"Quick dialogue, fast plotting, and excellent character development."

Arriving late for work at the New Orleans PD, Bobby is nursing a coffee while wearing sunglasses. His pissed-off captain assigns him to a burglary and a partner, the new detective Earnest Emma. Eager to prove herself, Emma is not too pleased to be assigned the department's bad boy. Why is he championing the burglary victim who has disappeared? She is also not too pleased when he is out of control with a wife beater. Bobby resents having a straight-laced partner with questionable loyalty, given her history of testifying against cops in her previous precinct. Will the two mismatched partners be able to work together and solve a simple burglary that quickly turns complicated?

Given the cartoon cover and initial setup, the book seems to start off as a typical romance of opposites clash and attract. But similar to Ms. Albert's previous books, there is much more subtext that drives the characters. Bobby seems happy-go-lucky at first with his loud shirts and cocky attitude, in an environment that seems to encourage his outrageous behaviour. Even the secondary characters are well-drawn with interesting twists to their characters. The illusive burglary victim, whom Emma refers to as Madam Barfly, leads the detectives on a twisted chase through the fringe bars in New Orleans. But they each have a deeper story that needs to be resolved. The resolution is an ironic twist that is sure to make you smile.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys quick dialogue and fast plotting with darker character development. Whether strippers or archaeologists, Ms. Albert's heroes are always sensual, strong, unique, and fresh.

Sexual Content: Sensual.

Reviewed by Karen Williston for Sensual Romance.

Reviewed by Sensual Romance
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted September 17, 2003

Summary

Breaking All The Rules Sexy and smart, Emma Frey is a by-the-books cop who knows there are certain men she should avoid -- and "bad boy" detective Bobby Halloran is a prime example. But now she's been teamed up with the legendary heartbreaker, and everyone in the station house is making bets on how long Emma will be able to resist him. With Bobby turning on the charm -- and flashing his knees- weakening, million-dollar smile -- it's going to be hard for Emma to keep her mind on the job. Despite his reputation, Bobby's got a heart of gold to go with his lady-killer looks. And when things start to get red hot on the mean New Orleans streets, the unwavering devotion and surprising tenderness of her delectable partner soon have Emma's head spinning. She has always lived by the rules, but some rules were meant to be broken. And though it could cost them both their badges -- or worse -- Emma can't help wondering if it might be worth risking everything for one sweet taste of off-duty passion . . .