Nessa Dahl lives a sensible life with her two eccentric great-aunts in their historic old home in New Orleans. To help meet expenses, they take in a diverse group of boarders, which doesn't make Nessa happy -- but they have no choice. She's been waiting for a promotion at the bank where she works, but it never seems to come through, especially considering that the snotty bank manager takes all the credit herself for the hard work Nessa does.

A string of bizarre robberies over several years at different locations of this bank has become a thorn in the side of Mac MacNaught, the man who owns the banking conglomerate headquartered in New York. After viewing tapes of all the robberies, he decides to investigate them personally. Since no one in New Orleans has met him, he introduces himself as an undercover insurance investigator named Jeremiah Mac. Suspecting that Nessa might be involved in the crimes, he shrewdly enlists her help in trying to solve them. Of course, after meeting her in person, he's only too happy to keep her close at hand. He's sure her sweet exterior masks a larcenous soul, but he's not sure how to prove it. It doesn't take long for Jeremiah to realize that things aren't quite what they seem, and his deceitfulness could get him in more trouble than he can handle -- especially since his attraction to Nessa is hot and sensual.

For a man who demands honesty and integrity from the people in his life, Jeremiah has no qualms about lying and masquerading as someone else when it suits his purpose. This double-standard does not make for an appealing hero, until closer to the end when he finally redeems himself. Nessa, her great-aunts, all her friends and acquaintances, as well as most of the boarders, are charming and likable characters who make this an enjoyable read. Set during Mardi Gras, you get a real taste and feel for this wonderful city.

Book Summary

Nessa Dahl always had the good sense to steer clear of trouble. Then Jeremiah MacNaught showed up in New Orleans, determined to get to the bottom of a string of bank robberies by two women wearing Mardi Gras masks. Little does Nessa realize that the handsome investigator is convinced she's involved with the crimes-or that he's willing to do anything to get the truth. Even if it means taking the beautiful woman he's convinced is a liar and a thief straight to bed...