Jacquie D'Alessandro, Just Trust Me

Just Trust Me

Jacquie D'Alessandro

Harlequin Blaze, September 2006, $4.75

ISBN: 0-373-79280-8

When Dr. Brett Thornton invented an anti-aging formula, he did not expect the uproar that would cause, though he should know better with the American capitalist market emphasis on youth, or the demand on his time from companies wanting to own his product. Unable to cope with the pressure, Brett decides he needs to escape where no one in their right mind would follow him. He flees to the Andes in Peru so that he can spend quiet time as a tourist and decide what to do with his elixir.

Instead of preparing for her sister's upcoming wedding, Kayla Watson is heading to Peru disguised as a tourist travelling the Andres Mountains. Outraged, but with no choice if she wants to remain employed, her boss Nelson has sent her to keep an eye on Brett to insure he does not sell his formula while in South America. Her instructions are to use any dirty trick she must, even her body to keep the scientist from selling. However, she does not need to fake her desires, as Kayla finds she lusts after Brett, although exhausted from the mountainous trek. As she falls in love, she fears her beloved will dump her once he learns who she is and why she is on tour.

Jacquie D'Alessandro is at her best with this terrific blazing romantic suspense thriller high in the Andes. The action-packed storyline never slows down from the onset when Brett's creation becomes known, until a distressed Kayla risks all for the scientist she loves. Fans will appreciate their relationship built originally on distrust and love, as the heroine knows she must reveal why she is on tour, but fears her beloved will dump her. Kayla's concerns changed from job security to mate security in a refreshing setting that makes for a fun contemporary tale.