Rating: 
Summary: Contemporary with Depth
Review: I read a lot of light-hearted contemporaries, and I enjoy them a great deal. It's nice to have a little laughter and light in life. But rare is the contemporary that gives me both humor and depth. "Off Limits" is one of those rareties.From the cover, "Off Limits" sounds like a typical "clash of the styles" romance. But Albert gives her characters great depth. Emma initially comes off as cold. Nothing new in a romance there. But Albert gives her a reason to be uptight, and allows her to thaw a bit without totally rewriting the character. Bobby seems like a typical light-hearted clown of a contemporary hero, ready to "lighten up" our heroine. But instead he's a deeply troubled man, fighting demons inside himself. Emma and Bobby end up tightly integrated as characters, and their relationship has a lot of believability and depth. Albert also does a good job of developing the "mystery" within the plot. The mystery doesn't serve as a device to develop the relationship between the two, except as a case they're investigating as partners. I always appreciate it when a "romance" author manages to integrate the plot tightly into the romance without making it a device. Not only that, but this book has some great secondary characters, most notably Chloe (who also appears in an earlier book). It would have been easy to draw her as more of a caricature, but she's given a great deal of depth as well. I appreciated that Emma is portrayed as an everyday person, fighting self-esteem issues. And I also appreciated that Chloe and Bobby, both very good-looking characters, took pragmatic views towards their own looks. Bobby is good-looking, but that hasn't helped him find someone to truly love him. I appreciated the detail in his development as a character. Still, the book has some light-hearted moments. It's definitely not a serious romance, although it's more serious than a lot of contemporary romances with similar covers. Honestly, I don't really enjoy "weepie" romances all that much. This wasn't one of those! My only disappointment is that Albert does leave us one unresolved plot line, and it bothered me. Whether it's the result of cuts or just a plot line left hanging, I wish something had happened with it. All in all, this was a smooth read, one I truly enjoyed reading. I enjoyed my time with the characters a great deal, and look forward to reading Chloe's story in the future (hopefully!). Recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Actually has a plot!
Review: I very much enjoyed this book. There are so many romance novels out there that are so predictable and fluffy that it was refreshing to read one that actually had a story line. It wasn't just a man and a woman falling in love and getting married 2 weeks later. Michele Albert has definitely worked her way up my list. This book was smart and original and I highly recommend it. The main character, Emma, was not your typical damsel in distress waiting for her knight in shining armor. She was strong and sassy. Bobby, the knight in shining armor wannabe, was adorable and I had real feelings of sympathy for him during his rough times. Wonderfully written and a delight to read!
Rating:
Summary: Actually has a plot!
Review: I very much enjoyed this book. There are so many romance novels out there that are so predictable and fluffy that it was refreshing to read one that actually had a story line. It wasn't just a man and a woman falling in love and getting married 2 weeks later. Michele Albert has definitely worked her way up my list. This book was smart and original and I highly recommend it. The main character, Emma, was not your typical damsel in distress waiting for her knight in shining armor. She was strong and sassy. Bobby, the knight in shining armor wannabe, was adorable and I had real feelings of sympathy for him during his rough times. Wonderfully written and a delight to read!
