Twenty seven years ago someone took Nate's baby sister Della, an act that would forever alter the entire Dufrene family. Horror of a kidnapped child believed dead affects everyone with dread, sadness and unfortunately guilt. Nate had nothing to do with it but his conscience is bothered by how he should have been more careful and patient. Now a detective, he is mindful of crimes that involve children. No other child was going missing under his watch, a lifelong mantra.

Annie Perez was starting a new career. Her previous in the FBI didn't end on an auspicious note but she was determined to succeed in a company specializing in security for high profile personalities. Her present charge Spencer, the child of performers, was the target of some crazed person who left disturbing notes. It began in California and now on a shoot in Louisiana they hoped the troubling notes would stop.

However they knew better than to take any chances with their beloved son and Annie was hired as nanny while in reality her job was as bodyguard for this little boy. Not easy tasks for a woman like Annie who didn't see herself as the motherly type and yet Spencer was winning her over, one childish prank after another. Unfortunately the Keene's didn't leave their problems behind as they had hoped. Both Nate and Annie were beginning to believe it might be someone in the show or production company with a grudge against Tawny and Carter.

Nate was suspicious about this nanny who just didn't seem to fit the role. She was always on guard and rather uneasy with nanny duties but there was no denying her affection for this child. As events escalated it became more difficult for Annie to hide her true connection to the family and she was beginning to think that Nate was on to her. But beyond their professional connection a much more personal involvement was taking hold. Although neither Nate nor Annie was in the market for any kind of relationship it would seem that was something even these two stubborn people couldn't control.

No matter what twists and turns their personal lives were about to take neither was going to take their attention off the most important task which was keeping young Spencer safe. Both Annie and Nate were individually well equipped to handle it but as a team they were unstoppable.

Fabulous first foray into the world of the Boys of the Bayou Bridge series, with two intertwining stories that Liz Talley masterfully connected in a well thought out plot and that keeps you turning pages. Talley has brought us some really sweet family stories in the past but in WATERS RUN DEEP she has moved to a whole new level putting her in the ranks of Robyn Carr and Brenda Novak with an intriguing background story.

Book Summary

This is starting over...not putting down roots Getting attached to someone nearly sidelined agent Annie Perez's career. So she's not about to make the same mistake twice. This latest undercover assignment in Louisiana- acting as nanny for a famous couple under threat-suits her perfectly. She can investigate quietly and under the radar. That is, provided she can stay clear of way-too-suspicious detective Nate Dufrene.

Easier said than done when Nate seems to be around every corner. And with each encounter, Annie is tempted a little more by this son of Bayou Bridge. Yet regardless of their chemistry, they are worlds apart, and she's not willing to compromise for love again. But when she needs an ally, Nate has her back. And that could convince her to get very attached!