"A gripping romantic suspense"

Brigit Bauer is a woman on a mission in Indianapolis. She is trying to protect her neighborhood from being destroyed by greedy land developers. Her plan... get the entire neighborhood declared a historic district so no one can touch it. She promised her late husband she would see his dream realized at any costs. She never expected that cost to be her very life.

Tony Pendrake is a security consultant who has spent his life protecting others with his life. He joins the committee to protect the neighborhood and decides he lilkes what he sees in Brigit, whom he has nicknamed Bree. He enjoys the casual bickering during the meetings, finding she draws him, like none have in a very long time. When he realizes her life is in danger, he goes all out to protect her from the unknown assailants.

When many mysterious accidents start happening around Bree, they realize they are playing a game of more than real estate protection, they are playing a very risky game of life. Bree is not at all impressed with Tony's interference in her life, thinking him more then a little overbearing. However, that doesn't stop her from feeling an attraction to him like she has never known. When she grudgingly agrees to his protections, sparks really begin to fly, igniting a passion neither one expected. If only they could figure who is after Bree and the reasons for it, so as to save her life, things would really be perfect. Who wants Bree dead and why? Read the book to find out.

Ms. Michaels has written yet another impressive romantic suspense novel here. She has a storyline that packs quite a punch, figuratively and literally. She has a talent for developing a complex plotline, that is gripping and intense. The characters are well fleshed out, drawing the reader's sympathy and compassion. The villain is truly despicable and makes the flesh crawl of the reader.

One will be glad to know that not only is there the primary storyline/romance, but there is also a second romance that occurs simultaneously with two of the secondary characters. It is also interesting to see how the mob is involved in the goings on involving Bree and what they do when they find out what is happening. If the reader wants a roller coaster ride of action, excitement, passion, and romance, this is the book to read! Each book by Ms. Michaels that this reviewer reads, draws her in even more as a fan of such a talented author.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, July 2003. All rights reserved.

Reviewed by Kelley Hartsell
Courtesy Love Romances
Posted November 30, 2003

Summary

Indianapolis attorney Brigit Bauer has a vested interest in protecting her neighborhood from an unknown threat. She uncovers a thread which leads her through a maze of holding companies to the Chicago mob presence in her city. A journey which may very well cost her, her life.

Paul Patrone isn't the innocuous real estate developer he seems to be. His real job is laundering money for the mob. With his greed for wealth and recognition driving him, he's on a collision course with Bree's crusade to stop the evil in her community.

As a security consultant, Tony Pendrake is used to putting his life on the line for his clients. So it isn't much of a surprise when he offers to help Bree. Of course, he hasn't told her he intends to stake his interest in her while doing so.

Three head strong people. All with their own agendas. A final lethal encounter.