ORDER A COPY: Tool Belt Defender (Harlequin Romantic Suspense)
Publisher: Harlequin
Publishing Date: January 1, 2012
Paperback: 224 pages
Rating: 3.5 stars
“It’s party time.”
That’s the “invitation” shoved under her door. It’s got Brittany Grayson fearing for her life…and her sanity. She’s sure the monster who once held her captive for months is dead, so why his chilling words in the note? His menacing face in the window? And why won’t anyone–even her lawmen brothers–believe that somehow he’s after her again?
Brittany just wants a normal, independent life in Black Rock. Romance is out of the question…although she’s okay as friends-with-benefits with Alex Crawford, her hunky, marriage-phobic contractor. Alex, a single dad, has his own good reasons not to fall for Brittany. But none of them matter when the race is on to find the killer who’s kidnapped her
Brittany Grayson survived being kidnapped by a serial killer. The Professional kept her locked in a cage for almost three months, each day promising her the “party” they would have when he finished collecting the rest of his victims. Now she is free, and home and safe, or is she? When she sees someone looking in her window one night, she isn’t sure if it is a figment of her stressed mind or a killer. She knows that The Professional was killed when she was rescued. So how could he be sending her notes and leaving her little gifts, unless there is a copycat killer on the loose who wants to complete The Professional’s failed party.
Alex Crawford is new to Black Rock. He left his law firm in Chicago to spend more time with his six year old daughter, Emily, and help heal after his wife’s death. When he meets his neighbor Brittany for the first time, there was an immediate attraction. Alex isn’t sure if he wants to be involved with anyone right now, but he falls into an easy connection between himself, Brittany and his daughter.
As Alex and Brittany try to navigate the new relationship that neither are sure they want right now, the danger from the copycat killer grows.
This is a sweet romance, and the little daughter Emily is an adorable character. If you are looking for a suspenseful thriller, you should look elsewhere. The killer was very obvious. The romance between Alex and Brittany was enjoyable so I would recommend this if you are looking with a nice, contemporary romantic story.
Received ARC from Netgalley.com, courtesy of Harlequin Books.
Favorite Scene:
He’d told her he was just interested in having a friend, some companionship to fill the lonely hours of the day, but after spending the evening with her, he recognized that he wanted more from her.
She was so different from the wife he’d lost, so filled with life and with that core of inner strength that radiated from her eyes. She drew him, stirring a simmering passion that he hadn’t expected.
“I was serious about that web page,” he said when they reached her porch. “I’d like to hire you to get one up and running for me.” They stopped at her door.
In the faint spill of light from a nearby streetlamp, her eyes glowed as she gazed up at him. “Are you sure you aren’t just trying to be nice?”
He grinned at her. “I’m a lawyer. When it comes to business I’m not nice—I’m a shark.”
She laughed, that low throaty sound that swirled warmth inside his belly. “Okay, then, why don’t I work something up tomorrow while you’re working on the deck and before you knock off for the day, we can talk about it?” She turned and unlocked her front door.
“Sounds like a plan.” He agreed.
“Thank you, Alex, for a terrific night.”
“No, thank you.”
For a long moment they remained standing far too close together, their gazes locked. He realized he intended to kiss her and saw the dawning realization take hold of her, as well.
He took a step toward her and she didn’t retreat. Instead she raised her chin, her lips parted slightly as if to welcome him.
He took the subtle invitation, gathering her into his arms as his mouth met hers. He’d intended only a sweet, soft good-night kiss, but her lips held a heat that transformed his intent, his initial desire.
Pulling her closer, he deepened the kiss, tentatively touching his tongue to hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she returned the kiss, leaning into him in surrender.
He wasn’t sure who broke the kiss, he or she, but they broke apart and she gave a shaky laugh. “I’m not used to my friends kissing me like that.”
“Sorry,” he replied. “I don’t usually kiss my friends that way.”
“Don’t apologize. It was the perfect ending to a perfect night.”
