively, and it gives a three-dimensional quality to the characters.

BURNED BY BLACKMAIL is a well-written book, wildly entertaining, sexy and clever, with a surprisingly believable story, and absolutely fabulous characters! BURNED BY BLACKMAIL is one of this year's best books!