| Madeline is a bored working girl. She has an unfulfilling, paper-pushing modern-day job, a humdrum existence, and a decidedly absent love life. One weekend as she roams the aisles of a flea market, alone, she suddenly finds Xavier, the man of her dreams . . . and scurries to pay fifteen dollars to make him hers. This changes her world forever.
This short story delivers all the required parts – a solid beginning hook, stirring engaging erotic connection, and a romantic end. Despite its succinct format and the fact that the author capably and successfully brings the plot full circle, I felt as if something was still missing as I read the last page. Characterizations could have been more deeply developed, and I kept hoping for a more defined basis upon which Madeline and Xavier could build their unique relationship and live happily-ever-after. As a romance hero, Xavier was pliant. The world between Madeline and him was built almost solely on blatant physical connection. Love was indicated but, as a reader, I could not truly feel it at any point. I didn’t get a sense of a sincere emotional buy-in. Despite this, I felt Lord Xavier is a fun, quick read, with a very satisfying dose of sensuality.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Linda J. Alexander |