From the first moment security expert John Smith sees the Countess von Sharone, Grace Hall, across the crowded ballroom; he's overcome by her beauty. Even more stunning in person than on the society pages, he's nonetheless repulsed by her wealth and station in life. Then she becomes the target of a serial killer who has New York's high society women on his short list of victims and John takes on the job of Grace's bodyguard, something he knows he shouldn't do. Because try as he might, he can't get her out of his mind.

Grace can't believe she's agreed to hire John Smith as her bodyguard. He's arrogant, brash... and utterly magnetic. Still, moving in to her penthouse is bound to be a mistake, considering that every time they come within sight of each other they either want to fight or topple into bed. John's definitely not a 'happily ever after' guy, and he vows that regardless of whether they give in to their desires, he will leave her once the killer's caught. But when it comes down to it, will he be able to really leave the one woman who's made him truly feel?

Yes, this is a story that has been re-released by Signet. Originally written in 2004, Jessica Bird, also known as J.R. Ward, gives the reader a little glimpse of what she'll go on to write in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series: tough-as-nails, bad-ass, brooding Alpha Males who crave strong, intelligent women and often fight their desires until they're worn down by the inevitable love of a woman. John Smith is the epitome of this. Grace is a perfect heroine for John. She's tough, assertive, intelligent and yet incredibly feminine and vulnerable when needed. Her qualities bring out John's protectiveness and three-alarm-fire sensual dominance. And what a heady joining that turns out to be!

The publisher truly knew what it was doing by re-releasing An Unforgettable Lady. Old fans will be eager for the sensual cover and the foreword by the author. New fans will delight in reading her earlier works and see how Ms. Bird got her start. A win-win for all.

Reviewed by: Bella