From the blurb:

Allie Blue’s dream of buying the old Smithington mansion and turning it into a bed and breakfast is stomped by a mystery real estate developer with a fancy pen and loaded checkbook. With no bed and breakfast, Allie resorts to one small fib which lands her a flight attendant’s job and the task of pampering Upward Airlines’ most demanding frequent flyer – Kiptyn Thomas, III. Something raw and potent snaps between them, but Allie fights the attraction for the guy who thinks he’s at the top of the food chain. Kiptyn Thomas is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it. Allie Blue both annoys and intrigues him. Will some well-intentioned fibs, a deep dark secret, and similar personalities draw them together or keep them apart?

Witty, sassy, energetic, crackling with chemistry. A great romantic read. Pure escapism, and I rather liked the characterisation – prickly-but-needy millionaire meets feisty-but-needy air stewardess. The author is unafraid to explore cold realities of life, such as having a woman of the night for your mother, and saying the complete wrong thing and inadvertently ruining the mood while in a sensual moment.

My favourite element of the book was the author’s ability to mix poignancy and a wry, warm, funny tone. For example:

One rebel tear teetered on her bottom lid like it was waiting for her to turn her back so it could slide down her cheek. Allie brushed it away with her shirtsleeve. She was tougher than tears, tougher than the heartbreak of losing her dream. All she needed was a little rest and relaxation – plus a roll of duct tape to hold her heart together – and she’d be okay.

Plenty of emotion and layering to the story, and compelling chemistry. In all, a great weekend read, and I’ll be looking out for Jan’s other titles.

One Small Fib is available now from Amazon; click on the book cover below to visit the store.