Brenda Jackson, Unfinished Business

Brenda Jackson, Unfinished Business - In order to soothe his thirteen-year-old friend Christy, Alexander Maxwell gave her a ring and a promise of marriage. Wearing his ring since, Christy graduates from college and throws herself at Alex; he rejects her saying he was not serious back then and only said so to make her feel better. Christy is mortified and vows to move on with her life; she returns the ring she wore for years back to Alex.

Three years later, Alex realizes he made a mistake and misses Christy, although he refuses to believe that he could love anyone. When she relocates from Houston to Cincinnati as a reporter, he sees an opportunity to correct his error. However, he must deal with the legendary stubborn pride of a Madaris. He makes headway by helping her with an investigation into the disappearance several years ago of a young woman, but though her body says yes, her heart says no.

This is an intriguing, romantic, suspense thriller that fans will enjoy as Alex goes out of his way, including taking his first vacation as a CEO of a security firm to regain what he lost. Though his incessant "I'm not in love" would turn 10cc red, the relationship between Alex and Christy is terrific to follow. A date-rape scenario does ease Alex's efforts, but also adds a modicum of reality to the mix that will have readers also wonder about paranormal intervention attempting to prevent the abduction and selling of young females.

Harriet Klausner