"Thrilling and passionate whodunit."

John Smith is a personal security specialist used to loneliness, having only himself to worry about and living on the edge. If something fatal should happen to him, he's not leaving behind a grieving wife and family. This gives him a modicum of peace.

But New York City socialites are being murdered and Grace Hall, the Countess von Sharone and head of the Hall Foundation, is on the list. The murders are gruesome and Grace is terrified. Her friends convince her to hire John for her own protection.

John accepts this assignment, but only under his terms. When he moves into Grace's penthouse apartment, things start heating up. Never in his lifetime did John think such a devastatingly beautiful, smart, rich woman would be attracted to him. It takes all the strength he possesses to fight the attraction. He must keep his edge. And he's just not a "staying" kind of guy. Grace feels a passion, a connection with John she's never felt before with any man. She desperately wants him and settles for the temporary arrangement they discuss. Or is it temporary?

This story is truly unforgettable. Take the journey into society and the art history world - a journey of life, love, survival, passion and meant-to-bes. Ms. Bird has written a thrilling whodunit that captivates all the senses. Take this awesome adventure - you'll be glad you did.

Reviewed by Suzanne Tucker
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted February 16, 2004

Read an Excerpt

Summary

A beautiful woman pursued by a serial killer. A hard- hearted bodyguard. A passionate love that changes the course of two lives.

Grace Hall lives in the lap of luxury, surrounded by gorgeous things and glittering people but when a serial killer marks her for death, she finds herself totally alone.

She hires John Smith as her protector and finds a passion she never dreamed of, in a tough man from a different world. Beneath his brash self-confidence, she sees the potential for true love in him and it becomes clear that, although he's nothing she's ever wanted before, he's everything she needs.

At first, Smith is convinced Grace is only what she appears to be- rich, pampered, beautiful- so he isn't concerned about the hot desire he feels for her. He's a man with total faith in his self-control and he has no intention of getting involved. She's a client, she's in danger and she's not his type, anyway. But the longer he's with her, the more he's impressed by her courage and strength, tested by her honesty and intelligence, tempted by her very presence. Soon, he realizes he'll never find another like her and he's caught between what's professional and what he wants.

As the killer gets closer, and the emotional stakes get higher, Grace and Smith face a crucial choice. Whether to follow the rules or follow their hearts.