Lie to Me

Likable characters and an intriguing premise almost make up for gaping holes in the plot of Ambrose's debut romantic thriller. Eleanor Coggins breaks into the Westfield mansion, hoping to find evidence implicating Banner Westfield in the death of his wife, Eleanor's best friend. Instead she's caught by Banner's half-brother, Jack Payton, and forced to pose as his fiancée. Jack thinks Banner has gotten the family business into some illegal dealings, so he gets Ellie access to the mansion while she helps him secure custody of his daughter. Their relationship sizzles with delicious friction as they ruthlessly use each other to relieve pent-up sexual tension, while Banner investigates Ellie's fake background and sets a trap for the bogusly betrothed couple. A handful of unanswered questions will vex readers until the steamy love scenes distract them. (Dec.)