Once and Always by Julia Harper

Blurb: IS THERE A PROBLEM, OFFICER?

Small town cop Sam West certainly doesn't mind a routine traffic stop: speeding ticket, stern warning, and sayonara. With a whopper of a blizzard closing in, that's all he has time for. But the lawbreaker he pulls over is anything but typical. From her mile-long legs to her razor-sharp wit, Maisa Bradley is like nothing Coot Lake, Minnesota, has ever seen . . . and she's about to take Sam on the ride of his life. 

BEING BAD HAS ITS BENEFITS

Whoever said blood is thicker than water probably wasn't related to a former Russian mobster. But an innocent mix-up and rumors of stolen diamonds soon have the Russian mob taking an unusual interest in the sleepy little town-and Maisa facing heated scrutiny from a certain tall, dark, and handsome deputy. Sam's dazzling blue eyes beg her to reveal all her secrets, but how much should she tell? Getting snowed in with the sexiest lawman in the frozen north may not be the worst way to decide...

Review: Once and Always certainly is not your usual romance book, basically because stolen diamonds and the Russian Mafiya play a key role in this crazy story. Maisa's uncle, used to be a Russian Mobster but lives now a quiet life in a little town where no one knows his secrets. Maisa visits him often and every time she's in town, officer Sam West manages to catch her attention. The chemistry between these two is undeniable from page one. When the Russian Mafiya makes an appearance in town with automatic weapons and a desire for revenge, Maisa and Sam's lives and their beloved ones' are at stake and they must decide if they are ready to trust each other. 

This story is certainly packed with action. It remained me of a Holywood action movie, where everything is destroyed, cars go flying, houses explode and bad guys fall like flies. I've read some reviews saying that this makes the story unbelievable but I actually enjoyed it, a lot. I had my heart in my mouth while I was reading, cheering for Sam, Maisa and their friends. 

Once and Always is a crazy fun tale that guarantees lots of action but also a good pinch of romance. Sam West certainly plays the hero role perfectly and not only Maisa will fall for him. Plus some of the secondary characters are real fun to read, especially the native Americans with their dogs. 

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