Lethal Refuge

Abused and abandoned as a child, Celie Francis knows better than to trust anyone. But after she witnesses a murder, she's placed in the Unit--New Zealand's witness protection program--where she's expected to trust strangers with her life. It's psychologist Brand Turner's job to ease witnesses into their new identities, not to protect them, but Celie stirs feelings in him that are far from professional. When it appears someone is leaking critical information that could endanger Celie, Brand will do anything to protect her. But first he has to convince her to trust him. Adrift in a frightening world, Celie would like to believe the handsome psychologist is everything he seems, but as witnesses are murdered and danger swirls around them, Celie must decide--can she trust Brand with her life? Suspense with a tad bit of Romance... I did enjoy the two main characters in the story. Celie is a strong and independent woman. Her life experiences has made it had to trust. Brand Turner is a dedicated psychologist who takes his work series. He is kind, and caring but Celie seems to think there is much more to this guy. In the beginning of the story, Celie is very resistant to Brand. He is a great doctor (psychologist) but he seems a bit too caring and too concerned. Celie immediately puts her guard up. As the story develops Brand soon proves to Celie not only that he cares for her a 'client' but as a person and as a woman. There was some chemistry between Celie and Brand. Personally I was left wanting more of the romance. The book is just as I listed above, a suspense novel sprinkled with a bit romance. The characters did develop and grow. Author Vonnie Hughes did include bits and pieces of back-story which did keep the characters interesting enough. Bottom line is did feel connected with the two main characters and enjoyed the hints and bits of romance throughout. The plot was pretty general. A team of officers and members of the Witness Protection Unit are trying to keep Celie safe. Instead of keeping her safe, someone or something is stalking and trying to kill Celie. This stalker seems to be part of the protection unit sworn to keep her safe. The book did keep my interest and kept me reading with the suspense. Celie and Brand almost becomes a couple on the run. I did figure out who the culprit was about half way thru the book "Abused and abandoned as a child, Célie Francis knows better than to trust anyone. But after she witnesses a murder, she's placed in the Unit New Zealand's witness protection program where she's expected to trust strangers with her life. It's psychologist Brand Turner's job to ease witnesses into their new identities, not to protect them, but Célie stirs feelings in him that are far from professional. When it appears someone is leaking critical information that could endanger Célie, Brand will do anything to protect her. But first he has to convince her to trust him"--Back cover Abused and abandoned as a child, Celie Francis knows better than to trust anyone, but after she witnesses a murder, she's placed in New Zealand's witness protection program where she's expected to trust strangers with her life. It's psychologist Brand Turner's job to ease witnesses into their new identities, not to protect them, but Celie stirs feelings in him that are far from professional. When it appears someone is leaking critical information that could endanger Celie, Brand will do anything to protect her