Teresa Pastral is in terror of her brutal gangster husband Antonio and his men, even more so when she witnesses the murder of a rival gang member by Antonio. She turns her back on the life her husband leads and testifies against him, making him desperate for revenge.

J.T. Romano is an ex-detective sworn to avenge his murdered wife. As cover he is helping his brother Peter manage Peter's restaurant, but his real aim is to catch Yuri Calamondo, Antonio Pastral's right-hand man, whom J.T. knows killed his wife and unborn child. He will do anything to get his man, including using Kelly, the beautiful, blond waitress, as bait.

J.T. knows that Kelly is not whom she seems. She is Teresa, now with a new name and identity in witness protection after testifying against her husband and Yuri Calamondo. She is nervous and wary and with good reason - Calamondo has escaped from prison and has just walked into the restaurant where she works.

The attraction between Kelly and J.T. is mutual and compelling. Kelly makes a loveable, tough but tender heroine and J.T, is a carying, sexy hero. The two are thrown together by circumstances and their past tragic histoires and by a mutual desire for justice - and survival.

Full of action, twists and turns and sensual passion, Cherished Witness by Melanie Atkins builds to an exciting climax. I look forward to more in the series and happily give it 5 Wings.