PLOT SYNOPSIS:  Commitment phobic San Francisco police inspector Logan Riley considers his neighbor, FBI agent Sean Weston, as just one of the guys, and agrees to escort her to her sister's wedding. When a threat to disrupt the nuptials is made, Sean and Logan team up. As passions flare, they not only discover a danger close to home but a love too strong to deny.

REVIEW:  In WHEN I FALL IN LOVE, FBI agent Sean Weston has had a “big girl” crush on her neighbor and good friend, Logan Riley since she moved in two years ago.  They are so comfortable with each other that Logan is intimate with the contents of Sean’s refrigerator.  Most of his meals are at her place.  She is his buddy, but Sean sees Logan in a different light.

With her stepsister’s wedding approaching, her family expects her to bring an escort.  Sean can think of only one person to ask.  Logan.  Only Logan thinks it’s a joke that she’s inviting him to spend four days with her in Santa Barbara at her father’s place as her “boyfriend.”  Sean is angry that she put herself in a position to be hurt by him.  In her comfy sweats and her penchant for guns, Sean feels she can’t compete with the beautiful woman Logan goes out with, so she laughs off his rejection and hurries home.

San Francisco homicide detective, Logan Riley is a man whom you assume fears commitment.  Logan dates some of the most attractive women in the bay area, but his relationships only last five weeks.  His sister has taken to calling them “five-weekers”.  Logan decides that he is destined to be alone.

After talking to his brother Cary, Logan takes Sean up on her offer to go to the wedding.   He then sends her to the spa, for the works to help bolster her confidence in her appearance.  Logan isn’t the only one stunned by Sean’s metamorphosis.  The Three Ts, Sean’s stepmother and stepsisters are just as surprised.

I’m a sucker for romantic comedies, always have been.  Movies like Sleepless in Seattle and Pretty Woman are viewed in my house at least once a quarter.  WHEN I FALL IN LOVE reminded me of those wonderful movies.  Only in my mind, Sanaa Lathan from the movie Love and Basketball plays the heroine.  I can just see her tripping in those heels. 

This story is such a well thought out, very much welcomed addition to this increasingly popular sub-genre. 

Ms. Sneed’s characters are so realistic that you think you’re reading about some of your own friends.  You can sympathize with Sean and her clumsiness in heels (we all know someone just like her).  Also with the insecurities she has about not fitting in with her perfect and beautiful second family.

It was nice to read about a man as romantic as Logan who was looking for his own happily ever after.  His views of a one and only love makes you love him even more and Sean’s comparison to a swan will crack you up.

“I’m not waiting for the perfect woman.  According to you, I’m waiting on a swan.”

I felt this somewhat Cinderella storyline could have stood on it’s own, but introducing the mystery aspect allowed us to witness the depth of each character.

If you haven’t read anything by Ms. Sneed, then you need to.  I highly recommend this book.

With her last book, A ROYAL VOW, Ms. Sneed solidified her position on my list of authors to buy.  She has now become one of my favorite authors.  “Welcome to the special bookcase Ms. Sneed.  You’ve earned.

18th February 2002