Maddy Madison is 27, single, and unhappy with her job. She works as a producer for News 9 but her job isn't exactly news worthy. She is forced to write fluffy scripts about Cosmetics That Kill (even if they really don't kill) rather than writing something meaningful that might make a difference in people's lives. Maddy dreams of working for Newsline which is the ultimate prestigious job in journalism in her eyes. Unfortunately, Newsline isn't calling and she is stuck at News 9.

When a hunky new photographer named Jamie Hayes becomes the newest employee at News 9, Maddy's day is suddenly a bit more cheerful. Jamie is going to be Maddy's personal photographer and she is giddy with joy that she will be working side by side with such a gorgeous man.

Maddy and Jamie get along great and their chemistry is very strong together. But when Maddy finds out that Jamie is due to get married in only 3 months, all her hopes and dreams go down the drain. Jamie is already taken and she isn't the man stealing type of girl. How will Maddy cope with her feelings for Jamie and work with him when she is so attracted to him?

While working her fluffy news pieces, Maddy comes across a news story that could make her career. Maddy is told by her counterfeit purse seller that there is an underground drug tunnel in Mexico that is being used to smuggle drugs into America. The purse seller's brother was murdered by the drug lords and he wants them exposed for the criminals that they are. He will personally show Maddy the tunnel and give her the inside tip, but this involves Maddy spying on the drug lords in Mexico and putting her life in extreme danger. Jamie offers to accompany Maddy on her trip as her cameraman and friend.

How will Maddy work in such close proximity of Jamie and not put the moves on him? Will Jamie and Maddy put their lives at risk by reporting this juicy news story? What will happen to Maddy and her job if her boss finds out she is working on a story that he did not approve of?

NEWS BLUES is an exciting book that sizzles with an interesting romance story and suspense that will keep readers intrigued. I adored Maddy and Jamie's characters and the first person narration by Maddy made the story more personable. Maddy is your every day girl that just wants happiness and love in her life. She doesn't want to be a home wrecker or the other woman to any man, but sometimes things happen and you can't help who you fall in love with.

The writing in NEWS BLUES is heartfelt and compelling. I felt like Maddy was pouring her heart out to me, the reader, and I couldn't help but love her flaws and all. I greatly enjoyed reading NEWS BLUES and I look forward to reading another book by Marianne Mancusi.

Book Summary

TUNE IN
All 27-year-old Maddy Madison wants is a cute guy, a designer handbag and to work at Newsline. What she has is a dead-end job at News 9 San Diego, a psycho boss and a counterfeit Kate Spade. One with a badly glued-on label. Oh, and no guy.

TURN ON
Just when Maddy’s sure her days of producing sensationalistic puff pieces will never end (“Perilous Pets!” “Deadly Dishwashers!” “Clay that Kills!”) she’s offered a promotion. She’s now an investigative producer — and that’s not all; she’s also partnered with the station’s newest photographer: sexy, motorcycle-riding bad boy and former moviemaker Jamie Hayes. But every silver cloud has a stormy lining. Her new job is with News 9’s narcissistic anchor, Terrance Toller; Jamie’s getting married (not to her); and reporting the truth is about as easy as watching your divorced parents get remarried (not to each other).

TAKE OFF
So, how does Maddy get to produce real news, bag her boss and win her man? Stay tuned. It’s the story of a lifetime.