Jack's Christmas Mission (Silhouette Intimate Moments, No. 1113)

Rating:
Summary: Wishes and danger clash -- Very highly recommended
Review: Peggy Jo Riley worked hard to transform her life from victim to victor. She had traded the role of the child of emotionally abusive parents, for the role of physical and emotionally abused teen wife. Three and half years into the marriage, tragedy made Peggy Jo seek a different role. Now she's the star of a successful talk show up for national syndication, and a published author of a self-help book that teaches women self-reliance. Unfortunately, someone resents her success and is stalking her. As threatening letters give way to more overt danger, Peggy Jo wisely hires a bodyguard. But with Jack Parker protecting her physical well-being, Peggy Jo best watch her heart.

Jack is a lady's man, loving 'em and leaving 'em satisfied. That is, until he meets Peggy Jo. Her caustic tongue and determination mask a vulnerability that he finds incredibly appealing. But Jack's seen the damage a woman can inflict, and has no intention of risking his heart. Despite his caution, however, not only does Peggy Joe slip past his defenses, but so does her delightful young daughter. As he reads fairy tales to the child, and teaches her the magic of Christmas and Santa, Jack finds himself longing for things he thought he'd never want. The trick is going to be keeping Peggy Jo alive long enough to explore the possibilities. With a dangerous psychopath leaving destruction and threats at every turn, Jack's got his hands full.

Beverly Barton's JACK'S CHRISTMAS MISSION delightfully blends the season with a tale of intrigue. The magic of Christmas wishes and the lurking danger create a juxtaposition that heightens the senses and keeps the plot moving quickly. Indeed, this carefully plotted tale will hold the reader's attention to the hair-raising finale. With memorable characters that bear scars of the past, a wonderful child, and a matchmaking housekeeper, JACK'S CHRISTMAS MISSION is a keeper. Very highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: From Back Cover
Review: The Man Who Came for Christmas...

The last thing Peggy Jo Riley wanted this holiday was a hard-boiled charmer in her house 24/7. But if she wanted to stay alive, she needed Jack Parker. And once she was in Jack's well-muscled arms, she realized just houw much she needed him...

Up until the moment he'd seen desire flicker in her pretty eyes, bodyguard Jack Parker had thought Peggy Jo Riley was just another assignment. But the vulnerability he'd glimpsed under his cool beauty's armor made him ache to do a whole lot more for Peggy Jo. Like kiss her till she gave him her trust. And love her til she gave him her heart...