Fatal Embrace

Author:  Aris Whittier

Publisher: Five Star Trade
Publish Date: 2004
Pages: 273
ISBN No.: 978-1594141782
Genre: Romance
Sub Genre: Western, Mystery
Reader’s Annotation:
A serial killer raping and strangling women and a passionate romance are combined in this novel set in the contemporary west.  
Summary:
A high-spirited horse trainer, Jessica Stanson, stumbles across the perfect job on one of the most elite ranches in Montana. However, her boss, ex- detective Michael Carven poses a problem for he acts like he doesn't want her there. Jessica is determined to break through Carven's shell to get inside the man and prove herself to him on the ranch but she has taken on more than she bargained for.  A troubled man, Michael Carven, has left a difficult past behind him, and now works at the job of his dreams, raising horses under the Montana sky. Knowing that the past will catch up with him, it does sooner rather than later.  Nestled deep in the mountains of nearby Riverside, a small town, a wave of violence has hit, as a cunning serial killer preys on the population. While he struggles against it, Michael finds himself both drawn into the case and becoming attracted to his independent new trainer. To make the situation more complicated with a killer on the loose, his two worlds collide when Jessica becomes the only material witness in the case. Before it is over, Michael and Jessica will put everything they know and hold dear on the line to catch a vicious, cunning killer and to protect each other as well.
Evaluation: T
his was a better book that I expected it to be and I would recommend it.  It kept me interested and turning the pages.  It is one of those books that I was sorry to see end.  I really got to like the characters and was happy they finally got it together.
Why I Would Include It: 
If a reader likes a flavor of the west, horses, mystery and romance then this is the book.  It is a page turner and keeps the reader interested.
Rating: 4