Childrens librarian Faith West is left at the altar by text message on her Blackberry from her fiancé Alan who doesn't want to be married to her. He longs for adventure and excitement and doesn't want Faith because he feels she's boring. Faith is crushed, but decides to suck it up and go on her honeymoon to Positano, Italy by herself. And it's a good thing Alan hopped on a plane to Bali because Faith is a crack shot with a gun, thanks to her father who first took her to the firing range when she was ten.

While in Italy, Faith meets a dark, mysterious and sexy Caine Hunter. What she doesn't know is that Caine is spying on her. This former Force Recon Marine works for King Investigations, a rival company of her father's. Vince King and Jeff West used to be best friends, but King betrayed him by starting his own agency, even thought West owns the most successful investigation firm in Chicago. Caine has a secret agenda. He has a grudge against Jeff because he blames him for his father's death. Faith is floored because she ended up sleeping with Caine in Italy and has been played for a fool once again.

Faith runs back home, quits her librarian job she never really cared for, and starts working for her father. She is more than angry with Caine and will beat him at his own game and steal his clients. Caine had no idea what he was getting into when he scorned Faith and now has to work double time as he investigate his father's death. Faith refuses to be pushed to the side and recommends they team up to clear her father's name.

Caine thinks Faith can't handle the undercover work, although he likes having her around, as well as protecting her at the same time. Faith is under even more stress. Her mother thinks her father is having an affair and Alan suddenly re-enters the pictures, wanting to pick up where he and Faith left off. Caine isn't too happy about that and will claim Faith as his own before that can happen.

MAD, BAD AND BLONDE has its moments of humor and some slapstick comedy. Faith and Caine have great chemistry together, but things between them are a bit too rushed. The first fifty pages or so happen so fast and the attraction Caine and Faith have for one another is not all that realistic, especially with Faith trying to get over being dumped by her slimy fiancé.

As Faith and Caine become partners of sorts, their interactions cement their feelings and their banter back and forth is very amusing and sweet. Faith knows how to handle herself when the going gets tough and has a great support system with her family. Caine acts like a loner, but once Faith enters into the picture, he feels as if he belongs.

MAD, BAD AND BLONDE is a quick, fast read that may make your head spin by the non-stop action. Those readers, who enjoy a loopy, contemporary romance with some light mystery, will want to give this latest by Cathie Linz a read.

Book Summary

When a man’s too good to be true… Jilted on her wedding day for being the queen of dullsville, librarian Faith West goes on her Italian honeymoon solo, hoping to leave her pain behind. That could take a miracle, but she’s about to discover miracles do happen. His name is Caine Hunter. Smart, spontaneous, hot, and sexy, he has her feeling like a real woman for the first time ever—until the truth surfaces…

A former Force Recon Marine turned PI, Caine was doing what he does best: spying. And his new target was Faith. But falling for the enemy’s daughter was never part of his plan. Caine is a man used to winning, but this time his mission is much more personal — and nowthat he and Faith are both back in Chicago, the rewards could be, too…