Ricochet

Ricochet by Jessica Andersen Harlequin Intrigue # 893 - January 2006 Bear Claw Creek Crime Lab trilogy - Book 1 Three teenage girls are missing; each kidnapped a week apart. Leads are few until a note arrives for Detective Tucker McDermott saying that the first girl is in Bear Claw Canyon. Being partnered with Tucker is the last thing Alissa Wyatt wants but she realizes it's the Chief's way to bring his department together as a team. Tucker and Alissa make a good partnership except for that sizzling sexual awareness. And then the madman makes Alissa a target and Tucker finds himself protecting her 24/7. Tucker's not a roots kind of guy, in fact, he's about to be transferred out of Bear Claw Creek. He knows that Alissa wants a man who's going to stick around. Dealing with their attraction proves almost as challenging as catching the kidnapper. I've always enjoyed Ms. Andersen's Intrigues, and this one is just as riveting as her others. This is perfectly paced with a great balance between the missing girls story and the romance between Tucker and Alissa. I like the way this story was staged at the beginning, and the little touches that hint at the books to follow in the trilogy. Tucker is a well-developed hero; he's tough and strong, and silent like a wolf but isn't afraid to show compassion and sometimes his own vulnerability. He's the kind of hero that fantasies are made of, with the bonus that you'd know you'd always be protected with him around. Alissa is a strong heroine. She's worked hard to get where she is, and though she could have a chip on her shoulder, she uses her head and lets her talents defend her right to be part of the BCCFD. I enjoyed this one very much, and I'm looking forward to reading Cassie's story next. :D Bear Claw Creek Crime Lab trilogy ... Ricochet - Harlequin Intrigue # 893 - January 2006 At Close Range - Harlequin Intrigue # 911 - April 2006 Rapid Fire - Harlequin Intrigue # 928 - July 2006

This is a great story/mystery with a great cast of characters. From the Chief of the Bear Claw Police department, William Parry to the little known, but strong suspect, Michael Swopes. Fitzroy O'Malley wanted to retire from BCCPD crime scenes, so Parry brought in Alissa Wyatt, the crime scene artist and her friends, Cassie Dumont and Maya Cooper. The members of the Police departments resented Fitz being replaced by 3 women and let them know it. Tucker McDermott is trying to protect Alissa from the escalating danger and ends up with her as a partner. He has no desire to stay in town and had already put in a transfer. Will he go or stay? Alissa walks into a trap and triggers a cave in. Not waiting for back-up. She is being targeted by Johnny Ferguson, a man she had already pointed out to the police. Detectives Piedmont and Mendoza are already making snide remarks about the new forensic department. Parry wants his people to work together. Lots of dramatic tension. Oh yes, Parry calls in help in the form of the FBI evidence specialist, Seth Varitek which royally ticks off Cassie [next book] Alissa is responsible for saving her and Tucker's hide in a chase. But in the end walks right into another situation where she doesn't wait for back-up. What is it with these women who seem to be smart and act so dumb? Insecurity? Power-play? or just stubborn idiocy? These women tick me off. They are a danger to their partners and themselves. And who is Bradford Croft? Where does he fit in? Of course the hormones win out between the two main characters which is as it should be. [except for the PMS] You gotta love these characters even if you would like to back hand them once in a while. Must be excellent writing. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED --M -- will probably be another keeper set.

This was an interesting new book I found. I liked the main characters very much. Alyssa had guts and Tucker was dark and brooding. (boy, I love those guys) The mystery held my interest until the final moment; had me guessing back and forth. This is a beginning of a three part series and I will definitely seek out the rest of the books in this series. Sensuality 3; sparks flying 8!! :D:D:D One piece of annoyance to me. I wish the genre would stop putting a couple in a clutch on the cover. (This cover did not) Most of the time they dont match the hero/heroine. I am reluctant to buy those books. This cover was excellent. A very entertaining book indeed.