Frisk Me (New York's Finest)

by Lauren Layne

[Lynn]

Lauren Layne is one of my favourite go-to authors, so I jumped at the opportunity to read the first in this new series: New York's Finest. As expected, Frisk Me didn't disappoint.

Luc “Bambino” Moretti comes from a family of cops. He loves his job even if he isn't as accomplished in his career as his older brothers. Yet. Their father is a retired commissioner making the benchmark to succeed very high. He loves his job but after an incident where he dives into a river to save a young girl; where a passer-by films his rescue. He's become a very reluctant internet celebrity, makes him feel uncomfortable and guarded. So it is no surprise when NYPD choose him to be a focal point of a TV documentary...to raise the profile and the publics perception of the police force. Only Luc is very familiar with this TV journalist representing CBC News.
The last thing Luc needs is some woman delving into his past. What he is unaware of is how far his own family have gone to protected him all these years; something they failed to tell him as he carries the burden of his past around with him.

Ava Sims isn't thrilled about her new assignment for CBC News, but takes up the challenge as she knows that her bosses at the station are watching her. She's so close to achieving her career ambition she can almost taste it. Ava can't believe her eyes when she meet the NYPD cop who will be the focal point of her documentary series. Of all the luck! He's the same officer that gave her a parking ticket three years ago! One she never paid! Ava is never one to shun a challenge as her news hound intuition tell her there is more to Officer Moretti then meets the eye and she's determined to find out what that is.
Under Ava's determined facade is a woman wracked with insecurity. Being brought up surrounded by family members who are self-righteous, condescending and mocking, she wants to do the right thing to gain their approval. It is up to Ava to fulfill her parents ambition to become a news anchor only is that what she really wants?

This is a delicious slow burn romance, with sparks flying between Ava and Luc at any given time. Both have never forgotten the first time they met...both are in denial about their feelings for each other. Their professional personas clashing with their personal ones. Both circling each other like an elaborate mating ritual, afraid to let down their guard, as they each have something to hide. It is easy for the reader to empathise with the protagonists as they both face up to the realities of what they discover about themselves and each other.

The mood is lightened by the highly entertaining Nonna, who likes to shock everyone with her astute observations and close to the knuckle verbal banter! Mama Moretti serves up motherly intuition to any of her flock who needs it. Whether it is one of her four NYPD sons or her defense lawyer daughter–all have smart mouths and quick wit!

Frisk Me is laugh out loud hilarious. Highly recommend! I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

***arc received courtesy of the Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley***

4 Stars