Slow Hands: His Touch Is A Dangerous Temptation [Mass Market Paperback]

The FBI has borrowed Alec Dempsey, an agent with the ATF, for an assignment in his hometown of Freedom, Arkansas. Alec is to provide undercover protection for Keira Morgan from convicted killer, Ian Griggs. Griggs is being released years early from prison (too early for believability) as part of an FBI investigation. Griggs had not only been involved in a major robbery but had been convicted six years earlier of murder as well. Another of his crimes that he had never been tried for was the beating and attempted rape of Keira Morgan. Alec reluctantly accepts the assignment sensing that something is strange about this investigation. His primary reason for accepting the job, however, is his past ties to Keira. Keira and Alec had been deeply involved in a love relationship and planned to marry ten years ago. Suddenly, Alec left Freedom those ten years ago without a word to Keira, and the two have not communicated at all since then. Alec is the standard contemporary romance hero. He is handsome, extremely skilled at protecting others, very sexy, and doesn't believe he will ever marry and settle down. Keira is the owner and successful operator of an electrical company. She is a down to earth type of southern gal who has not been too interested in men and finds a lot of fulfillment with her friends, work, and her grandfather. She loves Freedom and never wants to leave. Keira doesn't want Alec back in town - especially close enough to her to provide protection. She had been shattered at Alec's desertion all those years ago and wants him to stay far from her. She cannot allow him to hurt her again.

Slow Hands would fall into the Romance Suspense category - one that is increasing in popularity. It is not one of my favorite categories because the romance often takes back seat to the action. I read romance writing for romance and mystery/suspense writing for a good mystery. I have not seen many instances where both facets in Romance Suspense are written well. This book does have more action pages than romance pages. And although Keira falls into the "I don't like you but can't keep from having sex with you" situation over and over again, Alec and Keira's romance does have a magical quality to it. We can see both of the leads maturing and becoming more tender and understanding of each other. This is one book where the sensual scenes were one of the best parts of the book without being gratuitous. These scenes rate about a 4.5 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). They are rather explicit for romance writing.

Slow Hands had the potential to be a very good story. However, there were just too many misunderstandings and lies for me to truly enjoy it. I felt like I read one cardboard scene after another. The ending did have somewhat of a surprise element to it. Maybe I wasn't paying good enough attention but the villain did catch me unaware. I cannot recommend that you not read this book. It has some very good pages. Just don't expect unusual characters or deep emotions. It is not a light-hearted book but is not a deep book either.

But all in all this was a very good book. I liked Keira and the way she handled her business. Franny was a hoot! And the bedroom scenes between Alex and Keira were so hot!! Will definitely read more than once!