San Diego, Homicide Sergeant Justin Harrison returns to work, after being on medical leave, only to have his first day back involved with a murdered police officer. Meeting the woman who found the body was the second highlight of his day. Paige Conroy draws him in, like a fly caught in a spider’s web, and he doesn’t know if it is a good thing or not. Paige has her own studio at Conroy Photography. Even when not at her studio, she tells Justin the address on her business card is still where he can find her after their interrogation is finished. She is a photographer who is shocked to learn that her friend, Leroy has been killed. Her fiancé, Rick, was a cop, who three years prior, had been shot right in front of her. Now Rick’s partner, Leroy, is dead and it points to Paige as the only suspect. Whether true or not, she needs protection and Justin makes sure he is there for her, the whole time trying to fight any strong feelings for her. Paige gets the same vibes for Justin and tries to push them away. Knowing that Leroy has been killed, and remembering the death of her fiancé, causes old memories to reappear. Paige doesn’t share in Justin’s desire to offer any protection until certain dangers fall into her life. While trying to locate the killer, they give into their temptations and reach out to the other, also trying to put a halt to the madman before he stops their relationship permanently.

Not Without Risk is an intensifying read that spins with action, intrigue and romance. The interaction between Paige and Justin is climatic. They are strong characters that capture the reader and hold until the conclusion. They each desire a commitment but need to sort out some details before that happens, and I like the way they learn from each other to make their relationship stronger. Ms. Grimm spins an exhilarating tale that grabs the reader instantly. She fashions sexual passion between Paige and Justin that heats the pages while wrapping the reader completely into their lives. This edge-of-the-seat suspenseful thriller, with all the twists and turns, has the reader trying to learn the identity of the killer until the final page. This is one dynamic read that shouldn’t be missed.

Reviewed by: Linda L.