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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Hmmm, I hate to be a stick in the mud,, April 20, 2004
This review is from: Off Limits (Paperback)
but someone has got to do it. Basically, what I'm saying is that I can't give this a rave review as everyone else has. If you're looking for a great romance novel--this is not it. It's basically a cop drama with some sex scenes thrown in--which, by the way, I must say Ms. Albert writes very well. The story had such potential but it never went anywhere as far as their relationship was concerned. As for the drama unfolding regarding the theft of some highly precious japanese art--that was written in detail from beginning to end. I also had a problem with the descriptions of the main characters. At first, she wrote of clothing as if they were in the 80's--(a swing coat? I wore one in 1984). Then I start reading about cell phones and how they stake out a retro 80's club so I know it's setting is closer to today. Minor stuff, but it matters. Having said all of the above, the hero was great and I would have loved to see more enfold with the 2 of them. Unfortunately, Ms Albert felt the need to introduce us to the entire police force and an array of criminals and their personal problems. I also felt that the heroine was a little too angry and then all of a sudden...bam!...she comes around to a softer side. I did finish the book which says a lot, but it's definitely not a keeper for me.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
4 1/2 *s Serious, yet fun and enjoyable romance, January 16, 2004
This review is from: Off Limits (Paperback)
I've seen this in another review and I must concur - whoever chose the cover art for this book should be shot! This is no light romantic romp or silly comedy as the cover might imply. This is a fairly serious look at the downside of being a cop and the problems they face from the bad guys, from other cops and sometimes from inside their own heads. By-the-book cop Emma Frey has just transferred from LA to New Orleans after she testified against some corrupt cops. She's hoping for a new start, but word travels fast in the world of law enforcement and so Emma is unsure about her welcome. She knows she's either seen as goody-two-shoes or traitor depending on one's perspective. When she is partnered with loose cannon and lady-killer Bobby Halloran, she's extremely unhappy and uncomfortable with it. The last two things she wants are a rogue cop for a partner and the rest of the precinct placing bets on how long it will take Bobby to get her into bed! Bobby is on the verge of serious job burnout. He's a cop who cares and is in serious jeopardy of doing himself or any potential perps harm (not to mention breaking lots of rules in the book). Being partnered with "Earnest Emma" is the last thing he needs - she'll just cramp his style. But work together they must on a burglary case in which the victim has disappeared. And when it is revealed that the victim is Chloe Mitsumi, sister of an infamous mob boss - and one of Bobby's former lovers - things become a bit complicated. Chloe is determined not to be found much to Emma's frustration and so she and Bobby must hit the bar and club circuit of New Orleans in search of her. On one such stakeout they finally locate Chloe, but Bobby suddenly pulls Emma into a steamy embrace in order not to be recognized by one of Jacob Mitsumi's goons who is speaking to Chloe. Both are stunned by their mutual response to this close contact but duty calls and unfortunately in the resulting scuffle, the elusive Chloe once again disappears into the night. Bobby and Emma must face their mutual attraction and their differing views on what a cop should and shouldn't do. Emma cannot resist Bobby any longer and so a relationship begins. But Emma worries that Bobby is a disaster waiting to happen and tries to make him face his problems. Bobby doesn't want to hear it - therapy, is she kidding? Meanwhile they finally catch up to Chloe and discover a mystery surrounding Japanese statues, missing money and possibly corrupt cops. And just when they close the Mitsumi case and are ready to celebrate, the disaster does happen. Will Bobby survive to face and overcome his depression? Will he and Emma have a happily ever after? This is my first book by this author and, though a little light on love scenes, I still enjoyed the building relationship between Emma and Bobby. She's tough and independent and he's protective, gentlemanly and a real sweetheart. A highly recommended read!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, September 30, 2003
This review is from: Off Limits (Paperback)
First of all, I think Avon's decision makers ought to be slapped silly for the cover of this book. I had never read Ms. Albert's work and thought I was gettting something along the lines of a Rachel Gibson book. Not even close!
Lucky for me, I loved the book. I could tell that Bobby came from previous stories but this book stands on it's own merits. Well done. I didn't see the almost-end coming.
I like that Emma is such a strong person and that she did a hard thing in turning in some bad cops back in LA. And that she weathered the consequences with grace. Even tho that happened before this book begins, we are told how this has affected her and we see how that helps her to help Bobby, who has his own demons.
I was surprised to find myself liking Chloe. I hope she gets her own story one of these days. And, even tho he had a small part, I would like to see a story about the intriguing Gary Giacomo, beat cop.
So, my advice is to totally ignore the stupid cover and the equally stupid backcover summary. Read this book for pleasure. Not for laughs.
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