Meridian File: The Rider Files, Book 1

In this staccato kickoff to a romantic suspense series, Samet (Gray Horizon) touches on the high-stakes world of professional tennis, sports doping, and the Russian Mafia. Wine heiress and professional tennis player Aurora Meridian is determined to have a successful comeback season despite mysterious death threats, injury, and the sudden attention from those who’d abandoned her when her career derailed years before. Bodyguard Mason Stone, smarting from allegations of unprofessionalism during his last assignment for the Rider Agency, is determined that he will keep Aurora safe and be all business with her—but as the season progresses, the danger mounts and their mutual attraction grows. A crowded cast—including Aurora’s friends, the other members of the Rider Agency, and a Russian mobster with ties to the tennis circuit—provides a multitude of viewpoints with varying success. However, the high level of detail, particularly around the life of a professional athlete, makes up for any other inconsistencies and will keep sports fans hooked. (BookLife)