John Testarossa is a red-headed, red-blooded and complicated LAPD detective. For years he's been running from love and instead is drowning himself in work. A childhood tragedy and a long-buried secret come to the surface when Testarossa meets the beautiful Dr. Karen Gennaro. Is this relationship right? Is it for life or just the moment? On top of all of that, a complicated case comes across his desk. And now, this savvy, wise-cracking cop will have to deal with his past.
What starts a standard detective story morphs into a tale of redemption told by Julie Dolcemaschio.
An arm washes up on the beaches of Santa Monica, the first piece of a complicated puzzle. The rest of the body is discovered and eventually identified as young college student David Crane. Who would want to kill him? Why? He was close to his family, but something in David changed. A friend from school committed suicide, leaving David to wonder why. Was it even suicide? David starts investigating, and doesn't like what he sees. It's a world full of college athletes, steroids and power.
The investigation into Crane's murder is gripping, but Testarossa's internal struggles are what drew me in. Each chapter begins with personal vignettes into Testarossa's past. Testarossa was the son of a cop, who protected his son from bullies. That protection is gone when he is killed, which shapes the rest of Testarossa's life.
He marries and divorces, every relationship since has been forgettable. That is until he meets Dr. Karen Gennaro. Their conversations are long and meaningful. Cooking together is not just to nourish their stomachs, but it is also very sensual. Readers of romance, will especially love those parts. But is this relationship right? Without realizing it, Testarossa begins to sabotage the relationship. What he views as commitment and love, Karen sees as the need to be the hero. The need to be in control. Is he committed to this relationship or is he just staying out of obligation?
I'm always a pushover for a happy ending, but this one is open-ended. I thought this can't be the end for Testarossa, but this is just the beginning of the journey. The story is well written and engaging, I will be looking forward reading more about Testarossa.
Rating: Superb
Notes: I received a copy of the book from the author's publicist in exchange for an honest review. For more information on Julie Dolcemaschio visit: http://testarossabook.com/
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