Review of Ideal Man by Julie Garwood

Publisher: Dutton Adult

Release Date: August 9, 2011

More Info:  Amazon     The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from Goodreads):

Dr. Ellie Sullivan has just completed her residency at a large urban hospital. While jogging in a park nearby, she witnesses the shooting of an FBI agent in pursuit of wanted criminals, a couple identified as the Landrys. The only person to see the shooter's face, Ellie is suddenly at the center of a criminal investigation. 

Agent Max Daniels takes over the Landry case. A no-nonsense lawman, he's definitely not the ideal man that Ellie has always imagined, yet she's attracted to him in a way she can't explain. 

Ellie heads home to Winston Falls, South Carolina, to attend her sister's wedding. Shortly after she arrives, though, she receives a surprise visitor: Max Daniels. The Landrys have been captured, and she'll be called to testify. But they've been captured before, and each time the witnesses are scared into silence-or disappear before they can take the stand. Max vows to be Ellie's shadow until the trial, and it isn't long before sparks fly.
 
My Thoughts:

"Ideal Man" is a pleasant, easy to read romantic suspense. It's heavier on the romance, since we know early on who the villains and we know that they will be trying to kill Ellie; the real questions are when and how they'll attack, and will they be caught first. Still, it's a quick, fun read, perfect for vacation or sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office.

Ellie has had a challenging life, with being a childhood prodigy and the difficulties that that entails, being sent away when she was only twelve to keep her safe (I can't say more without giving too much away) and a broken engagement two years ago that has put a strain on her relationship with her sister Ava, as well as the whole family. Now, she's witnessed a murder and her life is in upheaval again. She copes fairly well, and is determined to keep her family in the dark for their own good. Ellie is compassionate, confident, loyal, smart, and tries to do the right thing. She's been hurt in the past and lets that hurt rule her. By the end though, she's managed to move on emotionally. At times, Ellie is too perfect, but overall she seems like she could easily be the girl next door.

Max is also good at his job, intimidating to look at, also loyal, devoted to his family, and has had his share of troubles (really though, who hasn't?). He has been after the Landrys for years and is determined that nothing will go wrong this time. He doesn't count on being attracted to the witness, Ellie.He's leaving as soon as this job is done so at first, they try to resist the attraction. Also, Max doesn't seem like Ellie's type at first or so she thinks

He was definitely out of her comfort zone. The man had so much testosterone, he made her nervous.

And,

An intimidating man who was built like a monument and could melt iron with his menacing glare - this was what she was attracted to?

 But, as they get to know each other, they build an emotional attraction to go with the physical attraction.

Max and Ellie make a likable pair, the plot holds together well, and it moves at a good pace. There are a few cliches and some unlikely coincidences but overall, a good story.It's worth a read and would also be worth re-reading.

I received an eGalley from NetGalley.