ISBN: 0-8217-7615-0   March 2004   Contemporary Romance

THE SEXIEST DEAD MAN ALIVE is one of the best books I've read all year. As the title implies, there is much humor in the novel, but there is also great sadness and pain, both for Declan and Rose and for minor, but important, secondary characters. The blending of humor, passion, mystery and heartache make this a roller coaster of a read. One moment I was laughing out loud and the next I was sobbing as if my heart would break, yet each transition is done smoothly and I never felt jarred by the warring emotions.

The characters are very well-developed with deep insight into their inner hopes, dreams, and fears. Rose is an ordinary woman with a deep love for the grandmother who raised her, and an almost desperate desire for a husband and children, as well as her own restaurant. She's practical, down to earth, optimistic, and a true romantic, despite her dismal relationships with men. Declan is sensitive, talented, loving and kind, but he's also very egocentric. He truly believes that he and he alone is responsible for every bad thing that has ever happened in his life, and he tends to be on the pessimistic side. In other words, he is the opposite of Rose in nearly every way, and yet the chemistry and connection between them is undeniable. Secondary characters are well depicted, though the focus of the story and most of the book is between Rose and Declan. Watching Rose and Declan slowly grow in their feelings for each other, as well as within themselves, was one of the best parts of the book.

THE SEXIEST DEAD MAN ALIVE is definitely a character driven novel, and the author has created characters that truly come alive and immerse the reader in the intense emotion that permeates the story. Certain portions of the book were anguishing to read, at least for me, and forced me to put the book down a few times to wipe away the tears. However, this is not to say that this is a sad or depressing book; it's not. It's a very realistic look at an ordinary woman with extraordinary strength and a man who has everything, but fails to find happiness until it's almost too late. This novel has the perfect blend of humor and angst, passion and pain, good and bad -- just like most people's lives. In the end it's a wonderfully romantic story that will stay with me for a very long time. For a book that will tickle your funny bone and touch your heart, I highly recommend Jane Blackwood's THE SEXIEST DEAD MAN ALIVE, and happily award it a Perfect 5.

Courtesy of Terrie Figueroa
Reviewer Romance Review Today