Accident Prone

by Sheila Claydon

The end of a long-term relationship leaves interior designer Alex Moyer emotionally bruised. Determined to concentrate on her career, she is thrilled when her boss asks her to redesign a hotel in the Canary Islands. Matt Anderson, the hotel’s handsome owner, has emotional problems of his own, so when Alex starts to melt the ice around his heart, he tries to ignore it. Alex proves hard to ignore, however, when Matt has to constantly rescue the accident-prone designer. After he steps in to save her from the clutches of the untrustworthy Francesco Pascual, things begin to get out of hand. It becomes clear that dating Alex was part of Francesco’s bigger plan to cause the hotel to fail. On top of that, Matt and Alex are falling for each other, which doesn’t suit either of them. Can they ignore their growing mutual attraction as they attempt to foil Francesco? If they succeed, well, Alex will have to return to London anyway…won’t she?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

194 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2011

About the author

Although she was born and educated on the south coast of England, life choices have gradually moved Sheila Claydon and her family northwards across the UK. At present she is lucky enough to live on a stunning stretch of wild coastline in the northwest of the country where she finds walking her dog an enjoyable if necessary counterweight to the sedentary life of a writer.

Interspersed with her writing is a long and varied career in health, education and employment and she likes to think she is a better writer because of those experiences. She also admits that a few of her heavily disguised characters are based on people she has met or worked with in the past.

Reviews

[Joan Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenceful romance

Loved the confident Alex and her dealings with Matt. Very well written. I could easily read this again. Loved it.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accident Prone is a cute novel by Sheila Claydon. It is a contemporary novel set in Tenerife. The plot is relatively predictable but still fun. The characters are realistic and well-developed. There is some humor infused in the book as well as some tension.
Alex Moyer is pleased to have been sent to Tenerife by her boss, Tom Cruzon of Cruzon Design. She has been loaned out to Miguel and Anderson company to help in the design of a hotel. Although she is a junior member of the staff, her boss believed her concepts that set her outside the box would be a benefit to this project. He also believes she needs a break from the UK since her boyfriend of several years had broken up with her rather suddenly. Six months in Tenerife should help her in all aspects of her life.
Matt Anderson of Miguel and Anderson, is waiting in the airport for Alex Moyer. Matt takes notice of a short woman wearing high heels with rather casual clothes for flying. She reminds him of his ex-wife which upsets him. He gets quite a jolt when he finds out she is Alex Moyer! He is expecting a man! However, his friend Tom recommended her so he will give her a chance. They go immediately from the airport to a meeting with one of his partners in this project.
Alex is to help Matt redecorate Alcaszar, a rundown hotel in the mountains of Tenerife. Most of the structural work has been done but the decorating has to be planned, items purchased, put in place, and ready to open by Christmas. It will take everyone working together to get this done.
Alex meets Francesco Pasqual, a relative of Matt’s partner’s wife Cristiana. Francesco is a player and flirts outrageously with Alex. After her boyfriend, Alex sees right through him but enjoys the flirting and attention he gives her. However, Matt doesn’t! Does he have a reason or is it just jealously? Matt doesn’t even want a relationship with anyone much less an employee so why does he care?

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take two scarred hearts, an old hotel in dire need of renovation, and a gorgeous island setting. Add in some scary moments and a few accidents. Blend well and savor the beauty that is Accident Prone. This book made me long for a trip to Tenerife to experience the lush tropics for myself. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

[Jennifer Bayles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and seemed short.

[Deeann Zessin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay. Predictable. Very little depth to the characters. Too much 'I want that person, but I don't want to want that person' and not enough romance/emotional connection for me.