A man wrongly sent to prison, a woman heartbroken by what she sees as a betrayal, a baby on the way. These are serious topics. But here’s the thing about author Annie West’s books: there are always serious topics, but they are handled gently with sensitivity and taste. These stories are intense, scorching, steamy, searing – adult - but they are never tawdry or tasteless. What could be glaring, in your face and crude is subtle, whispery and sneaks up on you. I have read a lot of Annie West’s books, and I do mean a lot. You’ve got to love those handsome, powerful billionaires - and my personal weakness, those sheikhs, well, they take my breath away.

While reading Reunited by the Greek’s Baby it suddenly hit me what it is about West’s books that is so special and why I love each and every one more than the last and why once I’ve started that first paragraph I just can’t put the book down. It’s the familiar comfort I immediately feel. I sigh and relax and snuggle down with a book I know will completely, totally, absolutely satisfy me. Those billionaires and sheikhs and where they live and work and play are larger than life. But their feelings just feel authentic. The people we just read and dream about become in West’s capable hands real people like us, who hope and dream and hurt and feel sadness. Who love. And we can relate.

Isla is alone and hurting, but she does alone very well, thank you. She’s been alone most of her life, felt rejected and unwanted. What she thought she had with Theo? That hurts even more because she was so certain it was real. How could she have been fooled like that? When that dream came crashing down and she was once again rejected she retreated way, way, way back into her shell. But Isla is never pitiful or pathetic; she is a very strong women who has learned how to take care of herself, and there is no doubt she will take care of her baby. Without any help, thank you, because she can do alone very well, remember?

Theo ended his affair with Isla for her safety when he was wrongfully imprisoned. It was the right thing to do, nothing more and nothing less, not like he had any long-term plans. And taking care of the baby he learns is coming is also the right thing to do. No strings on Isla but no room for argument, either. He’s that baby’s father and beyond his duty, he is determined to be the type of father he never had, to make sure his child always feel safe and loved and wanted. Isla just needs to realize that’s best.

But they’re not in love. Nope. Whatever started never got a chance to grow and it’s over. The important thing is just raising the baby. Yeah, right. We know long before they realize or acknowledge it how they feel. But why rush it? Going on the journey with them, watching their “Aha” or “Oh, no” moments, is so sweet. He thinks, she thinks, he doesn’t want to trap her, she doesn’t want his pity or guilt. So they stumble along in their misguided beliefs. Of course it’s not all sighs and swoons and sexy chills. There is real danger from those who didn’t want Theo to be free. Those who may harm him, Isla and their unborn child. It’s an exciting story.

I could quote examples from the book that show their growing awareness of their love, but that would involve quoting the entire book. The simpler thing is for you to run out right now and grab a copy of this beautiful story. When Theo called Isla Glykia mou I shivered. When he said, “S’agapo, Isla,” I put my hand on my heart. And when she said, “Agape mou,” to him my smile got wider and wider. (Look it up, you will swoon, sigh and smile, too.) Theo decided it was a fact, he was the luckiest man in the world. And when we have an Annie West book in our hands we are the luckiest readers.

Thanks to author Annie West for providing an advance copy of Reunited by the Greek’s Baby. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review; all opinions are my own. Read this and all of Annie West’s books. You won’t be sorry. ( )