Promises to Keep is a contemporary "undercover" romance and is a two-couple romance when both were actually undercover. It was set in a high school in danger of student attack. The author was intimately familiar with the school culture and the details shine through. The extra threat kept things suspenseful.
Secret Service Agent Joe Stonehouse vowed to tackle school violence when his niece was gunned down in a school shooting. He was teamed with very young looked agent Luke Ludzecky (25) and they both go undercover in schools, Luke as a student (he can pass for 18) and Joe as a counselor. Their latest assignment brought them to a school in Fairholm, New York, due to a recent suicide and other bullying incidents, and Joe butts head with the principal Suzanna Quinn, even as Luke fell for one of the young teachers, Kelsey Cunningham, while Luke plays the rebel to gain favors with the misfits who may do something about getting back to the jocks and popular kids... Things got complicated when a reporter (and Suzanna's friend) suspected the undercover op and decided this is the ticket to get her back into the spotlight. Then multiple threats appeared, including bullied victim, violent gang affiliates, and possible retaliation against authority figures and class leaders... The two romances blossomed despite the troubled times... But Kelsey can't believe she's falling for one of her students, and Suzzanna knew but cannot tell Kelsey as that will impede the investigation. When intel finally identified the threat, their lives will never again be the same... As one must confront the attacker and talk him down if at all possible...
The details of school life are excellent, as are the bits of bullying and such, and how the nerds and geeks never fit in, despite attempts of teachers to accommodate, and some teachers are so old fashioned they never understand the threat. I personally think a 25 year old would have a hard time passing off as an 18 year old, but not totally impossible. The conflict seems genuine, as each juggles a set of priorities, from dealing with the violence, playing cover, and infiltrate the groups that needed to gather the intelligence. The way it was solved was very touching. And there is even the HEA ending we all wanted. All in all, a bit long, but to tackle a complex subject, with two pairs coupled up, it probably would take that long to wrap everything up properly. Very much enjoyed this book.
Category: Romantic suspense
Primary Plot: Secret Service Agents Must go undercover at high school on the cusp of mass casualty event, and fell in love there too
Tropes: law enforcement,s disguise, school, Teacher/student
Overall Rating: 5/5
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