Un alto precio

by Diane Pershing

She was a polite person, normally. But Hallie Fitzgerald was expecting a call -- on the pay phone outside the hardware store -- from the burglar who'd robbed her. The same phone a gorgeous former marine, and the town's new police chief, currently occupied!

By-the-book lawman Marc Walcott sensed the petite and feisty Hallie knew more than she was telling him about the stolen museum pieces. Marc was determined to employ all sorts of new interrogation techniques to uncover the truth -- including an in-depth investigation of her lips...no matter how many kisses it took!

Genres: Romance

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ½ Stars! ~ Recently discharged from the Marines, Marc Walcott agreed to take over as temporary Police Chief of Promise, CA. It was a perfect stepping stone job while he figured out his next steps. Freedom at last, and now he’s determined that nothing’s going to tie him down. Except the payphone it seems, as he’s put on hold for what feels like a millennium waiting for the right person to get his home phone connected. But his irritation level suddenly lifted as a pretty young woman marched up and demanded to use the payphone. Of course, after a millennium on hold, Marc isn’t about to lose his place. Hallie Fitzgerald can’t miss the 10:00 phone call. The burglar’s note had been insistent and she knew that if she ever wanted to see her family heirlooms again, she’d better not mess this up. Having to face the stubborn, gorgeous ex-marine, who has turned out to be the Town’s newest law enforcer, she throws caution to the wind and tricks the phone away from him. Marc’s intrigued by the petite museum curator and can’t help getting personally involved in solving her burglary. And when things heat up between them, Hallie has to put the breaks on, because Marc isn’t one for settling down in one place, and Hallie has her heart set on living in Promise forever.

This was a nice light read that had its moments of heartfelt angst as well. Marc is drawn to Hallie in ways he doesn’t understand. He’s amazed at how hurt he feels when he finds out she’d been keeping the ransom and her suspicions of her cousin from him. But Hallie’s right, getting involved would be wrong. Hallie has her own internal battles, wanting to trust Marc with all she knows and to protect her very impressionable young cousin. But she quickly realizes that she’d rather have all of Marc for a short time then to not have had him at all. Ms. Pershing has a lovely voice and this story just flowed beautifully. Marc and Hallie are great characters and it was fun reaching that HEA with them.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

These two were so cute together :) I liked Marc the stern ex-military policeman, who was intrigued by the demure woman who wasn't intimidated by him. I loved Hallie, who was so great at mustering her inner strength when something or someone she loved was involved.