Let me preface this review by admitting this is the 28th Lori Foster book I've read and yet it's the first I've had the joy to review. I absolutely couldn't resist the chance to dig in to yet another one of Foster's emotionally charged books about strong men and the women who love them. True to her style, the women have to be strong in many ways to challenge these men and yet soft enough to win the unending love and devotion of the perennial tough guy. I can't wait for the next installment of the ongoing saga of these mercenaries.

Priscilla Patterson has a rather well thought out plan since the death of her mother and perhaps even longer than that. Now that she no longer has to care for her mother Priss is ready to implement it. There is nothing simple about it and she is well aware of the danger, but it's time. Time to face the man she believes could be her father who abducted her mother, raped her, stood by and let her be gang raped and discarded her like trash. Her mother was lucky to escape but once Priss was born fears drove them to remain hidden in the shadows of a life. Priss's life was devoid of friends -- her mother was her life. Now she was alone.

In the world of human trafficking Murray Coburn was a kingpin and a monster. Trace Rivers was working undercover in the Coburn operation determined to get proof to finally shut Murray down. Traces had personal reasons for doggedly pursuing Murray and wanting to nab his clients as well. Murray's targets were young women who for the most part could fall off the face of the earth and no one would notice them missing. Trace and his group knew some of the targeted women and were determined to save other girls from similar fates.

Priss was unprepared for her immediate attraction to Trace. Her history didn't prepare her for such an aggressive, rugged guy. Since Priss questioned her attractiveness she felt that Trace's attentiveness to her was due to his connection to Murray even though from the outset she intuitively doubted Trace's real role in this matter. Trace was caught off guard with this petite little woman whom he suspected was truly an innocent and yet managed to challenge him every step of the way. And although he had always prided himself on remaining emotionally detached to any woman he saved this one quickly got under his skin. And now that he acknowledged that Priss was beginning to mean more to him her protection was a priority. Her absolute refusal to back down from a confrontation and to listen to any of Trace's instructions made him angrier than he even thought possible and yet it also won his admiration. And if matters played out as he expected both he and Priss were going to have to rely on their shared strengths and wits to survive what could be a fight for survival.

Book Summary

CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE OF VENGEANCE AND DESIRE…

Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he'll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man' dirty smuggling operation.  It's a perfect scheme—until Coburn's long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.

With a smile like an angel and fire in her eyes, Priscilla Patterson isn't who she seems to be.  But neither is the gorgeous bodyguard who ignites all her senses.  Joining forces to plot Coburn's downfall, Priss and Trace must fight the undeniable heat between them.  For one wrong move, one lingering embrace, will expose them to the wrath of a merciless opponent.

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