UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Author: Brenda Jackson ISBN: 0312989989 4/2005 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS

Investigative reporter Christy Madaris doesn't want to complicate her life with romance. She made that mistake once when she believed Alex Maxwell's promise to marry her. True, Alex made that promise when Christy was just a teenager. But she believed him with all her heart-and when Alex laughed it off years later, Christy was crushed. The owner of his own P.I. firm, Alex Maxwell refuses to compromise everything he's worked for to honor a silly promise. Christy should have known he was only teasing, right? But when Alex finally sees Christy again, he knows he made a big mistake. She has grown up into a smart and stunning woman-and Alex can't get her off his mind. When Christy's latest story takes a dark turn, the Madaris brothers ask Alex to keep her safe. But putting Alex in charge of Christy is like putting a rooster in charge of the hen house! The more she snubs him, the more he wants her. But when Christy's life is in danger, can Alex save her before it's too late?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Another chapter in the Madaris family line of stories, UNFINISHED BUSINESS finishes the tale of Christy Madaris and her quest for friend of the family Alex Maxwell. This book stands on its own, yet manages to reunite the reader with the Madaris clan favorites and opens the door for more stories involving this large family.

Christy's book is hot and sexy, which kept me reading it, but the plot is not all it could be. As a reporter, Christy is investigating some heavy material, but it appears that no one but her notices anything strange going on, which is pretty far-fetched. I admit the FBI is secretly involved, so I suppose somebody knew about it, but it still doesn't add up the way I feel it should. Seems like a lot of people reporting girls being abducted under similar circumstances would have communities demanding answers, but for the sake of creative writing, I guess I can let this one slide.

If you are a fan of the Madaris clan this may not be your favorite book, but I think it's still rather good. I am not sure that Christy's pride is worth what she decides to put Alex through, but it makes for great conflict. When they finally get together, the sparks fly and Alex proves Christy is, has been, and always will be, his. Just the kind of alpha male I like!

Shannon Johnson