Cuff Me

A high-profile murder case is the backdrop for this cleverly crafted finale in Layne’s New York’s Finest contemporary trilogy (after Steal Me). New York homicide detective Vincent Moretti likes his aviator sunglasses shiny, his leather jacket snug, and his cases solved. The introverted cop limits his relationships to his close-knit family and his partner, Jill Henly. When she goes on sabbatical for three months, he realizes how much she means to him, so he decides to ask her out when she gets back. Jill has secretly harbored a crush on Vincent for six years. His grumpy disposition and cocky attitude do nothing to discourage her. However, she can’t wait around for Vincent forever, so while she’s away she ends up getting engaged to another man. Vincent wants nothing more than for Jill to be happy, but he’s devastated to learn of her engagement. For the first time in his career, he begins having trouble concentrating on work, which forces him to deal with his feelings. The secondary plot involving the unsolved murder case is as gripping as the smoldering romance. Readers will be very sad to bid farewell to this standout series, its well-developed characters, and their whimsical repartee. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Apr.)