Rating:
Summary: 4 1/2 *s Serious, yet fun and enjoyable romance
Review: I've seen this in another review and I must concur - whoever chose the cover art for this book should be shot! This is no light romantic romp or silly comedy as the cover might imply. This is a fairly serious look at the downside of being a cop and the problems they face from the bad guys, from other cops and sometimes from inside their own heads. By-the-book cop Emma Frey has just transferred from LA to New Orleans after she testified against some corrupt cops. She's hoping for a new start, but word travels fast in the world of law enforcement and so Emma is unsure about her welcome. She knows she's either seen as goody-two-shoes or traitor depending on one's perspective. When she is partnered with loose cannon and lady-killer Bobby Halloran, she's extremely unhappy and uncomfortable with it. The last two things she wants are a rogue cop for a partner and the rest of the precinct placing bets on how long it will take Bobby to get her into bed! Bobby is on the verge of serious job burnout. He's a cop who cares and is in serious jeopardy of doing himself or any potential perps harm (not to mention breaking lots of rules in the book). Being partnered with "Earnest Emma" is the last thing he needs - she'll just cramp his style. But work together they must on a burglary case in which the victim has disappeared. And when it is revealed that the victim is Chloe Mitsumi, sister of an infamous mob boss - and one of Bobby's former lovers - things become a bit complicated. Chloe is determined not to be found much to Emma's frustration and so she and Bobby must hit the bar and club circuit of New Orleans in search of her. On one such stakeout they finally locate Chloe, but Bobby suddenly pulls Emma into a steamy embrace in order not to be recognized by one of Jacob Mitsumi's goons who is speaking to Chloe. Both are stunned by their mutual response to this close contact but duty calls and unfortunately in the resulting scuffle, the elusive Chloe once again disappears into the night. Bobby and Emma must face their mutual attraction and their differing views on what a cop should and shouldn't do. Emma cannot resist Bobby any longer and so a relationship begins. But Emma worries that Bobby is a disaster waiting to happen and tries to make him face his problems. Bobby doesn't want to hear it - therapy, is she kidding? Meanwhile they finally catch up to Chloe and discover a mystery surrounding Japanese statues, missing money and possibly corrupt cops. And just when they close the Mitsumi case and are ready to celebrate, the disaster does happen. Will Bobby survive to face and overcome his depression? Will he and Emma have a happily ever after? This is my first book by this author and, though a little light on love scenes, I still enjoyed the building relationship between Emma and Bobby. She's tough and independent and he's protective, gentlemanly and a real sweetheart. A highly recommended read!
Rating:
Summary: 4 1/2 *s Serious, yet fun and enjoyable romance
Review: I've seen this in another review and I must concur - whoever chose the cover art for this book should be shot! This is no light romantic romp or silly comedy as the cover might imply. This is a fairly serious look at the downside of being a cop and the problems they face from the bad guys, from other cops and sometimes from inside their own heads. By-the-book cop Emma Frey has just transferred from LA to New Orleans after she testified against some corrupt cops. She's hoping for a new start, but word travels fast in the world of law enforcement and so Emma is unsure about her welcome. She knows she's either seen as goody-two-shoes or traitor depending on one's perspective. When she is partnered with loose cannon and lady-killer Bobby Halloran, she's extremely unhappy and uncomfortable with it. The last two things she wants are a rogue cop for a partner and the rest of the precinct placing bets on how long it will take Bobby to get her into bed! Bobby is on the verge of serious job burnout. He's a cop who cares and is in serious jeopardy of doing himself or any potential perps harm (not to mention breaking lots of rules in the book). Being partnered with "Earnest Emma" is the last thing he needs - she'll just cramp his style. But work together they must on a burglary case in which the victim has disappeared. And when it is revealed that the victim is Chloe Mitsumi, sister of an infamous mob boss - and one of Bobby's former lovers - things become a bit complicated. Chloe is determined not to be found much to Emma's frustration and so she and Bobby must hit the bar and club circuit of New Orleans in search of her. On one such stakeout they finally locate Chloe, but Bobby suddenly pulls Emma into a steamy embrace in order not to be recognized by one of Jacob Mitsumi's goons who is speaking to Chloe. Both are stunned by their mutual response to this close contact but duty calls and unfortunately in the resulting scuffle, the elusive Chloe once again disappears into the night. Bobby and Emma must face their mutual attraction and their differing views on what a cop should and shouldn't do. Emma cannot resist Bobby any longer and so a relationship begins. But Emma worries that Bobby is a disaster waiting to happen and tries to make him face his problems. Bobby doesn't want to hear it - therapy, is she kidding? Meanwhile they finally catch up to Chloe and discover a mystery surrounding Japanese statues, missing money and possibly corrupt cops. And just when they close the Mitsumi case and are ready to celebrate, the disaster does happen. Will Bobby survive to face and overcome his depression? Will he and Emma have a happily ever after? This is my first book by this author and, though a little light on love scenes, I still enjoyed the building relationship between Emma and Bobby. She's tough and independent and he's protective, gentlemanly and a real sweetheart. A highly recommended read!
