I really enjoyed this book. The set up was pretty different. The book starts when she is 12 and they meet under less than auspicious circumstances, then picks up 15 years later when she is in danger and he is brought in as her bodyguard. Minor spoiler, happens in the first 20 pages or so but I'll hide it if you don't want to know He is the assassin sent to kill her stepfather and she sees him just after the hit. She is 12 and is certain he's going to kill her too but of course he doesn't.

He is a very very closed off man, tortured by his past. The only thing he cares about is her but he knows they can't be together. It's quite angsty. She is nicely written as a woman who has overcome a lot and has herself together. She is not a wimp but neither is she one of those super strong bitchy types. Very lady like but determined to live her life as close to normal as possible even with someone out to get her as she tries to solve her stepfather's murder.

The romance is the major factor here although the mystery is not neglected. It was a teeny tiny bit hokey but the romance was so strong that that was easily forgiven. ( )