Mike Carlton had worked hard to build his investigation business to where it was today. He had an office, with his name on the door. So what if most of his clients were only spying on cheating spouses or looking for deadbeat dads? He'd managed to make a name for himself, and he was proud of that. Having been a cop at one point, Mike felt he'd had enough excitement. Until he met Gwyn. From the moment her incredibly long legs-he'd always been a leg man-walked into his office, he couldn't get her out of his mind. And it didn't take long to realize he'd never get her out of his heart.

Gwyneth Wells had worked equally as hard. She was a successful defense attorney-with battered women making up her client list. Her most recent client was the wife of the city's biggest mafia crime lord. Gwyn had also worked for the prosecutor's office early in her career. And then there was her Aunt Lillith and cousin Edmund, who were both bitter about the fact that Gwyn had inherited all of her mother's money while they got nothing. So it really wasn't surprising that she had someone following her everywhere she went. The problem was finding out just who it was. So when her Uncle Wil recommended she hire Private Investigator Mike Carlton, Gwyn did just that. But the infuriating man decided that meant he had to be with her all day every day! How was she supposed to get any work done when she couldn't stop thinking about how it would feel if Mike kissed her?

When Mike took Gwyn to his parent's house for a weekend getaway, he thought he was keeping her safe. No one counted on her ex-fiance-the lawyer for Gianni Damico, mafia crime lord-following her there. Or Gwyn finding him with a butcher knife sticking out of his back. As Mike delved into the lives of everyone at his parents' house that night, he discovered some amazing secrets! And Gwyn discovered one pretty big secret about Mike as well. The trick now--decide if she could accept it, and fall in love with him anyway. Oh-and not get killed herself in the meantime.

THE MAN FOR THE JOB was surprisingly good! I expected something like a Mickey Spillane novel, but this was nothing like that. Ms. Ryan created characters that had emotional depth, and winning personalities. Gwyn was sensational as a fiercely independent woman, with a heart of gold. Mike was just the sort of man most women dream of marrying-charming, romantic and protective, with a great sense of humor. It was wonderful to watch these two stumble toward each other. And stay there.

THE MAN FOR THE JOB is a must-read! It's the perfect way to spend a few hours. Even if it does make you wish all men were as clear and decisive in their emotions as Ms. Ryan's hero!

Reviewed by Tracy Atencio

© July 2004