Story Blurb
Michael Buchanan will need every bit of his extensive skill set when he appoints himself as bodyguard to a woman determined not to need one in this thrilling new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood.
Grace Isabel MacKenna has a hundred things to do today. Killing someone isn't one of them. It is supposed to be a quick visit to Boston for the Buchanan anniversary party, then on to Scotland to collect an inheritance. She checks into her hotel and then decides to go for a brisk walk. But after getting lost, she ends up with a wounded man stumbling into her arms—and his shooter coming after them both. When she fires back in self-defense, she doesn’t expect him to drop dead. After Isabel endures an interrogation by police, she is free to go, thanks to the Buchanans dispatching former Navy SEAL and now lawyer Michael Buchanan to assist her.
Isabel knows she should be grateful for Michael’s help, but since she’s harbored an extreme dislike for him for years, gratitude is difficult to muster. Michael has appointed himself her de facto guardian, and she’s stuck with him despite their constant bickering and sizzling attraction. Even when Isabel goes to Scotland to claim her inheritance, Michael follows her—but he isn’t the only thing she can’t shake. Mysterious threats against Isabel surface, and before they can deal with their growing feelings for each other, Michael and Isabel must first survive.
My Thoughts/Opinion
I have been a Julie Garwood fan my entire life. She is one of my all-time favorites for sure. Her historicals appeal to me so much more than her contemporaries, but I'm always going to pick up her latest.
The pluses for this story are the hero, the interesting plot, and the pacing kept me going. The big minus for me on this one was the heroine. I just couldn't relate to her and at times she was what we in this industry lovingly call TSTL (too stupid to live).
One of Julie's biggest skills is tying up the plot, but there were some pretty out-there elements on this one. Although this wasn't my favorite Julie Garwood novel, I'll be ready to pick up the next one when it comes out.
Favorite Quote/Scene: "And you're going directly there now?" Detective Rayborne asked in his characteristic deadpan manner.
"Yes," Michael said.
"No," Isabel said at the same time. "We have to make a stop first."
"Why?" Michael asked.
Calmly, as though commenting on the weather, she answered, "I need to get this bullet out of my arm."