Bending the Rules (Harlequin General Fiction)

This is the first Susan Anderson book I have read,Bending the rules is a standalone book but also book 3 in a 4 part series. I was really glad I decided to pick it up,it's a funny,clever articulate book. The characters are likeable and realistic,main 3 women are lifelong friends who as teenagers get involved with a Older (eccentric) woman who owns a manor in new york. She befriends the girls via a school initiative,during this lifetime friendship she inspires the girls in their future careers. Fast forward to present day and the 3 women have now inherited the manor and this is the catalyst for each of the "sisterhood" books in the series. Poppy is an artist who volunteers to teach aspiring young disadvantaged kids,she creates murals and Boards for local businesses. As part of this she is on her local small business association that has been targeted by graffiti artists when caught they turn out to be 3 teenagers,so Poppy hoping as it's their first time in trouble their punishment is having to clean up the damage done on their own time and expense then continue as her students. Most of her fellow business owners agree to this until local Robbery Detective Jason decides to undermine her good intentions giving a worst case senario of what/where the teenagers could go/do next. Poppy and Jason have met before and neither are happy to see each other again despite the electric attraction going on...Poppy gets her way and the 3 teenagers are under her supervision but not without Jason who threatens to arrest them if they step out of line. Things relax between Poppy and Jason and the sparks are soon flying again once Jason realises he has been completely wrong about who Poppy is,and she rethinks her "Lazy cop" attitude to Jason,but whenever they get close circumstances get in the way,things get scary when an enforcer for a crime lord targets on of the teenagers and Poppy's gang could become collateral damage so Jason has to try to save them all.

Tall, dark and sinfully delicious Detective Jason de Sanges is Poppy Calloway's sheik fantasy come to life. Unfortunately, he's also the man who's been told to help out with Poppy's programme to help some delinquent teens who've been caught spray-painting their Seattle neighbourhood. He's not happy about it and boy does it show.The men in Jase's family were always on the wrong side of the law and he is determined not to give in to his baser instincts. However he can't seem to stay away from sexy, free-spirited Poppy and she's wearing down his view on relationships with every step he takes.This is the second in Susan Andersen's Sisterhood Diaries trilogy that follows three friends, Jane, Poppy and Ava. This book does stand alone although I would still recommend Jane's story in the first book in the series  Cutting Loose .There are lots of characters in the book and although we do focus on more than just the main couple, it's definitely Poppy and Jase that capture your attention. Jase is such a man's man - sexy, dangerous and tough but with a real need for the love of a good woman. Poppy is a real woman to aspire to. She's sweet, feisty, loyal and perfect for Jason. The pair had chemistry to make your stomach flip over and the whole book was sexy, fun and upbeat.There is a slight suspense element to this book but it isn't the whole point to the story and it's not scary or violent.Susan Anderson always manages to write books that really make you feel good. There are wonderful characters, hot sex and a great plot and this book is no exception. Definitely recommended and worth 5 stars. Cutting Loose

This is book 2 of 3. I actually read the third book first and is a favorite. I enjoyed meeting Poppy more. She is a free spirit but not a ditz. The series is definitely worth a read.

Loved this one--the straightshooting, by the books detective more than meets his match in Poppy, who's got a huge heart and brains to match her looks. They're shooting sparks like nobody's business and when they finally succumb to their mutual attraction, it's amazing :)Susan Andersen just slays me with Poppy and Jason—that somewhat antagonistic start that is at odds with their undeniable chemistry that gives way to respect and a fiery inferno ;). And humor…. And amazing friendships…. This has it all!Will definitely read more of Ms. Andersen's stories.

Interesting, sexy without being pornographic, and very likable characters. Recommend for Romance lovers. Would read more by this author. Enjoy.