Dawn in Eclipse Bay, by Jayne Ann Krentz

Dawn in Eclipse Bay, by Jayne Ann Krentz is the sequel to her Eclipse Bay. I've already read the next one, too, book # 3. For some reason, I hadn't thought the middle book tempting.

Determined finally to follow her artistic dreams, Lillian Harte abruptly closes down her thriving computer matchmaking business and heads back home to Eclipse Bay to paint. But when Gabe Madison, her final client (and new brother-in-law), shows up on her doorstep, determined to collect the last "date" she owes him, it doesn't take long for the passion to flare, the small-town gossip to start, and the family meddling to follow.

This book was entertaining and I enjoyed reading it, but it's probably the weakest in the series. A B-.

The main problem is that the romance feels a bit off. I did kind of like it, but if felt like there were bits missing. What I mean is, even though Gabe's POV is supposed to be included, many of his important decisions are just skipped. He's attracted to Lillian, ok, we see that. Then he's following her to Eclipse Bay, without any explanation... we don't see him thinking about what to do and deciding. Then later, he has certain feelings for Lillian, ok, we get a clue that he's started to want more than just an affair with her. Then he's declaring his love. I really don't need to see everything spelled out, but these crucial moments felt missing.

Apart from that, as I said, it was entertaining. Lots of bantering, nice love scenes, likeable characters and an even lighter than usual suspense subplot.