Every once in a while I find myself wanting to write a one word review. In the case of this particular book that word would be average.

Our story actually starts off with a bang. Elena Reyes is in the human resources department to work out an issue when a crazed ex-employee enters, waving his gun about as he makes his demands. Elena is hoping everyone can just hold it together long enough for the police to intervene when a young woman bolts and gets shot for her efforts. It is as Elena is ministering to the wounded woman that she notices the figure in black at the window. Seems the new head of security has decided to literally crash the party.

Shane Gallagher is grateful that Elena provides the distraction needed to help him crash through the window and take down the gunman. But that doesn’t take the sexy lady off the top of his list of suspects in the case of corporate theft he’s investigating for the company. Even as he asks her out to dinner and moves toward getting to know her, he keeps his shields up. He’s been burned before and knows a pretty face can hide a duplicitous heart. Can the smart, sweet Elena really be as wonderful as she seems?

A black sheep brother, thugs, mishaps, dastardly deeds and rescues make up the rest of our story. Shane and Elena fall in love as they run from the villains, although exactly what it is that makes them fall for each other is never quite clear. Shane’s ex was clearly into money and Elena isn’t, so I know that was one thing he liked about her. Shane has more honor than a lot of the men she knows so that’s one thing Elena liked about him. She also liked that he wasn’t overtly misogynistic. Elena’s brother was the family favorite and there was some analyzing between her and Shane as to whether this was a cultural issue or generational issue. Both seemed to agree that their mothers lacked spine so they had that in common. But I’m fussy and I guess I just didn’t think these things plus great sex were enough to build a life together on.

As for the rest of the story, a great many romantic suspense clichés are used, and the plot is very predictable for most of us who have read any of these books.

Which doesn’t make this a bad book at all. Just a very average one. It’s not a strong enough story to make her any new fans, but if you have enjoyed Ms. York’s books before I think you will like this one.