Rating:
Summary: Bobby's story - at last!
Review: If you are wondering what happened to Michelle Jerott wonder no more! Here she is, bigger and better than ever with her second book written as Michele Albert. Some of you may remember Bobby Halloran who was introduced as an important secondary character in Michele's first book (as MJ), "Absolute Trouble" and who made another appearance in Michele's last book, "Getting Her Man". From day one I (and other readers too, I'm sure) have been waiting for Bobby's story. And now, at long last, it has arrived and it was well worth waiting for. An alpha male with hidden depths, Bobby has found his match in steadfast, quiet and serious Emma Frey. Well, maybe she's not so quiet and she definitely has her own hidden depths. This book continues in Michele's trademark style: the story contains not only hot, hot, hot sparks between these two fascinating characters but also a deep and insightful growth of their relationship. In addition there is a fascinating suspense story revolving around another character from the past, Chloe Mitsumi, also from "Absolute Trouble" (and a fascinating character she is too. Chloe needs a book -that's my opinion). I am also a really big fan of Linda Howard and Elizabeth Lowell and, in my opinion, the suspense and romance in this story ranks right up there with their books.
If you have never read Michele Albert/Michelle Jerott this is a great place to start. She writes intelligent, sexy, suspenseful stories with fascinating, exciting characters. Grab the book, a glass of wine and/or a box of chocolates and settle in for a great read!
Rating:
Summary: Ahhhhhhhhh Bobby
Review: Off Limits is one of Michele Albert's Best. Emma Frey is a no-nonsense, follow the rules kind of cop. She gets paired up on a major case with Bobby Halloran. Bobby has not met a rule he cannot get around or a woman he can get into his bed. Emma presents problems for him on all fronts. Despite what people may say about Bobby and his methods. He cares deeply for those in his life. Emma soon is not only in is face at work, she has worked her way into his heart. Emma and Bobby grow closer as they find out answers on a troubling case. Bobby has always been a favorite of mine and his story is well worth the wait. Emma is the perfect woman for Bobby. This is a wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: exhilarating police procedural romance
Review: Police Detective Emma Frey is forced to transfer from Los Angeles to New Orleans because her life in California had turned miserable when she turned in crooked cops. Her new boss Captain Strong assigns her as the lead on a burglary that included malicious property damage, but also has Bobby Halloran tag along. However, before the two detectives hit the squad car, the Captain lectures Bobby to behave. As they investigate the case, she watches Bobby break the rules even using what she deems excessive force on a low life. However, she fails to report him though she has trouble with his attitude. If she accompanied him to the hospital to visit a victim she would understand his anger and frustration. Yet in spite of his outrageous street behavior, Emma the earnest one is falling in love with her partner and he, to his chagrin, reciprocates. This exhilarating police procedural romance enables the audience to see more than just a love tale as the two lead protagonists are frustrated with infra and inter justice. Though Bobby commits acts that should have him tossed off the force, readers will cheer his sense of fair play as much as his partner begins to appreciate it. Fan will want more tales like this insightful action thriller. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: A VERY GOOD READ!!!!!
Review: Who picks the covers for these books? I almost didn't buy this one because of the cover. I thought it would be too much fluff for me. NOT SO!
This is a great read, my first by Michele Albert, she takes some very serious things and not only makes you understand these people, but care about what they have had to face. There is laughter and tears in this one.
Emma Frey is a strong, steady, reliable cop with integrity. She has moved back to New Orleans to try and remake her life after a bad experience with the seedy side of law enforcement.
At first Bobby Halloran strikes us as, a lightweight ladykiller,a heavy drinker, and unreliable. Later we see his facade and realize he has reached that dangerous state known as "Burnout". Not only is he a good cop, he has let himself care too much.
The captain puts these two opposites together. From the first page to the last they strike sparks off each other. He calls her "Earnest Emma". And she thinks he is a flake.
The situations and chemistry between him and Emma are always unpredictable. There is excitement, laughter, and explosive drama on every page of this book. I loved how the story reveals each character to us. These are not perfect people, but they are real. I could not put it down and I am going to buy every one of her books I can find.
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