Do or Die

Bestseller Brockmann's Reluctant Heroes series opener delivers everything that romantic suspense fans will expect. The first case that lawyer Phoebe Kruger tries for her prestigious new firm isn't going the way she thought it would. Her client, Ian Dunn, doesn't want to leave jail, despite being offered his freedom in exchange for doing one small thing for the federal government. His reasons may have to do with a tangled mess of life-changing secrets involving international criminal sociopaths, mobsters, family, and friends. Phoebe and Ian must work on both sides of the law to save two kidnapped children before their time runs out, while ensuring that Ian's family is safe from the demons of his past. The lengthy story starts slowly but moves powerfully once it gets in gear, and the cast of sensitive alpha men and strong, imperfect women is well developed. Interpersonal tension gets far more focus than action, creating a refreshingly light feel. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Agency. (Feb.)