Discovering Veronica

by: Shannon Greenland

Published by: Echelon Press

Reviewed by Carrie Spellman

Veronica Burns recently escaped a long, bad relationship. So far she’s landed on her feet, and her dream job as Instructional Technologies teacher at Amelia’s Academy on Amelia Island in Florida. What a great way to start her new life! It would probably be too much to ask that her dream job come with a dream boss.

Dr. Rico DeAngelo is the head of prestigious Amelia’s Academy. He is dedicated to his work, a doting father, incredibly sexy, and not very thrilled about Veronica’s appointment as IT Specialist. He had someone else in mind—someone who was eminently qualified, and in a position to get the school a very welcome grant—and was male. Not that Rico has anything against women, seemingly it’s just Veronica. He doesn’t seem to be planning to bury the hatchet anytime soon. His animosity is only heightened by the growing attraction between them. The fact that his daughter has become enamored with her as well further complicates things.

Strange and creepy things begin happening to Veronica. Nasty, threatening notes left on her doorstep, underwear disappearing from her gym bag, etc. As the threats escalate, it becomes apparent that this is no run-of-the-mill stalker, this is a dangerous and serious threat. Rico won’t be able maintain his distance much longer, and Veronica may need his help much more than she cares to.

What I like best about this story is the realness of the characters.

— Veronica is not your stereotypical damsel in distress. She’s already set herself aside for someone else once, she’s not about to do it again. She desperately wants to prove that she can take charge of her own life.

— Rico is not the perfect knight in shining armor. He gets angry, he’s relationship-challenged, he’s extremely protective of his daughter… He’s flawed and he knows it.

I also love how organically their relationship progresses. It’s very honest and realistic—as is the danger of an unbalanced stalker.

Armchair Interviews says: This book resonates with sweetness as much as with danger and fear. It makes you want to stay with these people long after the story ends.

Author’s Web site: http://www.ShannonGreenland.com