Money Man

Herkness (Second Act) opens her Consultants series with an intricate, fiery work of romantic suspense. Methodical bookkeeper Alice Thurber loves numbers, her clients, and the small business she’s built for herself in New Jersey. So when she can’t make sense out of a series of tiny discrepancies in her clients’ finances, she contacts a big-time N.Y.C. consulting firm for assistance, and handsome money wiz Derek Killion agrees to look over her books. Derek quickly realizes that the diligent Alice wouldn’t have made such sloppy mistakes, and soon he’s on the trail of the shady tech company behind her accounting software. As Derek and Alice look into the company, they land some powerful corporate enemies willing to go to extremes to protect their secrets. The high stakes propel the couple toward each other, but it is their convincing connection and mutual respect that ignites their passion. The supporting characters, including Derek’s workaholic partners, are just as lovable as the leads, and the well-maintained suspense sends a healthy shot of adrenaline through the tender romance. Readers will be eager for the next in the series. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Apr.)