Good book with very fast pacing. From start to finish, I don't think it covers even twenty-four hours. Norah, a kidnapping negotiator, found herself snatched off the street at the behest of a man desperate for her help. Their initial meeting is very emotional, with Jacob feeling guilty over her forced arrival and Norah angry, nervous, and ultimately intrigued.

Norah has a stellar reputation for success in saving kidnapped children. She hasn't worked a case in more than a year because her last one ended badly, weighed down by the guilty feeling that she missed something important. But there is something about Jacob that makes her want to take a chance again.

Jacob is a man who rabidly protects his privacy, even more so after adopting his nephew. I ached for him as he shared his story with Norah, his love for Scarlet and Desmond evident in every word.

The suspense of the story was intense, with so much happening in so little time. With no ransom demand and only the threat of Desmond's death if he goes to the police, Norah is Jacob's only hope. As Norah and Jacob investigate the few people who might have opportunity, motive is hard to come by. To complicate matters, those same suspects begin showing up injured or dead, leaving them scrambling for the truth. When Norah involves her brother, Noah, he uncovers some suspicious activity leading back to Jacob. When Norah overhears an incriminating conversation by someone they trusted, the truth becomes horrifyingly real. A rapid pursuit and some quick thinking by Norah leads to a heart-pounding final confrontation and conclusion.

I'm not sure I can say anything about the development of the relationship between Jacob and Norah. There wasn't enough time for much development. But from their unorthodox beginning to Desmond's rescue, Jacob and Norah connected quickly and deeply. Despite the rocky start, Norah found it easy to trust Jacob. I loved how she shared that last case with him and how Jacob helped her see past the guilt to what she did right. The sparks between them flared hot and drew them closer. I liked that the story ended with hope for the future instead of a big declaration. That said, an epilogue with their HEA would have been nice. ( )