OVER THE LINE

Author: Cindy Gerard ISBN: 031298099X 6/2006 SUSPENSE Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS

"Sweet Baby Jane" Perkins has carved out a mega-selling reputation as rock’s favorite bad girl. But her hard-living, tough-talking image can’t prevent the sharp dose of reality that hit home when her estranged mother is killed in a car accident. As bizarre coincidences escalate in her own life, Janey grows certain that someone is watching her every move, and it’s not one of her adoring fans… Since leaving the Army Rangers six months ago, Jason Wilson has been adrift, a warrior without a war. Now he’s taken his first civilian assignment for his army buddy’s security firm: protecting a rock diva on her sold-out tour. Far from being a spoiled star, Janey is a revelation—sweet, modest, and incredibly sexy. Their friendship is turning to mutual, heated desire, but it’s a distraction that could cost them more than their hearts… Drawn into the depths of a deadly secret, they’ll face off against a killer growing more ruthless every day, and Jase will discover just how far he’ll go to protect an explosive passion he never expected…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

One might think four books into The Bodyguards series, Ms. Gerard's characters would take on a cookie-cutter quality and her storylines would become formulaic.

Not so. Most definitely not so...

OVER THE LINE is as fresh as TO THE EDGE, the first novel in this series, with a unique, finely sketched romantic couple (who rock!) and non-stop thrills and chills.

One might think a fresh-faced farm boy who is described as having an Opie Taylor look couldn't possibly be sexy.

Wrong.

It is a tribute to Ms. Gerard's talent for writing to-die-for macho men that she infuses Jase "Plowboy" Wilson with a dangerous, warrior quality. And gobs of sex appeal. This innocent looking farm boy strikes a nice balance between gentle and menacing. His ingenious pairing with rock's alleged bad-girl "Sweet Baby Jane" Perkins sets up all sorts of interesting contrasts and comparisons. These two opposites also create instant heat when they meet.

Over The Line is loaded with sexual tension and a superbly crafted suspense angle. There is no shortage of suspects to mayhem and murder - a crazed stalker, religious fanatics, even the mob.

Ms. Gerard has a real talent for snappy dialogue, intrigue and creating heroes who can generate some major tingles. Her heroines are the perfect match for these alpha, testosterone-ridden males.

OVER THE LINE continues the excellence of Ms. Gerard's Bodyguard series. With fast pacing, a twisty, intriguing suspense and remarkable characters, this latest Bodyguard novel is almost impossible to put down.

Debbie Jett