Valerie testified in a murder trial five years ago. She had to establish a new life and a new persona. Now Detective Staff Sergeant Alex Naumov has appeared, telling her that she must do it all again.

So Valerie once more contemplates the death of her best friend Bonnie. Bonnie's husband Frank Logan is in jail for the murder, so who has tracked her down? Could it be his brother Fraser? They were a tightly knit foursome during high school. Valerie was privy to Bonnie's secrets. She felt responsible for the death. And she was crucial to putting Frank in prison. Now she's in danger, but she no longer wants to run away.

Her friend Starr Davis has seen glimpses of Valerie's past and future in the Tarot cards. Starr's readings are eerily accurate. Is Alex the Knight of Pentacles, coming to her rescue? There's certainly no denying Valerie's attraction to him. But he's a by-the-books cop, trying to be thoroughly professional.

Matheson creates interesting and realistic characters. Alex is single, but has the desire to please his Macedonian family by marrying and starting a family. He enjoys his niece and nephew. His Uncle Zoran who was pivotal in his upbringing. Valerie misses her family, but knows she has changed greatly in the last five years.

The romance is tender, developing gradually from understanding and compassion. Lust plays a role, but it does not direct the plot. This is a pleasant contemporary read, thought-provoking in many ways.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
December 11, 2007