Brandi is an up-and-coming lawyer with great grades at law school but she’s very naïve. After her fiancé dumps her, she spends seven grand on clothes/makeovers and has hot sex with a total stranger, Roberto. Turns out, Roberto is a suspected jewel thief and she’s the new lawyer assigned to his case.
Brandi has a bad history of men controlling her life, but she doesn’t see any problem with what they do to her. Her emotionally abusive and estranged father often calls her stupid. I hate to agree with him. She has so many chances to act like a strong, smart woman, but she continues to trust those she shouldn’t.
Even Roberto doesn’t treat her with respect. He forces her into dangerous situations without telling her why and she doesn’t ask why. Since a judge remanded him into her care, she’s his babysitter and responsible for every little wrong thing he does (like planning a jewelry heist). Roberto promises he wouldn’t do anything to get her in trouble, but then he does it anyway. Brandi’s not upset over the lies and she nearly gets them both killed and almost ruins an FBI operation when she tries to rescue him.
I couldn’t relate to Roberto. He admits to Brandi that he’s a jewel thief and seduces her into not going to the police. He also states she can’t say anything because of the lawyer/client confidentiality. Her law firm is trying to prove his innocence, after all, and she doesn’t want to ruin the case.
At first I liked her boss. He’s a family friend and she thinks of him as her uncle. When she tells him Roberto is taking her to meet dangerous criminals which could affect his defense in court, her boss tells her to dress pretty because it’s her job to stay on Roberto’s arm like eye-candy. So she does. After that, I just couldn’t like her boss anymore.
I never saw any real romance between them. Hot sex and a lot of adventure? Yes. The whole stereotype about big-breasted blondes being brainless toys played a big role in the book. I don’t like to see women objectified and I really felt bad for Brandi. Roberto never even apologized to her for all the lies and for endangering her life.
I usually love Christina Dodd books, but I found the writing repetitive. There were lots of POV shifts and half the time I didn’t know who was talking. The jewel heist plotline was fun and interesting, but I wish Brandi would’ve been a willing participant.
2 Stars

Disclaimer – I found this book at the library. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason.
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The book itself was OK but not great. I listened to the audio book because of Amanda Ronco night the narrator. I love all of her performances and this one didn't disappoint. ( )

Synopsis:

Brandi Michaels moved to Chicago to be with her fiancé--only to discover he'd hopped a flight to Vegas to marry his new girlfriend. So she pawns her engagement ring, buys herself a ridiculously expensive pair of shoes, and spends one sultry night in the arms of a gorgeous Italian stranger named Roberto Bartolini, convinced she's found the perfect revenge...

But when Brandi returns home, she's shocked to discover that her apartment's been ransacked and she's the mark for a killer. Finding herself entangled in a web of danger, Brandi has no choice but to turn to Roberto--a man who's destined to be either her savior or her downfall. But one thing's for sure: she's not going down without a fight...

My review:

I enjoyed this book immensely. What started out as revenge turned into love. It just shows you, love comes at the most unexpected times and places. I will read more of Ms Dodd's books ( )

Trouble in High Heels
3.5 Stars

When Brandi Michaels’ cheating fiancé elopes to Las Vegas, she decides to pawn his engagement ring and treats herself to a one night stand in the arms of a gorgeous stranger. Little does she know that said stranger, Roberto Bartolini, is about to become a whole lot more familiar come morning . . .

A cute read, but Brandi and Roberto’s chemistry is lukewarm at best and the suspense plot lacks any real excitement.

Aside from their mutual attraction, Brandi and Roberto’s relationship is not all that believable. She is intelligent and resourceful, but also organized, rational and looking for security. He is charming and debonair, but not exactly stable considering his secrets. Although their sexual close encounter is reasonable given the circumstances, the rest of the romance plot doesn’t make much sense.

The suspense sub-plot involving Roberto’s sideline business reads like a paint-by-numbers robbery caper with events unfolding one after the other in a predictable fashion and connections made rather conveniently and coincidentally. The climax lacks any real tension and the big reveal is obvious.

All in all, a quick, light read but Dodd has certainly written better.
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This is a romance novel with a bit of humor, action, and mystery. I liked the story and found the characters interesting. The author provides enough background on the characters to make sense of their motives and actions. I recommend the book for its entertainment value. ( )