Open Your Heart

After fashion designer Yolanda Richardson witnesses a murder outside her boutique, she packs up and runs to her family’s bed and breakfast. She reasons that two states’ distance should be enough to keep her safe. Her family disagrees and hires security expert Charles Morris to protect Yolanda. Now Yolanda can’t tell which is worse: running from a killer or fighting the attraction she feels for her uptight bodyguard. For his part, Charles once fell in love with a client, and it compromised her security. He’s vowed to never fall for a client again. Then he meets Yolanda. The premise of this third novel in the “Richardson Sisters” series is strong, and the characters are well-drawn. The novel’s primary focuses are Yolanda, an unfortunately unlikable and unbelievable heroine, and her attraction to Charles. Althought Charles is a more enjoyable character, there is little chemistry between the romantic leads. Despite the murder, and the hired killer stalking Yolanda, the suspense never truly builds and seems like an afterthought.