Family First    by Margaret Watson Order:  USA  Can Harlequin, 2006 (2006) Paperback     Reviewed by Marie Hashima Lofton The story centers on Kira McGinnis, a psychologist who works for the police department, and her patient, police detective Jake Donovan, who killed a man in self defense and must undergo counseling before he can return to active duty. Jake resents Kira, who has no patience for him, refusing to give the all clear because he won't cooperate in their sessions. This angers Jake and his superior, Captain Crowley, who wants Jake back on the job. Kira is a single mother with a five-year-old daughter, as well as responsibility for a troubled teenage stepbrother. Kira and Brian were orphaned when her father and his mother were killed in a car accident, an accident which Brian survived. Kira has been taking care of Brian since their parents' death, and now has a daughter as well, whose father walked out on Kira as soon as he found out she was pregnant. Jake has vowed never to get involved in a serious relationship, for reasons he rarely discloses. There is a lot of sexual tension, and hot and heavy scenes, between Kira and Jake, though each knows the other is not looking for a commitment. Their unwillingness to talk about it leads to major misunderstandings. There are a number of interesting characters. In particular, Brian's story is very engrossing, as he has a huge weight on his shoulders from his parents' death. Jake has his own skeletons, and Kira is too close to both Brian and Jake to see what is really going on with them. Kira's love of basketball adds depth and credibility to her character. And her daughter Lexie is a sweetheart, who has Brian's heart and wins over Jake too. I recommend Family First for its interesting story line and complex relationships. 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