Dangerous Grounds

Seattle Steam Series - Book 1

By Shelli Stevens

Samhain Publishing - January 2008

Romantic Suspense


Madison Phillips needed a rebound man. She had recently been dumped by her long time boyfriend, and knew that to get over that, she should just have a rebound relationship. It wasn't something she had done in the past, but she was a new woman, with a new future, and was determined. What made her even more set on her plans was who her conquest would be, her brother Eric's best friend, Gabriel Martinez. Not only was he hot, but he wasn't one for commitment. It made him a perfect choice.

Gabe had absolutely no intention of following up with Madison's plan. She was his best friend's baby sister, and best friends didn't do things like that. But when Madison's new shop, Ooh La Latte, is hit by the Espresso Bandit, Madison's life is put in jeopardy, and Gabe is in the best position to protect her. He would take her into hiding until the bandit was caught, and make sure they both keep their hands to themselves.

Ah, the best laid plans...

Dangerous Grounds was an enjoyable story of opposites attract. Although Gabe had grown up around the Phillips family, he was in a distinctly different social sphere. Madison had decided to open up her espresso shop because she liked espresso, even though she had no idea how to even make the drink. The characters were very likeable, although I wish some of the emotional conflict that was near the end of the story had been brought out and addressed earlier. It seemed misplaced.

Kathy Andrico - GottaWriteNetwork.com