The Bodyguard

Sebastian Tremayne is a paranormal operative who can turn invisible. Sean Walker is a secret agent who can control shadows. Seth Gere is a bounty hunter searching for a murderer. In this collection of enjoyable, if underdeveloped, stories, these men go to great lengths to protect the women they love. There's little space to build tension or character, but Adair's "Temptation on Ice," a tale of underwater passion between Sebastian and nuclear physicist Michaela Giese, is certainly steamy. Showalter's "Temptation in Shadows" builds around an interesting concept of brain-embedded computers, but the conclusion is too abrupt. O'Clare's "Hunting Temptation" will appeal to readers who are content to read about werewolves and romance without much plot getting in the way. Fans of real suspense will prefer the authors' longer works. (July)