Sandy M’s review of When She Wasn’t Looking by HelenKay Dimon
Romantic Suspense published by Harlequin Intrigue 1 May 12
I need to make it a point to read HelenKay Dimon more often. I enjoyed every darned bit of this story, especially the hero, Jonas Porter. From his name to his demons to his job to the heroine he’s sworn to protect, this is one sexy lawman you can’t help but love.
Jonas is taking one last call for a wellness check, and then he’s on his way home for some much needed rest. Of course, even the simplest of calls can’t go right for him. He finds a different woman at the address he’s been given than the one he thought he’d find. She’s young, pretty, and not in need of help. She also seems nervous with her abrupt attitude and refusal to answer questions. His instincts are shouting quite clearly and very loudly. So when the woman tries to run, Jonas is right on her tail.
Having had ten years of peace and staying in one place, Courtney knows her time to relocate has come again when she finds a deputy sheriff at her door. Her only option is the escape route she’s got set up. Her head start doesn’t give her much hope when that lawman intercedes. However, it’s a good thing he does. Jonas saves them both from the man who nearly kills them both.
From this point on, Jonas refuses to let Courtney leave his side. He knows there’s more to her story than she’s letting on and he’s determined to find out what it is so he can keep her safe. As her story unfolds and she begins to trust him, he sees her in a new light, this strong survivor of a tragedy that would fell most people. Trying to clear her father’s name has been her only goal for years, and now he’s going to help her find the truth.
Courtney hasn’t trusted law enforcement since she lost her family, but Jonas is a force all of his own and she finds it very easy to trust him. Her old nemesis has found her, but with Jonas now in the picture, she can see she’s been looking in the wrong direction for answers. So who killed her family? Who’s been after her all these years? And who is so close to her now she can feel him close by? She does find out, probably more quickly than any other heroine. Courtney is a woman who can’t do what she’s told, mostly for her own safety. I wanted to shake her a couple of times when she does exactly what Jonas tells her not to!
When Jonas finally gives in to his feelings for Courtney, their lovemaking is sweet and intense. For all the depth of feeling they share so quickly, there is betrayal in the works, along with a mystery that takes everyone by surprise. The only thing that bothers me is the ending seems to come too fast. It’s all over in about ten pages. I’m not sure what else could have been done, but I just felt rushed. But it doesn’t ruin the whole of the story and the romance.
This is a great, quick read with romance and mystery galore. Don’t miss it!
Grade: B+
Summary:
SHE WANTED TO TRUST HIM WITH HER SAFETY-BUT NOT WITH HER HEART…
No woman could deny the appeal of the sexy deputy sheriff Jonas Porter. But to Courtney Allen, Jonas has one major flaw-his badge. Years ago, Courtney’s father was wrongfully convicted of a crime and she vowed to never trust a cop again. But when Jonas becomes the only man to believe in her father’s innocence, Courtney begins seeing the brooding lawman in a whole new way.
Jonas knows in his gut that the real killer is still out there and determined to finish what he started long ago. To protect Courtney and bring the criminal to justice will require all the skills he can muster. And that means focusing on the job. Not the woman who makes him forget his troublesome past and arouses in him a passion that is anything but professional.
Read an excerpt.
