Good book!

Mia is back on the force after being shot by a local gang banger. She got away just being winged- more or less- Her partner Abe, (I'm Watching You), was not so lucky. (He survived, but just barely it seems.)

While waiting for him to return to work, Mia is paired with Lt. Reed Solliday, an investigator for the Chicago Fire Department, on a case that has the two depts. working together to catch an arsonist. Not only is the nut job setting blazes, he's killing- with intent.

Mia has baggage. Her father was a former cop and a private abuser. She doesn't want another partner and she certainly doesn't want the feelings of attraction she's feeling for him. Despite her abusive father and apathetic mother, she's turned out okay- she's truly an honest, decent person. She longs for a loving relationship like the ones modeled around her but she's sure she'll mess it up somehow.

Reed doesn't like the pull he's feeling toward Mia either. Married once to a woman he considered his "soul mate", that last thing he wants is a relationship with strings.

But as they get closer to finding the bad guy, the temptation grows stronger and when the villain starts going after Reed and Mia and their loved ones- they find their desire for each other something that can't be denied.

Like the previous book by Karen Rose that I read (Die For Me- and yes, I read them out of order!), I found myself enjoying the story despite the fact I'm all but burnt out on the "Serial Killer" plot.

Ms. Rose is a very detailed author. She writes in a way that makes you believe she's done her research- thoroughly- but doesn't bore you with the details.

She also has a way of writing empathetic characters that draws you in to their lives and makes you feel like you get them. (I totally understood Mia despite the fact I never experienced the things she's experienced.) That's good character development in my eyes!

Reed is sexy and sensitive yet retained enough of an edge to appeal to even this Alpha Male loving reader!

The sizzle between these two worked and I found the sex worked better than Die For Me, imo. (HOT!)

Karen Rose is fast becoming my favorite Romantic Suspense writer right now . If your looking for something along those lines, you can't do much better than Count To Ten!

4.5 out of 5 from me!