Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon
From the Back Cover
U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he’d rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven’t warmed in the five years since she drove her husband–and Jake’s best friend–to despair . . . and possible suicide.

Full of suspense and romance, Fatal Judgment is a thrilling story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
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Federal Judge Liz Michael’s life has taken a strong blow. Her sister, who was temporarily staying with her, has been murdered and Marshal Jake Taylor is assigned to protect Liz – what if her life is in danger, too? At first, Liz doesn’t think her life is in danger, after all, Liz’s sister, Stephanie, was hiding at Liz’s, trying to heal emotionally and physically from the abuse that her husband has inflicted upon her. She’s pregnant, and she didn’t want her abusive husband to hurt their unborn baby. When she’s shockingly murdered, Liz thinks the abusive husband has shot her sister.

However, Stephanie’s husband’s grief seems too raw, and too real. The marshalls conclude that Stephanie’s husband can’t be the one who shot her…that’s when they begin to assume the shooter shot the wrong woman – Liz may have been his intended target.

Throughout this story, both Liz and Jake’s faith is tested as Liz is taken into seclusion for her own safety. Jake finds himself smitten with Liz. Liz was his deceased college roommate’s wife, and Jake thought she was a cold, unfeeling workaholic, after awhile Jake finds that he’s been getting the wrong information about Liz.

Meanwhile, Jake has his own grief. He’s still struggling with the guilt he harbors for his wife’s death. He holds himself responsible and hasn’t forgiven himself for her tragic accident.

While a lunatic plots to kill Liz, both Jake and Liz grow closer as Jake hopes not to fail in this assignment.

This book was a real page-turner and I highly recommend it for those who enjoy good, romantic suspense. I was up late into the night reading this novel, and it’s rare for me to stay up past my bedtime reading a book nowadays! You really feel for the characters – and the way the villian was portrayed was haunting – he could’ve been your next door neighbor and you wouldn’t have suspected he was plotting to kill. Overall, a very good read.

Many thanks to Baker/Revell for providing me with a free review copy.

~Cecelia Dowdy~