Sweet Talk

June 25, 2012
In this intrigue-laden, passion-filled romantic thriller, beautiful IRS attorney Olivia Mackenzie is committed to making the most of her life, alone. Though she has recovered from her childhood illness, Olivia won’t let anyone get close enough to suffer with her should her condition recur, and her abusive father has taught her not to trust anyone. When she meets handsome FBI agent Grayson Kincaid after a crooked businessman mistakes her for an agent and assaults her, her resolve begins to weaken. Grayson seems to understand Olivia’s fears regarding her outwardly charming but vicious parents and the lengths they will go to protect their own wealth and prestige. As Grayson protects Olivia after further attempts on her life, they both become increasingly aware that the attraction and concern they feel for one another shows no sign of abating. Some cumbersome writing weighs down the story, but a great plot with strong characters and red-hot romance will keep readers engaged. Agent: Andrea Cirillo, Jane Rotrosen Agency.

August 1, 2012
An IRS officer and an FBI agent find love while following the money. Olivia MacKenzie meets Grayson Kincaid when the FBI agent interrupts her job-interview lunch (she fears impending IRS layoffs) with financier Eric Jorguson. Technically, the interview had already ended when Jorguson, who knows the Feds are after him for money laundering, ripped Olivia's dress, looking for a wire. Olivia and Grayson soon find they have more in common than government employment. Both are attorneys, both have trust funds, and both have dedicated themselves to aiding children. Olivia rescues abused youngsters, and Grayson has all but adopted his 9-year-old nephew, Henry, whose father prefers the jet-set life. Before the requisite sexual pyrotechnics occur, Grayson must sort out the many miscreants out to get Olivia, most of whom are her relatives. Her father, Robert MacKenzie, is running a Ponzi scheme of Madoff-ian proportions, the Trinity Fund, but Olivia alone suspects financial malfeasance. Her sister, Natalie, is pressuring her to persuade Aunt Emma, the only relation who was there for Olivia during her childhood bout with a rare cancer, to invest in Trinity. Natalie, whose own money is tied up with Trinity, doesn't know that her husband, George, owes a loan shark a small fortune. George is trying to get his hands on Olivia's trust, and MacKenzie and his crooked attorney know she's looking for the smoking gun to bring Trinity down. Then there is Jorguson's irate bodyguard, fired over the FBI fracas. All the above are suspect when Olivia is wounded in a drive-by shooting. Meanwhile, Olivia is worried about Jane, one of three women who underwent experimental protocols for childhood cancer along with Olivia, and who now, except for Emma, constitute her family. Is Jane suffering a relapse, and is her addict brother, Logan, really in recovery? The evil characters lack any semblance of humanity, and the good characters, including the Fed-crossed lovers, are perfect and unbecomingly smug about it. A standard melodrama with occasional flashes of originality.

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March 1, 2012

When gorgeous young attorney Olivia MacKenzie wrecks FBI agent Grayson Kincaid's sting operation, he's furious and she doesn't much care; she's an IRS agent, set to bring down a Ponzi scheme that's hurt a lot of innocent people. Then she realizes that her efforts have put her in danger and turns to Kincaid for help. Garwood seems unstoppable; get multiples wherever she is popular.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2012
Olivia has one goal in life: see her father behind bars. While her mother and the rest of the world have fallen for Robert's Svengali-like charm, Olivia knows her father is nothing but a coldly calculating con man, intent on fleecing all those foolish enough to entrust him with their money. Unfortunately, despite all the resources available to her as an attorney for the IRS, Olivia has yet to find the proof she needs to shut down her father's investment company. However, it seems that over the course of her inquiries Olivia has rattled the bars on more than a few cages, given the attempt on her life late one snowy night. While FBI agent Grayson Kincaid admires Olivia's sense of duty, he isn't about to let her unnecessarily put herself at risk. This means he is going to stick to Olivia's side like glue, whether the lady likes it or not. When it comes to striking the perfect balance between sexy romance and spine-tingling suspense, the consistently (23 titles and counting) best-selling Garwood is unrivaled.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)

August 1, 2012

A survivor of childhood cancer and parental neglect, attorney Olivia MacKenzie advocates for children, works for the IRS, and secretly plans to send her corrupt, charismatic father to prison. A job interview explodes in violence, throwing Olivia into the orbit of magnetic FBI agent Grayson Kincaid, and suddenly she is forced to deal with an instantaneous, passionate attraction that is far more threatening to her peace of mind than the villain who wants her dead. A valiant heroine with her own agenda clashes with a hero who won't take no for an answer in this dynamic mystery that tantalizes fans with plenty of red herrings, complex plotlines, and a delicious romantic relationship that isn't quickly resolved. VERDICT Don't be fooled by the sweet title! This riveting page-turner draws readers into a character-rich adventure that sensitively addresses family issues and highlights the importance of loyalty and long-term friendship. Garwood (The Ideal Man) lives near Kansas City.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.