WHIRLPOOL

Jewelry designer Laurel Swann receives a package containing a Fabergé egg from her estranged father. An assortment of villains wants the egg as well, and Laurel must rely on her father's nemesis, Cruz Rowan, to keep her safe. Action alternates with romantic dialogue as Laurel, predictably, falls for Cruz. Carington MacDuffie handles this as well as possible, softening her delivery for the sexy scenes and individualizing characters good and bad. Especially memorable, if not likable, is the female agent who flirts with anyone who is male. The denouement's revelation of the real value of the egg is the highlight of the story, first published in 1995, so keep listening. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]