Partner-Protector [Mass Market Paperback]

PARTNER-PROTECTOR is a contemporary romance with some paranormal elements. It is the first book in THE PRECINCT series by Julie Miller. If you love stories about police and intrigue with a psychic edge you should enjoy this book. Before reading this series I would suggest reading about THE TAYLORS because moments of their stories affect this one.

Kelsey Ryan has psychic visions when she touches things. Because of skepticism she keeps to herself most of the time until she 'sees' a murder take place. She takes her vision to the Kansas City police department where she is met with doubt in the form of T. Merle Banning. Geeky in some respect, Merle has just lost his partner to maternity leave. His commander pairs him with Kelsey.

There is a serial killer somewhere and Merle has just been given some cold cases to look into. Kelsey believes she can help. Merle believes in facts and concrete evidence so Kelsey and he clash immediately.

Surprising for a Harlequin, this story packs a punch. The main characters are fleshed out well. Kelsey is timid at times and, because of her past, doubts Merle when he finally starts to believe in her abilities. There is enough about the secondary characters to remind you to read about 'THE TAYLORS' first. I didn't know this and I am sure it would have helped to understand some of what happened previously. Also, we get bits and pieces of other individuals to know that Ms. Miller will write their stories. All in all, a satisfying read.

THE TAYLORS:
1 One Good Man
2 Sudden Engagement
3 In the Blink of an Eye
4 The Rookie
5 Kansas City's Bravest
6 Unsanctioned Memories
7 Last Man Standing

THE PRECINCT:
1 Partner Protector
2 Police Business
3 Search and Seizure
4 Baby Jane Doe / The Unknown Baby
5 Up Against The Wall
6 Nine-Month Protector
7 Protective Instinct
8 Armed And Devastating
9 Private S.W.A.T. Takeover
10 Kansas City Christmas
11 Beauty and the Badge
12 Takedown
13 Protecting Plain Jane
14 Protecting the Pregnant Witness

Nine murders in eleven years, each centered around Christmas, haunt Kelsey Ryan. Det. T. Merle Banning has been given the Holiday Hookers homicide cold case, and psychic consultant Kelsey, the "crackpot", has been assigned to help him....Ms. Miller connects her Taylor Clan with this book's hero, T. Merle Banning, who was introduced to us in Intrigue #619, SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT--featuring Ginny Rafferty and Brett Taylor. Merle was Ginny's partner. As in all Ms. Miller's books, we are thoroughly entertained. A new winning series.

By far Julie Miller has written the best opening sequence in a novel that I have read in a mighty long time. Partner -Protector walks right up an slaps you in the face. Det. Banning has just been assigned to a Cold Case file about a serial killer. Every year for the past 10 yrs our killer has murdered a prostitute during the Christmas holiday and not been caught. All that is known for certain is that the murders are somehow connected to the neighborhood Mission. The K.C.P.D. wants this case put to bed in a really big way, they enlist the help of Kelsey Ryan a noted Psychic to work with Det. Banning in solving the case. There is the usual initial reaction of total disbelief to grudging respect and finally acceptance of Kelsey's psyschic abilities by Det. Banning. And the required world weary, loner, misunderstood, persecuted for her psychic abilities resident Psychic was on board for what should have been a routine story about 2 individuals falling in love while solving a murder mystery. I'm learning that in Julie Miller's hand the routine can turn into exceptional stories of in-depth characterization that you normally do not find in series romances.

Det. Thomas Merle Banning is one cop that wants his get out of Geekdom card validated. He was so meticulous he had earned a marksmanship pin. He is an over achiever that felt he had something prove and give back for being the son of a crook. I just loves those guys with the big shoulders and a vulnerable side, he was also an unabashed Momma's boy. Starved for physical contact, living on her own island of isolation due to the fear of sensory overload from touching other people Kelsey has finally found what she hopes is the answer to her prayers in Det. Banning. A man sensitive enough to look beyond the obvious to see the woman she is on the inside. Kels is inexplicable drawn to T from the moment they meet. Neither is what the other expects but as they work together to solve a string of murders they will form a bound that will test all their beliefs in each other and lead them to the love and acceptance they both seek.

T. is such a darling, when he breaks his momma's cardinal rule of never going in a ladies purse I sighed, or whenever he remembered some of the life lessons he learned at her knee I thought...wow...who knew a momma's boy could be so sexy. He is old fashion and treats Kelsey with old world charm, but he is also HOT. He has an ego that likes to be stroked and Kels knows just what to say to make him purr. When she compared him to a sexy Atticus Finch with a dash of Dirty Harry I thought...I can see that. Kels a self described misfit is in need of hugs and kisses, and T. is just what the doctor ordered to make sure she never feels lonely again. How she discovered T. thoughts and emotions through touch was beautiful considering for years she had denied herself that simple pleasure most people take for granted. The romantic tension leading up to their first kiss was wonderful. I love the kissing scenes in a Julie Miller book, she gets it right.

Partner-Protector is a great romance with a nifty little thriller that kept me eagerly turning the pages to the end.

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