Customer Reviews

The Man Behind The Cop (Harlequin Super Romance)

5 star:		(2)
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Janice Kay Johnson is an absolutely wonderful writer, and I regret having only just discovered her. She creates intelligent characters who don't rely on others to solve their problems for them, and the romance aspect of the story is always very well-written.

Karin Jorgenson is a counsellor working at a centre for abused women, and homicide detective Bruce Walker a man teaching self-defence classes there once a week. Things don't work out so well from day one, when the husband of one of the women tracks her down. With the woman in hospital, her aunt dead and her children missing, Karin and Bruce have to work even more closely together.

The relationship part of the book is not at all contrived - something it would have been all too easy to do with a situation like this. Yes, Bruce and Karin are attracted to each other, but it doesn't get in the way of the fact they both have very important jobs to do. I loved that the conflict in their relationship was created by different, but valid, differences of opinion, rather than some usual irritating plot device. I also loved that their relationship seemed so normal; it was the little things, like a kiss on the cheek at the end of a day. It felt like a real relationship, growing at a normal pace.

Another thing I adored about both characters was that they were able to admit when they were wrong. When Karin got preachy and started acting like a psychologist in social situations she was able to admit she needed to stop that. Bruce had a hard time relinquishing care of the preteen he'd been mentoring, but in the end he was able to recognise it was the right thing to do.

So, what didn't I like?
Well, it had to do with Bruce's backstory. He's terrified to fall in love or to ever have any sort of family of his own as he comes from an abusive family. He worries he's inherited some sort of violence gene. He was an otherwise great hero, but this was pure silliness, and something that has been done ad nauseam in romance books.
I admit that it might not have annoyed me as much if I had not read many books in this genre before. I will not hold it against this book when I have not against others. That is it as far as complaints go.

I strongly recommend this one, and now buy Janice Kay Johnson's books without even bothering to check the blurb. I know I can rely on her to provide a very engaging read.

this book had the perfect mix of romance drama and action. i absolutely love it. it was the best book ive ever read!