All a Man Can Do

Jarek Denko didn't want to raise Allie, his ten-year-old daughter in the city, so he left Chicago, accepting a job as chief of police in small town Eden. He hopes this will be a better environment for Allie who lost her mother only a year earlier and is still worrying about losing her dad. However, when they get to Eden, Jarek finds that there are those on the force who are not overjoyed with the fact that someone from out of town has been hired as their superior, they would have liked it better if the new chief had been promoted from within.Tess DeLucca is a local reporter, born and raised in Eden. She more or less had to raise her younger brother Mark, because her father took off when she was nine years old and her mother took refuge in the bottle. Time has moved on, but Tess is still looking out for Mark, now an ex-Marine and her mother, now a recovering alcoholic. One night a nineteen-year-old girl is raped and Mark is one of the prime suspects as he had been seen with the victim. Tess is convinced of his innocence and Jarek doesn't want anyone butting into his investigation, but there is just something about this lady reporter.So do they team up and prove the brother's innocence and catch the real rapist before he attacks again? And do they team up in a different kind of way, you know, like in a romantic way? Well, I suppose it's not that hard to figure out, but the story is told very well and it is a pleasure to read. Ms. Kantra is one fine writer and I'll be coming back for more.A Harlequin Dreamers Review by Lori Napier Mayer

Wounded after intervening in a student's life, Faye Harper retreats to a childhood haunt to find respite. Rather than the expected peace, however, she quickly finds herself in the midst of a criminal investigation. Detective Aleksy Denko, also from Chicago, unofficially seeks answers in arms deal gone wrong that left a former partner dead.Aleksy underestimates Faye's resilience, viewing her as a cream puff. Cute like Faye is not his type, although she can make him understand its appeal. What he really needs is a cover, and Faye can provide it. Unfortunately, Faye has to get involved with anything that involves risk. Too bad her own actions have already put her in danger.A faced paced, heart pounding read, ALL A MAN CAN ASK provides unexpected twists that makes author Virginia Kantra's novels a must read. Unexpected courage and surprising compassion bring these characters vividly alive, even as drug addicted teens, stretchy bras, and romantic entanglement also intriguing elements that prove these character's all too human flaws. Indeed, the fast paced plot and the strong characterizations are nicely balanced, resulting in a tale that is at once deadly yet richly balanced by powerful emotions and physical attraction. ALL A MAN CAN DO comes very highly recommended.

Jarek Denko gave up his big city job as a detective and took a job as a chief of police in a small town for his daughter's sake. But big crime follows him to town and Jarek has a criminal to catch.Tess DeLucca's brother might be a suspect, but she knows he's innocent. As she tries to not only report on the story, but protect her brother, she finds hereself drawn to the new chief. He's not what she expected...and falling in love with him wasn't what she expected either.Jarek and Tess work together to catch their criminal, even as they see just where their feelings will take them.Virginia Kantra writes a rich, emotionally packed story!

Jarek Denko gave up the big city streets to become a police chief in the backwater town of Eden. He hopes the small community can fill whatever is missing from his daughter's life. Then a red light assault casts suspicion on his department, and Jarek does not know who he can trust. His controlled demeanor has earned him the nickname Ice Man, but reporter Tess DeLucca easily sparks an inconvenient attraction. Worse, his best suspect happens to be her brother. Moreover,Tess does not believe in the police keeping secrets and he does not believe in anyone getting in the way of his investigation. Tess questions why Jarek refuses to talk about his failed marriage or young daughter. Tess does not do cops, and she does not do families. She already raised her brother Mark, who is often irresponsible, unreliable and infuriating. For years she cared for her alcoholic mother as well. She does not need another family to add to her responsibilities. Unfortunately, Jarek's kisses can make her shudder and melt, causing her to forget her plan to remain dispassionate, objective and in control. Author Virginia Kantra begins her miniseries Trouble in Eden with ALL A MAN CAN DO. While they might not have much else in common, Jarek and Tess share a profound need to protect their personal lives. I admit to thoroughly enjoying this mature hero and heroine who struggle with the emotional baggage that comes with age. Indeed, author Kantra deftly captures the deepest and most intense emotions with grace, exposing the most profound moments of living with compassion and intensity. Despite the gravity of personal challenges, however, the beauty of the growing romance between Jarek and Tess adds a sparkling hope and joy to Kantra's novel that makes these characters uniquely memorable. Add a suspenseful plot and the result is a highly entertaining read.