"A fast paced plot and full of deep emotions!"

Attorney Chelsie Russell is representing her parents in a custody case. Her sister and brother-in-law died, leaving behind their two-year old daughter, Alix. Chelsie's parents want custody of Alix, but so does Griffin Stuart, Alix's paternal uncle. Chelsie's parents are determined to win the case and stoop to underhanded methods to try and achieve their goal. However, they are unsuccessful and custody of the toddler is awarded to Griff. Appalled by her parents actions, Chelsie apologizes to Griffin but he isn't so forgiving. Despite the fact that her sister was married to Griff's brother for quite a few years, Chelsie and Griff don't really know each other since she always avoided family gatherings, preferring to keep herself engrossed in her work. A victim of spousal abuse in the past, Chelsie found it very painful to spend time with her sister and her perfect family. However, now, Alix needs her and Chelsie wants to ease the little girl's nightmares. This throws her into deeper and constant contact with Griff and the emotions arising between them cannot be denied.

Griffin Stuart is convinced Chelsie is not different than any other woman he's known. Deserted as a child by his mother, and now abandoned by his fiancée because she was not willing to accommodate a toddler in her lifestyle, Griff has only been hurt by the women he's gotten close to. However, Alix suffers from terrible nightmares and Griff realizes Chelsie is the only one who can calm her for the little girl equates Chelsie as 'Mommy'. Hence Griff gives in and allows Chelsie to have a part in Alix's life, but only until Alix has regained her emotional equilibrium. Yet, meanwhile, he finds himself drawing closer and more and more emotionally involved with Chelsie. When he learns of her abusive past, all of a sudden he finds himself doubting Chelsie's motives for wanting to be with Alix and him. Does she want him? Or does she want to be with him only because of what he can offer her?

Karen Drogin writes stories full of deeply moving emotions, a fast paced plot and outstanding characters. PERFECT PARTNERS has all the above and more. I couldn't put this book down.

Ms. Drogin approaches the subject of spousal abuse with great respect and deals with the heart-wrenching and intensely complex emotions associated with it quite well. One of the many things I find myself enjoying about Ms. Drogin's stories is her innate ability to create characters that grab you from the beginning and keep you by their side right to the very end. The portrayal of Chelsie's vulnerability and hurtful past is so well done, I forgot for awhile that she was a character and not a real living breathing person.

If you like stories with well developed characters and a moving plot, PERFECT PARTNERS will leave you feeling amply satisfied!

Reviewed by Leena Hyat
Courtesy Heart Rate Reviews
Posted September 24, 2001