Darcie Reed's Uncle Horry has kicked the bucket, and his will is a doozy. If she wants to inherit his estate, called "Shangri-La," she has to live in the mansion for a month-with her ex, Cameron Pierce-and take care of Lucky, the cat. If anything happens to said feline, the whole enchilada goes to an obscure relative. She knew her uncle was eccentric, but the posthumous matchmaking did beat all.

Little does Darcie know that Uncle Horry's ghost is hanging around talking with his beloved Lucky. Horry means to get Darcie and Cameron together before he goes to meet the light, even if it means putting Lucky into some humiliating situations. If that's not enough, poor Lucky, a god among cats, of course, has to live in fear for his nine lives as someone is plotting against him.

In a voice as irrepressible as her cast of characters, Michaels paints a vivid picture of sophistication doused with a heavy layer of hilarity. Darcie's motivations were a little weak, and Cameron had a few childish moments almost on par with Uncle Horry. At times, these two flaws work, but at other times, they are a distraction.

While the characters aren't brilliant, each of them has enough depth to be interesting. In fact, the cat may have been the smartest one there. Unfortunately, the by-play between Horry and Lucky upstage the romance at times.

If you're looking for a madcap romantic comedy with more than a hint of naughtiness, "Stuck in Shangri-La" is worth the read.

-C.W.

Also by Kasey Michaels:

High Heels and Homicide

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