Answering the request from her sister for her presence at St. Peter's Church, Sadie Oliver arrives a little late, but just in time for her brother to shove her under some stairs and order her to stay put. The next thing she knows, shots are being fired and her brother is falling over a banister.

Theo Angelis is looking forward to his weekend getaway at his family's cabin. He has a lot to think about; the job offer of a lifetime, why he's unable to trust his instincts after being shot by a stalker, but especially the nagging feeling that his relationship (or lack of) with attorney Sadie Oliver is not finished. When Sadie shows up unannounced at the cabin and fills him in on what's happened at the church, Theo knows they'll have to work together to solve the crime and keep her safe in the process.

THE DEFENDER has a surprise on every page -- fast-paced and steamy are the best words to describe it. I just love the characters. They are real-to-life and sexy. I want an Angelis brother of my own. This crime started out with Kit in THE P.I., then followed with Nik in THE COP and now ends with Theo. Their sister, Philly, has her own story coming in 2008, so I'll be watching for that one. I highly recommend this sexy, well-written series.