Don’t Look Down by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer

Lucy Armstrong loves directing dog food commercials, but when her sister begs her to come and finish the feature film she’s working on, Lucy reluctantly agrees. But when she arrives on the set, she finds the staff demoralized, the actors out of control and the movie needs a lot more work than the four days she agreed to. But the most infuriating thing of all, was a Green Beret her lead actor hired as an advisor. Captain J.T. Wilder thought he was in for some easy money and then figured the attractive director was a bonus. But soon he learned that he was involved in his most dangerous mission to date. Now it’s up to J.T. save Lucy, her sister and the rest of the movie before everyone winds up dead.

I’ve waited nearly a year to read this book and even longer since to read a Crusie book, because Jennifer hasn’t released anything new for a while. But this one was worth the wait. Much of the story line is classic Crusie, while you can definitely tell Meyer’s influences. I can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommended.

Details: St. Martin's, May 2007

Excellence Rating: Great

Steaminess Factor: yummy

Blondes Prefer Billionaires by Suzanne Enoch

When Samantha Jellicoe runs into her dead father at a Sotheby’s art auction, she knows her world is about to turn upside down. Even though she no longer steals priceless paintings, her father pressures her into doing it for old times sake. Even her billionaire boyfriend Richard Addison, can’t change her mind. Samantha has a plan to save her father, but it means risking her freedom and possibly her life. Will she be able to convince Rick to help, or will he whisk her away to England where she’ll be safe, but powerless to save her father?

The third installment in this series brings back all of the edginess that I enjoyed in the first story. The plot has enough twists and turns to leave you wondering what’s going to happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you like romance with an element of danger, I know you’ll like this one too.

Details: Avon, November 2006

Bottom line: A great book

Don’t Look Down by Suzanne Enoch

Samantha Jellicoe is perhaps the best jewel thief in the world. Well perhaps was the best jewel thief, as she’s retired in this book. Partnered with her lover, billionaire Rick Addison, Samantha attempts to go straight and open her own security consulting business. But she immediately runs into problems as her first client is killed before she meets with him. Determined to track down the killer, Samantha falls back on some of the skills she used in her previous life to find the real killer. Meanwhile, Rick's ex-wife does everything in her power to get back together with Rick and for him to dump Samantha.

Don’t Look Down is a sequel to Flirting with Danger. I waited nearly a year for this book to be released and when by the time I finished it, I was somewhat disappointed. While I enjoyed reading Don’t Look Down, Suzanne didn’t quite manage to capture the same edge from the first book. Perhaps this is because Samantha’s relationship with Rick was already well defined or maybe it’s just missing the same level of danger that forced them together in the first book. In either case, I hope Samantha and Rick return in the future with a story more suited to them.

Details: Avon, January 2006

Bottom line: A very good book