DANGEROUS LOVER

Author: Lisa Marie Rice ISBN: 0061208590 7/2007 SUSPENSE Publisher: AVON RED

Caroline Lake is desperately in need of a boarder, but when a tall, dark stranger arrives wanting to rent a room in her beautiful empty shell of a mansion, she hesitates. Though she is in dire financial straits, the man looks dangerous—dangerously sexy. She's overwhelmed by the desire he sparks in her—hotter than anything she's ever felt before. But who is this armed and mysterious man who has become her lover? Jack Prescott has wanted Caroline forever. He has spent the past twelve years dreaming of her, desiring her, while fighting in some of the worst hellholes on earth. Now he's back, with 20 million dollars in blood diamonds and a relentless enemy stalking him. But this time Jack's determined nothing will stop him from finally making Caroline his.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

HOT! I absolutely loved this book! It's probably the best read I've had in a while.

Rice combines romance with a bit of mystery and allure that all come together to form DANGEROUS LOVER. Jack is a former army Ranger who resigns his commission and sells his father's security company to return to a woman he has loved his whole life, Caroline. Caroline owns a bookstore and has a ton of debt. She takes on boarders in her family's mansion to help support herself. She does not recognize Jack from their teenage years, and takes him on as a boarder. Jack, now a millionaire, finds himself wanting to help Caroline, not only in bed, but with money. As the bedroom heats up, the danger unfolds as someone returns from Jack's past to get revenge. Caroline and Jack are thrown into a murderous plot and Jack will do anything to protect her.

I read this book at one sitting, stopping only for the random coffee refill. Rice writes steamy sex scenes with moments of tenderness and heart-stopping drama. My only complaint is the book could have been a little longer. The climax is toward the end and we do not get a glimpse of Jack and Caroline's future. Rice delivers an absolute stunner with this novel, and is one I would not hesitate to put upon my bookshelf with the "keepers."

Kym Oetting