Knockout
Erica Orloff
Silhouette Bombshell, Nov 2004, $5.50
ISBN: 037351333X

Knockout Jackie "Jack" Rooney is beautiful and a highly regarded Las Vegas boxing trainer, a profession that rarely finds women performing. However, Jack needs a favor from her boyfriend, police officer Rob, that could cost him his career. She needs him to allow her time to protect her deceased friend's daughter Destiny, who witnessed a mob murder, before officially reporting it to the "police". He reluctantly agrees because the requestor is the woman he asks to marry him at least twice a week because he loves her.

Jack does not realize how much the mob wants the youngster silenced, but would have protected him anyway for personal reasons. Years ago this same gang of thugs framed her dad, destroying Jack's family. Now, with a reluctant Rob at her side, Jack plans to keep Destiny safe and bring down the mob that would hopefully also prove her father was innocent.

The Vegas boxing scene that includes a successful female promoter who knows how to throw a left hook plus the Damon Runyon feel provide a uniqueness to an intriguing suspense thriller. The cast are champions as the key players are fully developed. However, the relationship between the cop and the promoter never fully comes across as more a standing eight-count instead of a knock-out romantic love story. Still, contemporary fans who enjoy a whimsical tale starring a protagonist who throws mean jabs will enjoy this fine tale.

Harriet Klausner