No More Lonely Nights

Not even sultry settings like Cairo and New Orleans can put sizzle into McGehee's (Regret Not a Moment) promising but predictable story. As 1950s Egypt simmers toward revolution, beautiful Dominique Avallon, born to privilege in a wealthy expatriate French family, sets sail for the safety of America. The price of her ticket is an arranged marriage to wealthy businessman Anton Renard; but, once in San Francisco, Dominique discovers that her middle-aged intended is a fraud, whose ``business'' is marrying innocent young women for their fortunes. She flees to N.Y.C., a town for which she has just the right skills--Dominique can plan a swell party. Before long, she has a great job at a chic department store and finds a new beau, truly rich New Orleans shipping heir Clay Parker; they marry, have a daughter and Dominique continues to throw swell parties. Years pass. (How many is uncertain, for although the first two chapters are headlined with date and place, subsequent chapters leave readers digging for clues.) Clay leaves Dominique for a younger woman, and Dominique moves to D.C., where her future includes a sexy divorced senator and more swell parties. Although not in a class with Krantz or Taylor Bradford, McGehee provides sufficient entanglements to hold the interest of readers passionate for the genre. (Apr.)