Sleight of Face

MJ is a newly released parolee in need of a job. Her parole officer, Pete, has a place that she will be perfect for and works out the details for her to get a chance to start a new life. Arriving at the ranch, she finds that it should be very easy to do her time and never look back. That is until she realizes that she is quite attracted to her boss, Pen. However, she has a secret that could cost her more than the years she spent in jail if it becomes known. When she realizes that Pen is attracted to her, can MJ let down her guard and give herself the opportunity to love him? If he learns her secret, will she ever be the same?

When Pete calls and asks for a favor, Pen is left with the decision to hire an ex-con. If he was not so hard up for some help on his ranch, he would have said no and never given it another thought. Lucky for MJ, he needed help and needed it now. Since MJ will be living on the ranch, Pen lays down some serious ground rules. Pen believes that it just might work. MJ will only enter the kitchen and Pen along with his daughter, Misty will stay out of her way. Unfortunately, this is before Pen learns that MJ is a woman. Pen finds it difficult to be happy when she obeys all of his rules. MJ is growing on not only Pen but also on Misty. Pen wants to have more of MJ, but realizes that she is holding something back. Can he get her to open up to him so he has a chance to love her?

Charlene Leonard has written a beautiful romance between two people who want to do what is right but be loved in the process. The two characters have great personalities and big hearts. Pen is a man how works hard at his ranch and works even harder at being loved. He is a strong man, but has an unbelievable ability to be tender at all the right times. MJ has given up so much for the ones she loves that readers will be rooting for her throughout the entire story to have the opportunity for a life as wonderful as she is. MJ’s devotion to her sister is breathtaking and touching. Readers will be captivated by the endearing personalities of not only MJ and Pen, but also the wonderful secondary characters of Parker and Misty. The physical connection between MJ and Pen is as sizzling to witness as the emotional strength they give each other is touching. The relentless pursuit Pen demonstrates for MJ will leave a smile on your face.

Sleight of Face is a touching romance. I loved the riveting display of compassion and tantalizing passion between MJ and Pen. I found myself smiling and almost in tears as I watched the story unfold. The characters were both well written and heartfelt. The additional members in the story offered even more depth and warmth to MJ and Pen’s story. I was engrossed from the front cover to the back cover, unable to move until I was sure how it all ended. Charlene Leonard has out done herself on this one and earned 5 Angels and a Recommended Read for her efforts!

Reviewed by: Jessica