After only six years as a Secret Service Agent and overcoming some nasty gossip early on, CJ Ludzecky has landed the coveted job of protection detail for the Vice President's family. She specifically guards the VP's wife, Bailey O'Neil, and two children. When Bailey's dad suffers a heart attack, she decides the entire family needs some time together at their lake house while he recuperates there. This puts CJ in closer proximity to Bailey's family than she's ever been before -- especially to Bailey's handsome, charming and sexy brother, Aidan, who feels responsible for his dad's attack.

Never imagining he could be attracted to a woman like the tough-as-nails CJ, Aidan is baffled as to what it is about her that's hit him so hard. He can't seem to stay away from her, and when he catches glimpses of CJ's soft side, Aidan is even more determined to crack her hard shell and make her admit the feelings are mutual. However, when that finally happens, it could jeopardize more than her career.

The peaceful lake setting becomes anything but that as the press invades the family's privacy. Then word comes that a former gang member, who hates Bailey for disbanding her posse a couple years ago, is set on retaliation, even to the point of kidnapping Bailey's son. Add in an overseas hostage situation involving Bailey's husband, Clay (the Vice President), and there's just no room in CJ's hectic life for a personal relationship. Is there any way CJ and Aidan can overcome the many hurdles in their way and finally achieve their dreams, separate as well as together?

With Ms. Shay writing their emotional and realistic story, you know they can, but the way will not be an easy one. This book, a follow-up to SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN (Berkley, 9/05) as well as a small connection to characters in PROMISES TO KEEP (Berkley, 8/02), is another masterful rendering of people overcoming tremendous odds to achieve the ultimate goal of true love.