In the past year, BET/Arabesque has introduced us to several talented new authors – Shirley Harrison, Dee Savoy, Linda Hudson-Smith, and more recent Alicia Wootson and Niobia Bryant.  This month another outstanding author, Tamara Sneed, joins the Arabesque lineup.  Ms. Sneed, in just her first outing, pens one of the best romances written by an African-American author this year.

LOVE UNDERCOVER is an excellent character study of two very interesting characters.  Secret Agent, Cary Riley, is the quintessential spy who wants to “come in from the cold”.  He is disillusioned with his job, and more so the sterility of his life.  He’s lonely, and sad.  His job has taken such a toll on him that when he tries to find solace at the Hadley’s Inn in Blue Moon Bay, and meets Jessica Larson, the unexpected feelings she stirs sends him running.  Jessica represents all that is missing from his life, and he is convinced that his way of live will only put her at risk.

Jessica Larson, meets Cary when her car breaks down in a thunderstorm and she’s forced to seek refuge at an inn.  From the beginning, she feels an intense attraction to the handsome stranger.  After a night of getting to know him, and feeling the passion of his kisses, Jessica is convinced that Cary is her soul mate.  She is disappointed when he leaves without indicating that their meeting was more that just for a night.

On her return home, Jessica is attacked by a man while running in the park.  It is not long before Cary re-enters her life.  The man, Michael Lyons, sees Jessica as a way to achieve his goal of revenge against Cary.  Feeling that he is responsible for Jessica’s protection, Cary moves into her apartment and that’s when the sparks fly.  The sexual tension between the two, forced into close proximity, is too much to bear and the inevitable happens.  Cary, however, still fight the growing relationship, and it is only when Jessica’s life is at risk that he realizes that he wants a life with her.

Add to this fascinating plot, several memorable secondary characters, and you have a debut book that will be discussed for months to come.  LOVE UNDERCOVER is sure to be on everyone list for favorite book of the year.  It is definitely on mine!