Head Over Heels    by Susan Andersen Order:  USA  Can Avon, 2002 (2002) Paperback     Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas Veronica 'Ronnie' Davis has a great career as an art restoration specialist and believes that she has long shaken off the dust of Fossil, her old hometown. But when her sister Crystal is murdered and Crystal's ex-husband Eddie (who stands accused of the murder) skips town, Ronnie has to return to Fossil to take care of her only niece, Lizzy and take charge of Honky Tonk, the family bar which is her beloved niece's inheritance. She soon meets new bartender Cooper Blackstock, who hides the fact that he is actually Eddie's half-brother, searching for evidence of Eddie's innocence. Honky Tonk brings back bad memories for Ronnie. She recalls her charming but chauvinistic father (to whom the bar meant more than his doormat of a wife) and the endless hours Ronnie spent there as a waitress, serving drinks to lechers and alcoholics. Ex-Special Forces Marine Cooper also never expected to come back to Fossil, a town which also holds mostly bad memories for him. From the first instant, Ronnie and Cooper lock horns over the smallest of issues, but not all their bluster can conceal their instant sizzling attraction to each other. They're united in a deep love for their mutual niece and combine forces to find the truth about Crystal's murder. But will they ever get over their deep-rooted insecurities, be able to trust each other with their innermost secrets, and love each other? Susan Andersen has created a romance between two insecure protagonists, who have to overcome misgivings about each other, and uncover the truth behind a grisly murder. Ronnie and Cooper are marvelously flawed characters, real and believable, endearing to readers. The complex feelings of a precocious child, whose father is accused of murdering her mother, are presented with sensitivity. There is also an engaging secondary love story. The murder mystery is hard to crack and keeps one guessing till the final surprising ending. The small town atmosphere of Fossil is described authentically, creating feelings of nostalgia. A highly enjoyable cast of characters support a well plotted story. Head Over Heels is an immensely thoughtful and interesting romance. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews