At the Ready, by Sharon Michalove, is 70% romance fueled by the increasingly violent attacks that comprise the other 30%. The third book in the Global Security Unlimited series is told in dual point-of-view, focusing on forty-six year old corporate lawyer Michelle (Micki) Press and intense French-Canadian security consultant JL Martin, a close associate of her best friend’s fiancée.
Micki is determined to become the second female partner at the conservative law firm where she works and accepts that forgoing committed relationships is the price of career success. Even though she’s intrigued with JL’s slightly bad boy vibe, work comes first. Always. Micki’s out for a casual connection, company for the rare nights when she’s not working, not a long-term relationship.
JL has a different plan. Smitten by Micki the first time they met, he only delayed active pursuit to give her time to get over her good-for-nothing ex, Sam. He’s over the moon when she finally says yes to a date. The trouble is, Sam will do anything to get Micki back. Good thing JL is CEO of a company whose offerings include personal protection.
As I followed Micki and JL through their efforts to explore what they both hope might be, despite Sam’s interference, I particularly enjoyed the sushi-sharing scene. No explicit action—they were in public—but plenty of heat.
Even if you missed the previous two books in the series, you will have no trouble following this one. If you enjoyed the characters as much as I did, you can read the earlier books after you finish.