The only responsible one in her family, Evie Gardiner has a second job as a dancer as she works toward her engineering degree. Things are fine until her incarcerated brother gets her involved in a dangerous situation. After learning about Evie's troubles on their first meeting, Daniel "Mag" Magnusson steps in to protect her. He has his own emotional baggage that he tries to hide with humor, but being close to Evie might just tear down those walls. While this book is described as the first in a new series, it is actually a spin-off from Ashley's "Rock Chick and Dream Man" series. Some of the references to other characters may be a little confusing to readers coming in cold. Evie's chapters are all written in first person, as though the reader is on the receiving end of her very staccato thoughts. When the POV shifts to Mag, the writing is in the third person. VERDICT The characters aren't very likable, and the plot drags out way too long. Content warning for mentions of rape and violence. Recommended only for Ashley's fans and where her other books circulate well.--Amanda Turk, Corvallis-Benton Cty. P.L., OR

The excellent first romance in Ashley's Dream Team series features the alpha heroes and high-octane suspense her fans expect but balances the testosterone and adrenaline with moments of cozy domesticity. Mechanical genius Evie Gardiner is taking the long route to an engineering degree and works two jobs (providing tech support during the day and stripping at night) in Denver, Colo., so she can continue to bail out her irresponsible family whenever they get into trouble. Evie agrees to a blind date with Daniel "Mag" Magnussen, a former U.S. Marine, and is instantly flustered by his good looks and charm, but their date is interrupted when Evie's brother, Mick, needs her help. When Mick's shady dealings make Evie a target for Denver's most dangerous criminals, Mag commits to keeping her safe. While the subsequent action sequences--including kidnappings and shoot-outs--drive the story, Mag and Evie also spend a lot of time at home, cooking, kissing, and making plans for when their lives calm down. Familiar faces from Ashley's Rock Chick series will please long-standing fans, and new readers will quickly grasp the established dynamics. Those who like a dash of sweetness in their suspense will be delighted. (June)