SHE CAN SMELL A DETECTIVE A MILE AWAY. Amanda Roberts is a natural, a New York-bred ace reporter who got stuck doing boring stories for a rural Georgia newspaper, like covering a cooking demonstration by the world-famous Chef Maurice. But when the debonair Chef Maurice drops dead, face down in his own chocolate souffle, it looks like murder--and a scoop for Amanda. Her only obstacle is Detective Joe Donelli, who treats her like she has the I.Q. of a Georgia peach--and makes her feel like a hot tomato. One thing is certain, Amanda's got to break the case first--before Donelli breaks her heart.

HE WORRIES ABOUT REPORTERS WHO ARE NOSY. AND PRETTY. Joe Donelli is a former Brooklyn cop, a pro who came south after too much big-city tough stuff and a miserable marriage. The fact that Amanda is always one step ahead of him doesn't really bother him. He simply has a bad feeling about this murder, and he wants to keep her good and safe. In other words, he'd like his hands on the killer--and his arms around Amanda.

They've got to get off each other's case. To catch a killer--and maybe fall in love.