Julie Garwood was one of the first authors I found to offer strong, intelligent female protagonists. Even today when they are everywhere, her characters shine. More romance than suspense despite the twin topic of people threatening the lead. In spite of the seriousness of the topic, the second half kept me laughing enough to balance the suspense. Enjoyed it. The synopsis has been covered well enough that I don't feel the need to tell what happens. 
 Note: I seldom give 5 star rating on Goodreads because I am comparing these books to the best I ever read. At other sites, I rate just to show much I recommend a book. This is a 5 star recommendation.