He has a killer to find and doesn't need a leggy brunette clouding his investigation.
Six agonizing months after a slug collapsed his lung, Sergeant Justin Harrison manages to return to the one place where he shines—the San Diego homicide division. Nothing will stand in the way of proving he is fit for active duty. Especially not the long-legged brunette who just stumbled into his crime scene.
Photographer Paige Conroy spent years hiding from her past. Then a late night telephone call brings it crashing back. An old friend is in town and needs her help. When she arrives at his hotel room four hours later, he's dead. Suddenly, she's the target of a madman, and Paige must turn to Sergeant Harrison for protection.
But who is the bigger threat to her... the faceless assailant she fears will steal her life or the dark-eyed detective she knows could steal her heart?
Excerpt
Justin's frown deepened. "I know what you're thinking, you know. And you're wrong."
Paige swallowed past the lump in her throat. "What am I thinking?"
"Making choices that keep you alive does not make you weak. It would be much simpler to just give up and let this bastard win."
"I could stay where I am, refuse to run and face him."
"You could die in the process."
The thought sent a ripple of alarm through Justin. What if she refused? He couldn't hog-tie her, couldn't make her come with him. He understood her ill-ease, for he felt the same stirrings of discomfort as she at the low hum of sensual awareness that circled about them like a hungry shark. Even right now, he had to fight against the urge to haul her into his arms. And not to ease the clawing panic clearly visible in her eyes. No, his motives were not that heroic.
Against his better judgment, he allowed his gaze to drop, to caress the shape of her body outlined by her suit. He knew just what that suit of hers covered for he'd had his hands all over her just the night before. A high, tight rear end, slim hips, endlessly long legs that would pull him deep into her warmth. Desire shot straight to his stomach, swirled there. The palms of his hands begin to itch.
Paige wore her clothing like armor, each piece carefully chosen to broadcast an image, a strength she alone believed she lacked. She'd have chosen this one to disguise the fear he knew filled her. To tell him, in no uncertain terms, that she could handle anything thrown her way.
Anything.
Even the need to turn to him for help.
God, she impressed him. Aroused him, challenged him as no other before her had done. Justin scrubbed a frustrated hand across his face. He focused on the cool green gaze of the woman before him, the woman his brain told him to stay away from. He'd yet to fully recover from his injury. The last thing he needed was to get involved with a woman who screamed commitment. He was a loner. He didn't do commitment.
His body wasn't listening. He wanted Paige. Above him, below him, it didn't matter. He knew it was bad timing, but he wanted her just the same. And he would have her, sooner or later. If he had to keep his hands in his pockets, pants zipped until the threat that chased her was destroyed, he would. He could.
"Suppose I promised not to do anything you don't ask me to do?"
Paige eased out a breath. "What if I said, it isn't you I worry about?"
Professional Reviews
LASR Best Book
"Ms. Grimm takes readers on an amazing journey, a trip where her wonderful talents as a storyteller bring the tale to life...If you, like me, enjoy fast paced, nail biting, page turning, edge of your seat suspense, then by all means get on board and try Not Without Risk."
Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
"Sarah Grimm has done it again with a fabulous romantic suspense...The suspense and attraction was awesome and this is definitely an author that will blow your mind away."
Readers Favorite Reviews - Silver Medal Winner
"Grimm is a master at characterization... Not Without Risk is a book you won't want to miss."
He needs a wife. She needs a reason to trust him. He fell for her at first sight. She, not so much.
If you’re into engaging romantic stories with heart and humor, together with complex family dynamics, you’ll love His Practically Perfect Pla
