Marianne Stillings, Sighs Matter

Sighs Matter

Marianne Stillings

Avon, Apr 2006, $5.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0060734833

In Port Henry, Washington Dr. Claire Hunter is heading back to Seattle when someone forces her off the road. The next she knows a cop takes her in as she suffered a head injury, and her purse with her license and other items were stolen; a bottle of open alcohol is inside her vehicle. The cop takes her to the station though she is not drunk. She mentions knowing Detective McKennitt, so the cops send for him. However, the wrong McKennitt shows up as she expected Soldier wed to her best friend, but instead got his brother Taylor, whom she made love with eight months ago before Claire ran back home fearing her feelings, especially for a cop.

Taylor forces Claire to stay in his home over night to insure she is safe. He believes that her assault is tied to her beloved Aunt Sadie's fianc Mortimer of Mortimer Mortuary, who he and his brother believe is involved in illegal activities. This time Taylor will not let her run away, as he insures she is safe from everyone but his assault on her heart.

Marianne Stillings returns to Port Henry for the third time (see MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL and Soldier's story THE DAMSEL IN THIS DRESS) with another wonderful police procedural romance. The delightful storyline contains two people in love, but one of them refuses to acknowledge that veracity, while lasso battling against a dangerous enemy. The return of characters from the previous tales add to the overall depth of this plot, but this tale stands alone. Readers will appreciate this fine romantic suspense.