The Ideal Man
“As always, Ms. Garwood creates engaging characters who come alive page after page. The banter and interaction between Ellie and Max is beyond charming. Ellie is a spirited and strong heroine, and Max is charming in a stoic, gruff sort of way.”
Julie Garwood never disappoints her readers. She is one of those writers who can adroitly blend romance and suspense, giving the genre’s fans exactly what they want every time she writes a book.
While she offers twists and turns that piques the curiosity and keeps the reader guessing, she doesn’t skimp on the romance. Toss in a bit of humor, and who can resist such a combination?
This latest novel has no tie-in with her Buchanan books, or any other past story. But while fans or those past books may initially be disappointed, Ms. Garwood’s latest story and characters will quickly capture readers’ interest and loyalty.
Ellie is a doctor, on the brink of a major career change as her fellowship ends. While she’s mulling over which direction to take, she stumbles upon a shooting that leaves an FBI agent injured.
She saves that agent’s life, and meets another agent, Max.
Max and Ellie are attracted to each other immediately. But the case that brought Max to St. Louis is only temporary, and his home is in Honolulu. Ellie is getting ready to leave for her sister’s wedding in South Carolina, and then will be deciding where to practice medicine.
For some reason, it doesn’t occur to them that she could be a doctor in Hawaii. So they think a relationship is impossible, and miserably ignore their attraction. Until Max realizes Ellie is in danger because she witnesses the bad guys shoot the agent.
Max goes to South Carolina to protect Ellie. That makes for some humorous, and fun, moments. As always, Ms. Garwood creates engaging characters who come alive page after page. The banter and interaction between Ellie and Max is beyond charming. Ellie is a spirited and strong heroine, and Max is charming in a stoic, gruff sort of way.
Ms. Garwood became one of the genre’s best authors by writing addictive historical novels, with strong heroines and heroes who only get stronger when they find each other. She’s continued to excel in the same manner with her contemporary novels, gifting readers with memorable lines, enchanting moments and unforgettable characters.
Max is no-nonsense, gruff and not terribly romantic. In fact, his proposal was more of an order than a heart-felt declaration. But it works for him.
In fact, the entire book works. Ms. Garwood may not be as prolific as other romance writers, but her stories are always worth the wait.