Secret Obsession by Robin Perini

He didn't know which was harder: not falling for a woman who was off-limits, or protecting her from a madman…
Scarred from the brutal murder of her fiancé, former UN translator Lyssa Cafferty sleeps with one eye open. Now a serial killer is determined to finish what he started…and she's his next target. Desperate to survive, Lyssa seeks protection from the one man with knowledge of her past.
Noah Bradford, a cunning ex-marine, vows to protect Lyssa—along with the secret she keeps from her watchful predator. It soon becomes evident that Noah's growing attraction for Lyssa could distract him from his mission, but only together can they crack the cryptic messages of a killer. With time running out, it's uncertain who will come out unharmed—or alive.

I bought this book because I was going to be one of the guest hosts of the launch party, and wanted to know what was going on. And I'm so glad I did, because it is so  intense and captivating, it took the hold of my interest from the first page and kept it to the very end.
Let me start with the villain. I have to say he might just be one of the most evil, vile, and vicious bad guys I've ever read about. He made my skin crawl. He was the stuff nightmares are made of. He is not only evil, but also smart and brainy, scary combination.
But he is not only brainy one in this story. Both Noah and Lyssa are brilliant and sharp. Noah is not only a bit geeky, he is ex-military, and caring, loyal, devoted, true. Yes, I completely fell in love with him.  There was absolutely nothing not to love about Noah.
Lyssa is strong, steadfast, and bright. She has had to make some terrible sacrifices in her life, to protect, and to survive.
Together Lyssa and Noah are so perfect, a team. The attraction and love is so adorable, heartbreaking, touching, it brought tears into my eyes.
I gladly recommend this five star book to anyone, and more of Robin Perini's books will be in my future as well.

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Secret Obsession (Harlequin Intrigue)