"Guilty," by Karen Robards; G.P. Putnam's Sons ($24.95)

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Karen Robards is emerging as one of the top romance suspense authors, one whose name means "read this book."

And she doesn't disappoint with her latest book, due out April 1.

No fooling.

Tom is a detective who responds when bad guys take over a courtroom in an attempted escape during which attorney Kate is taken hostage.

Not exactly a romantic meeting.

As the investigation unravels, Tom finds himself drawn to Kate for a couple of reasons. First, there's this intense and undeniable attraction. Second, he knows she's lying to him.

Indeed, Kate has secrets. And while you wish she'd just go ahead and trust Tom and confess all, you also understand why she's a bit hesitant to do so.

Kate had a rough childhood and found herself in the middle of trouble one night with teenage friends. She ran away and created a new life for herself - one that included working through law school, despite being a widow with a young son.

So you forgive her for her mistakes, knowing she's doing so in a desperate (if not misguided) attempt to protect her son.

Despite the fact that their "courtship" is really more of a fencing match during a criminal investigation, their obvious attachment to each other - which definitely culminates satisfactorily - gives it enough romance to deserve the name.

HOW IT STACKS UP

Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. Good romance suspense, emphasis on the suspense. The romance is more than adequate, but it did take them a while to accept and admit their fate.

Hunk appeal: 10. Tom gets points for sticking by Kate, but loses a few for doubting her at times.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. What lacks in quantity ...

Happily Ever After: Very good. Bad guys get foiled, good guys win, love prevails and they all live happily ever after.

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OTHER BOOKS THIS MONTH

SIMPLY PERFECT by Mary Balogh (2008, hardcover) - 4 of 5. It's finally Claudia's turn to succumb to love, and the head mistress of the girls' school does so begrudgingly - especially since the object of her reluctant affection is heir to a dukedom. Readers of this series finally find out why Claudia dislikes dukes and watch as she loses the battle to remain detached from her soul mate. Due out March 25.

LIGHT OF THE MOON by Luanne Rice (2008, hardcover) - 3 of 5. Like many of Rice's book, it's a story more about exploring emotions and life's twists than a mush and gush romance. Susannah takes a rather mystical trip to a "fabled" land, where she meets someone she has a rather mystical tie to. She also meets Grey, a rancher who has gone through his own sort of heartbreak.

SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE by Diana Palmer (2000, paperback) - 3 of 5. This three-in-one collection is appearing on shelves again. The stories are at least 20 years old and aren't some of Palmer's best. The three stories - "Soldier of Fortune," "The Tender Stranger" and "Enamored," do show signs of being the tear-jerker, simple romances that Palmer is known for with her later writings.

SUGAR DADDY by Lisa Kleypas (2007, paperback) - 2-plus of 5. It's well-written with well-developed characters, but the heartaches, two-hero scenario and first-person narrative is wearying for those of us who like romances to be neat and obvious and like to be privy to some of the hero's thoughts as well as the heroine's. Released last year as a hardback, it's available in paperback now.

WHITE LIES by Jayne Ann Krentz (2007 paperback) - 5 of 5. Another hardcover recently released as paperback, "White Lies" delves into the psychic realm, but that doesn't detract from the intriguing suspense and captivating romance. The passion, dialogue and camaraderie between Clare and Jake immediately draw you in. You care about the characters as soon as you meet them and enjoy watching them stoke their relationship.