UNDER THE WIRE

Author: Cindy Gerard ISBN: 031298104X 12/2006 SUSPENSE Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS

Manny Ortega is a man without a country, and he has one woman to thank for it. She was his first and only true love, and when she left, she took more than his heart—she took his life as he knew it. Hardened and honed sharp as a knife by years as a special forces soldier and police detective, Manny is ready for a fresh start at his friend Ethan Garrett’s security firm. But the past isn’t ready to let him go... Lily Campora never imagined what would happen to Manny after she walked away from him that night in the sultry Nicaraguan heat—or how he’d hated her for it every day since. Seventeen years later, Lily knows everything, and she must put her fear of Manny’s rage aside to beg for his help. His forgiveness may be too much to hope for... Thrust into action on a mission that will transport them to a country rife with political turmoil and civil unrest, Manny and Lily must find a way to work together. And now, amidst the dangerous beauty of a landscape reminiscent of Manny’s homeland, passion will ignite once more...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Not only is Cindy Gerard a truly gifted storyteller, she has a fabulous knack for creating heroes who are incredibly macho, incredibly sensual and incredibly delicious.

Ms. Gerard pulls out all the stops with Manny Ortega, the drool maker in the fifth chapter of her highly inventive Bodyguards series, UNDER THE WIRE. This Latino lover practically leaps from the pages of this exciting, action-packed thriller.

His character gives new meaning to the word "sexy".

Manny's heroine, Lily Campora, pales in comparison to his dynamic characterization. Although Lily holds her own against the powerful allure of Manny Orgeta, UNDER THE WIRE succeeds so well because Manny is so well done.

Manny teamed with a fascinating, whirlwind of a storyline is hard to resist. Exploding with intensity from the opening pages, UNDER THE WIRE grabs a reader's attention and holds on tight. Ms. Gerard obviously did her research, making this story realistic, gritty and downright chilling.

Ms. Gerard just keeps getting better and better. She also gives readers what they want—fast-paced, energy-charged, intriguing stories and hunky, larger-than-life heroes.

Thank you, Ms. Gerard, for a job well done.

Debbie Jett