"Grilled up Sizzling Hot and Spicy"

Ever since I first picked up her steamy historicals BEYOND INNOCENCE and BEYOND SEDUCTION I have been a huge fan of Emma Holly. Her sensual writing was so well done with mesmerizing and wonderfully plotted stories I continued to follow her when she journeyed into the paranormal realm. So far I have never been disappointed and not offended by hot steamy stories, but I confess, this one came awfully close to crossing the line of my comfort zone.

Ms. Holly is still writing her signature hot and sensual stories, only I did not see this having as much of an entertainment value as her past efforts as it seemed to focus more on the lead character, Frankie Smith's sexual escapade aspects as shock value. The storyline of a murder investigation that pointed to one of her sexual partners seemed overshadowed by the intensely erotic couplings of the female lead. In her attempt to get over being jilted by her long-time boyfriend she is doing her very best in testing the newly available waters with several new partners while the investigating officer and Chief of Police, Jack West would like nothing better than to become one of those partners.

Fans of Emma's have come to expect the high degree of sensuality that resonates with whatever genre she happens to turn her very creative imagination and pen to. While this reviewer's personal inclination gravitates more towards the one on one romantic relationships, those with more adventuresome tastes will surely enjoy the vividly descriptive escapades that abound throughout in this latest publication. My personal tastes aside, it was very tantalizing, very graphic, and recommended with a warning regarding the explicit and erotic sex. Bottom line - I have seen this author produce a much stronger plot without resorting to so much shock value.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO -- Reviewers International Organization

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted May 25, 2006

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Summary

A tale of sex, lies, and big, juicy burgers . . .

When the body of a wealthy woman is discovered in an alley near Frankie Smith's diner, Frankie realizes she's one of Chief Jack West's prime suspects. The truth is, Jack's attraction to the sexy proprietor of All U Can Eat is all-consuming—though he knows hauling her into custody isn't going to improve his chances with her.

What neither of them realizes is that the town of Six Palms is full of secrets that would shock even the raciest residents. Determined to clear her name—and to get to know the police chief better—Frankie joins Jack on a rollercoaster ride of an investigation. And soon, letting go of their inhibitions seems like the most natural thing in the world.