Suzanne Brockmann
Brockmann, Suzanne - BODYGUARD (Fawcett - 12/99) (4+)
Allesandra's ex-husband was murdered by the crime boss, Michael Trotta. When he gives her forty-eight hours to return the million dollars her husband had stolen, she hunts everywhere and finally finds and returns it. So why is he still trying to kill her?
The FBI has been trying to get some evidence against Michael Trotta for years. The word on the street is he's after Alessandra and offering millions for a hit. Agents Harry O'Dell and his partner, George, decide to bring Alessandra in, give her a new identity, and set her up as bait so they can catch Trotta and his henchmen. Harry is a man obsessed with the death of his son, unable to forgive himself for not protecting him or his ex-wife. He lives for the day Trotta is caught.
Sparks fly between Harry and Alessandra, but he is determined to keep her alive...even if he dies in the attempt. What he doesn't realize is his partner is setting her up again for another hit by Trotta's men. In his obsession with the crime boss, Harry has sacrificed the relationship he had with his two children. As he helps Alessandra, she helps him discover what he really wants out of life.
The first chapter of BODYGUARD is reminiscent of a DIRTY HARRY movie. Harry is a strong yet vulnerable hero; his language is a bit rough, but it fits his character. Alessandra has been using her beauty to get what she wants for years. She always sees the cup as half full, while Harry sees the cup as half empty. As these two come together, they complement and fulfill each other so they feel complete. The secondary characters are excellent as well, although the love triangle of Harry's partner is left unresolved. Another book perhaps? Suzanne Brockmann is an awesome writer, and I couldn't be happier that she is writing longer books. I will be first in line for the next one. ~Marilyn H. (mlyn@jps.net)
Brockmann, Suzanne - HEART THROB (Fawcett - 4/99) (4+)
Jericho "Jed" Beaumont wants a role in producer Kate O'Laughlin's movie, "The Promise." Unfortunately, Kate doesn't welcome taking on the unpredictable actor, who is trying to make a comeback after his slide into drug addiction and alcohol abuse five years ago. He has been in and out of rehab a number of times and he's desperately trying to stay clean, but Kate doesn't trust him. Pressured by the director and others who think Jed is perfect for the role, Kate finally agrees; however, she draws up a contract guaranteed to make this Hollywood bad boy refuse to sign.
Jed wants the part so badly he will do anything, including signing the despicable, demeaning contract that, among other things, places him under supervision twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. When his supervisor does something embarrassing...and potentially dangerous to Jed, Kate fires him and realizes that until a replacement is hired, she must be his supervisor. So Kate and Jed are thrown together every minute of every day. While she is wary and distrustful of him, Jed is humiliated and thinking of revenge. On the set, however, he is the consummate actor. The man who was once proclaimed the "sexiest man alive" is now cast as Laramie, the disillusioned, alcoholic South Carolina farmer. Although Jed is empathetic and helpful in regard to the other members of the cast, with Kate he is distant and difficult. But as they come to know each other, their emotions slowly give way to friendship, respect...and finally love. Kate sees the real man behind the facade—the scared yet determined man, and Jed lets go of his desire for revenge as he begins to see the talent and vision that is Kate's.
Suzanne Brockmann is a talented and gifted author. With her debut single title, a story unlike any she has ever written, she scores a hit. The reader feels anger toward Kate for her treatment of Jed and sympathy for Jed in his struggle to remain clean and sober. The subplot with the younger actors dovetails neatly with the main story, and all the characters are believable. You understand Kate's motivation for what she does, just as you understand Jed's uphill battle to find himself again. HEART THROB is a real page turner and one of those stories that stays with the reader for a very long time after the book is finished. ~Beth C. (Elizabeth_Coogan@brown.edu)
Brockmann, Suzanne - TIME ENOUGH FOR LOVE (Loveswept 858) (4+)
Shades of Time Cop! This book starts out with a bang, with the naked hero knocking on the heroine's door. *grin* (How many out there would answer?) The hero is from the future, of course—though not as far as I had expected (seven years)—and he's trying to change history. I don't want to describe this book any further because there are so many neat things you should discover on your own. It's very well done, different, and passionate. Read it, will you?!! ~Linda W. (bklindawel@prodigy.net)
Brockmann, Suzanne - UNDERCOVER PRINCESS (SIM 968 - 12/99) (5)
"The name is Wind, Kathy Wind..." Princess Katherine Wyndham is a James Bond wannabe. She and her sisters are trying to find their long-lost brother, the crown prince, who was kidnapped in America over twenty years ago. They believe the crown prince is Bill Lewis, partner to tycoon Trey Sutherland, but Katherine is unsuccessful in her attempts to contact Trey. When she is mistaken as an applicant for a nanny position the tycoon is trying to fill, she decides to play along and go undercover to get any information she can.
Trey Sutherland has two children who are in desperate need of a nanny because their mother passed away a few years ago. They have yet to deal with her death, and all the rumors surrounding the mystery of how she died cause major insecurities in the children. After chasing away every possible nanny, they are not prepared when they meet the spunky "Mary Poppins" who will be taking care of them.
Trey has not had a loving relationship with anyone since the death of his wife, and when "Kathy Wind" walks into his life, he is blown away. Everything about her turns him on and he tries to deny the obvious sparks. Katherine Wyndham is a shy, proper princess, but in her undercover role she is able to let go of some of her regal restraints. In the process, she gains self-esteem and a desire to have Trey. When the two finally come to grips with their fantasies and recognize the fire burning between them, there is a sensual explosion.
Once again, Suzanne Brockmann has outdone herself. She skillfully uses all the key elements that hook romance fans: witty dialogue, interesting characters, and passionate love scenes. UNDERCOVER PRINCESS will seize your heart and demand a permanent place on your keeper shelf! ~Paula P. (Luv2ReadRomance@webtv.net)
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