Oliver Martinez inadvertently got himself in hot water when he stopped a bar brawl from getting out of hand. The brawler was his superior officer General Tate's son. As a reprimand, Oliver is sent to the Alpha Dogs Training Program to organise and promote a fund raiser. Not exactly his domain, but some friends work there. It should be a piece of cake, right? Except for one little detail: the publicist is General Tate's daughter Evelyn, and Oliver is instantly smitten, but Evelyn doesn't date military men.

I NEED A HERO is Codi Gary's first instalment in her new Men in Uniform series, and judging from this novella, Ms. Gary has herself another winning series. I thought Ms. Gary handled the two main characters fighting their attraction with much dexterity and subtlety. Ms. Gary is an author of contemporary romances whose work I particularly enjoy, and I believe I NEED A HERO is my favourite book of hers. I really like Oliver and Evelyn. They feel real. They're sympathetic, and their chemistry is undeniable. They settle problematic situations like grown-ups. Although their attraction is immediate, they do not jump each other's bones right away. The romance progresses organically, and is actually quite sweet. I love how Evelyn and Oliver's banter goes from testy to easy as they become better acquainted.

Ms. Gary has always been a fine writer, her style has matured, and is even more polished than before. The prose is seamless and the dialogues flow easily. I NEED A HERO is a very pleasant read and a great start to a new series!

Book Summary

Sergeant Oliver Martinez joined the military to serve his country—not plan parties. But after a run-in with his commanding officer, Oliver is suddenly responsible for the Alpha Dogs Training Program's upcoming charity event. Worse, he's got to work with the bossiest, sexiest woman he's ever met—who just happens to be the general's daughter.

When it comes to military men, Evelyn Reynolds is not interested. And with the opportunity to launch her new PR firm at the charity event, she doesn't have time for some sexy, arrogant jerk with a hero complex. Evelyn is determined to keep things professional—if only she can ignore how Oliver's muscles fill out a t-shirt and the infuriating way he makes her heart pound.

But when tempers flare and a scorching kiss turns into so much more, Oliver and Evelyn will have to decide if this attraction is forever…or just for now.