"Not to be missed!"

Southern romance author Miranda Lane is compelled to go to Connecticut for some first-hand research when her new editor declares Miranda's gentlemen heroes to be wimps and issues an etched-in-rock demand for a dangerous and sexy Northern cop as leading man in her upcoming novel. Once there, Miranda gains Detective Chas Casey's undivided attention when she shoots him...with a paintball gun.

With her polite but no-nonsense ways and a skittish behavior so at odds with her steamy books, Miranda continues to further intrigue Chas. Although equally attracted to this sexy cop, Miranda's convinced that confirmed flirt Chas is only good as a role model for her fictional hero and not in being her own real life hero. A compelled Chas resorts to using deliciously seductive lessons in passion to try and thaw the icy wall Miranda's built around her fragile heart.

Debut author Marianna Jameson has created a wonderful story of two people scarred by the capriciousness of fate and who're given an opportunity to rise above it through love, provided they're brave enough to risk it all. From Miranda, a romance author, readers get an insight at the not-so-easy life of an author who's forced to write what her publisher wants rather than what she's inclined to. In Chas readers discover a man compelled to work a dangerous job to compensate for something that's beyond his hands. Sizzling sexual tension sears the pages while ambiguity about their relationship keeps readers on tenterhooks.

Family plays an important role in both their lives and affects them in equally powerful but vastly different ways. Delightful secondary characters, some computer hackers and deep-rooted jealousies ensure there's no dearth of drama or suspense. With such an in-depth story and intriguing plot, Jameson shoots to the top of the list of talented new authors.

Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas
Posted August 14, 2005

Summary

Southern romance writer Miranda Lane is famous for her sensitive heroes, but her new editor wants something different: a tough cop who's sexy as Hell and twice as hot. But cops leave Miranda cold—until she encounters Detective Chas Casey. Arrestingly handsome, this Connecticut Yankee packs the kind of heat Miranda needs.

Intrigued by this sexy, sharp-tongued writer who's full of fire one minute and cool as a breeze the next, Chas tolerates Miranda's off-beat research tactics with one goal in mind: seduction.

Chas is the perfect research subject—until he steals Miranda's heart. A specialist in drive-by romance, Chas doesn't do commitment. But Miranda doesn't do casual, so she ends their affair, underestimating the steep, unexpected cost of that plot twist in her life story. When his involvement in her research costs Chas a coveted promotion, a shaken Miranda writes her way back into his heart knowing their love story will never end.