Catch Your Breath by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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Description:
As kids they steered clear of one another–but now a beautiful, well-connected reporter and a sexy, driven detective are all grown-up and on the job. . .

Moira O’Leary’s work as a reporter gives her access to some of Chicago’s swankiest soirées. She knows how to navigate the jet-set crowd, and her style and confidence help her blend right in. But when her childhood crush starts popping up at posh events, her poise begins to falter–until she realizes she has the upper hand in a high-stakes game of secrets and seduction. . .

Jimmy O’Malley has always tried to avoid his friend Liam’s little sister. Something about Moira spelled trouble. But he’s out of his element working undercover in Chicago’s high society, and Moira is his ticket to the inner circle. As sparks begin to fly–and their chemistry heats up–Moira gets dangerously close to his investigation. Will Jimmy be forced to push her away to keep her safe–or will they surrender to a desire that could leave them breathless

Review:
Catch Your Breath by Shannyn Schroeder is the 4^th book in her wonderful O’Leary series. This series is pure romance, and enjoyable fun books to read. The nice thing about this series is that even if you have not read the previous books, you can read anyone of these books as a standalone without missing too much. Shannyn throughout the book shows many of the O’Leary family members and you do not miss too much. Though it is always nice to start from the beginning.

Moira O’Leary is our heroine, and I loved Moira in this story. She is a strong, tough, independent and very passionate heroine. Moira is a reporter trying to get her big break, but is stuck at covering parties for the rich. At one of these parties, Moira sees Jimmy O’Malley, and wonders why he is at one of these parties. She has had a childhood crush on Jimmy, and even now she still finds herself very attracted to him. However, Jimmy wants nothing to do with his best friend’s (Liam O’Leary) little sister, even if she is now a gorgeous redhead.

Jimmy is a young detective, and he wants to move up the ladder. He is given an undercover job covering thefts at homes of the very rich. Jimmy is determined to use this as his stepping stone to help him rise up, and will let nothing stand in his way. Especially the familiar young lady who spots him at his first party acting undercover.

Moira jumps on the opportunity to get a big scoop, not to mention spend time with Jimmy and use her wiles to make him notice her. Jimmy though will be a tough nut to crack, since he considers her off limits because of his close relationship to her brother, whom he is afraid will not approve. But it will be easier said than done, as Jimmy finds himself unable to ignore Moira, and the sparks fly off the wall between them. In between this passion fill romance that sizzles throughout, there is a mystery. As Jimmy works to find the leaders behind the thefts, Moira begins to work on another angle for a story. This causes much conflict between them, as Jimmy doesn’t like her getting anywhere near his case, not to mention getting into danger.

As I noted, I loved the character of Moira. She was perfect in every way. Jimmy however, left me with mixed feelings. He was a hunk, and truly a nice guy, who really did care about Moira. But I also found him to be too macho or arrogant in his beliefs. He was one of the guys who wants full control of his woman, certainly not an independent one like Moira. A few times I wanted to smack him. I also thought the angst between them was a bit redundant. Will Moira, who has a lot of experience with her brothers at handling alpha males, be able to change Jimmy’s stubbornness? Is it possible that they can rise above their obstacles?

Catch Your Breath was a lighthearted, refreshing and fun read. The romance was sexy and hot, with a couple that despite their obstacles were perfect for each other. Shannyn Schroeder has written another wonderful storyline that continues with her O’Leary series, and I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher