"A breathtaking romance mixed with intrigue."

ATF Agent Alec Dempsey refuses the FBI's requests to go undercover in his hometown of Freedom, Arkansas. That is until he learns that Keira Morgan, the woman he loved and walked away from so many years ago, is in danger.

Notorious bank robber Ian Griggs is being paroled and is relocating back to Freedom. He has his sights set on three things. Get the money that was never recovered from the robbery. Avenge the deaths of his two brothers who perished in that crime and seek revenge on Keira, the woman he assaulted years before. He plans to finish a job he started, and enjoy every tantalizing minute of it.

Keira isn't too happy with Alec's return. But if letting him pose as her returning lover and employee of her electrical contracting business means the protection of her grandfather, who she thinks is the main target, then she'll swallow her pride and go along with the charade.

Not only does Keira have to make sure of her grandfather's safety, she has to deal with vandalism and intimidation tactics from the Barry Brothers. The rival electrical contracting company doesn't like the fact that she's a woman in a man's business or that her company has won some choice bids. Add to this the antics of Keira's nemesis, sexpot Scarlet Chambeau, who has her eyes and claws set on Alec. She would say or do anything to get him into her bed and away from Keira's arms.

Alec isn't to happy himself about the situation. The FBI obviously lied about what is at stake, making his job even harder. Not only that but strong feelings start to resurface, making his job even more difficult to handle. How can he keep his mind on protecting Keira when all he wants to do is pull her into his arms and love her?

The threats and scare tactics escalate and tensions run high. Obviously someone is helping Griggs. How can he keep her safe when he doesn't know who all the players are? Eventually Alec and Keira can't deny what they have between them and soon find themselves in each others arms, making up for lost time. But is Keira setting herself up to be heartbroken once again? Once Ian Griggs is dealt with, will Alec leave?

Lauren Bach has done it again. SLOW HANDS is a fast paced, suspenseful read that does not let up until the end. A breathtaking romance mixed with intrigue. I found myself right in the middle of Freedom, Arkansas cheering on my favorite characters and wanting to rip the hair out of others. The secondary characters are memorable and add so much atmosphere to the story. The hero and heroine are a dynamic couple you can't help but love.

Lauren Bach's fresh voice and style shine through with crisp, clean prose and edge of your seat anticipation. A definite page-turner. Not only do the plot twists keep the story moving forward, but the sexual tension between the two characters is off the charts. The love scenes are very descriptive and hot, a refreshing change from the same-old, same-old. Not only because of the sexual depictions but because of the emotional depth and pull of both characters as they reunite and express their undying love for each other. All I can say is, if you don't add this to your summer list of definite reads, you'll be missing out. SLOW HANDS is already on my keeper shelf right beside Lauren's first book, LONE RIDER. I am patiently waiting for the next Bach novel. This author has won a permanent spot on my automatic buy list.

(C) 2002 Janice K. Wagner

Reviewed by Janice Wagner
Posted July 15, 2002