Finding hunky, but bloody, Cooper West moaning in the back of her aging Oldsmobile confirmed her premonitions. Hannah, always a sucker for the underdog, carts him to the hospital, then takes him to the herb shop where she lives and works to recover. This puts Hannah in peril as well.

Cooper has no idea why thugs are after him. The only clue is a list of names. And Hannah’s father is on the list. Together, they try to solve the riddle. It’s dangerous, and Hannah’s addiction to Nancy Drew novels does not prove all that helpful.

This is an engaging read, peopled with likable but unusual characters. Hannah almost completed law school, and is a bit adrift career-wise. Her loving dad has been in a bit of trouble with the law, and her mom is still a 60’s flower child.

Cooper is footloose and fancy free, accustomed to roaming at will on his gorgeous Harley motorcycle. His attraction to Hannah is strong and sincere, but he is not interested in settling down in the town of Normal, where the story takes place. Hannah is not interested in leaving her hometown.

Hannah’s teenage assistant Tiffany and Tiffany’s amorous boyfriend Joel play significant roles as well. The story has gangsters, gunplay, karate, and lots of twists and turns. The bad guys are really bad, and Hannah and Cooper face extreme danger.

The physical relationship is both sensitive and erotic. Yet the reader is uncertain about the future of the romance. The main characters are very different in temperament and lifestyle. Perhaps they are not meant to be together.

Nancy Darryl’s book has humor and a strong unpredictable plot, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Witty and wise, this is a great read.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
November 8, 2007