A new book from Donna Jay is always a treat. It could be the not-quite-Australian feel of her language a settings (New Zealand in this case, as with everything I've read from Donna to date). It could be the warmth with which she draws her characters. It could be the steamy scenes, which are beautifully written. Whatever it is, it feels just right and leaves me smiling every time.

This book is a stand-alone spinoff from "The Secrets we Keep". If you haven't read it then I recommend doing so before you get started on "The People we Trust". Not because this book doesn't stand alone, but because it is a great read, and it would be a shame for anyone to miss it.

Soraya Jansen is a strong, independent woman who has sworn off relationships. Here she is forty years old and she has just taken over management of the beauty parlour in which she works, where the staff provide a range of "special" extra services to their female clientele.

In the way of romance novels, the fact that Soraya isn't seeking a relationship doesn't stop one from coming her way, bringing with it the awkwardness and uncertainty we thrive on as readers. Also delightfully sexy banter, and fur babies of both the canine and feline variety to fawn over.

This is a five-star read, very highly recommended and I'm looking forward to a promised third book, following a different couple with their own story, at some point in the not-too-distant future. ( )