Jessie Adams is a DJ who is an overall good-hearted person. She is a sometimes musician, and has a fixation for blonde musicians. Her ex-boyfriends could form a band in their own right. Her best friend, Lisa, owns a club called The Sea Shack. It is a great place to hang out and listen to live bands (find a new boyfriend) without being served alcohol. Lisa is jumping through hoops trying to keep up with all the changes the city council is imposing on her club. Due to Playa Vista's rezoning endeavors and the resignation of the only city council member who supported her business, The Sea Shack is in peril of being shut down. As a gesture of friendship, Jessie volunteers to run for council in hopes of keeping her friend's club in business. Little does she know what she is about to run into. Literally.

Chuck Jackson is a detective in Playa Vista. He is minding his own business after work when he runs into a woman in the pouring rain. The only thing saving her from falling down the hill is his arms around her. He offers her a ride home where they have a close encounter. He intends to see her again, but he cannot believe his good fortune when he ends up being her bodyguard.

Jessie is shocked when she shows up for a fundraiser at The Sea Shack and finds Chuck as part of the security team. He is a detective by day and a bodyguard by night. Since someone has threatened both her and Lisa, it is only a courtesy that Chuck informs her that she will not be getting rid of him so easy. It becomes all too apparent that someone is trying to sabotage the city council race. She is not the only candidate in danger as one by one the candidates drop out of the race. Will Jessie survive the race? Will her heart survive the around the clock attention of Detective Jackson?

Genie Davis has written an intriguing romance. I found the story to be entertaining and fun. The chemistry between Jessie and Chuck is explosive. The story is fast- paced and charming. All of the candidates have engaging personalities that add to the appeal of the tale. FIVE O'CLOCK SHADOW is a captivating romance, and a great read for any romance lover.