THE WOMAN IN THE NEWS

K. N. Casper

Harlequin Superromance # 1161

ISBN 0-373-71161-1

October 2003

Category Romance

Marlee Reid wants very badly to be the KNCS-TV sport's anchor/director. She has competition though in the form of the station vice president's "secret" lover. She also has an added problem, Renn Davis. Marlee's had several run-ins with the guy and she believes he is not exactly her biggest fan. Renn also happens to be the news director and the sports department falls under his supervision. What Marlee doesn't know is that Renn has recommended her for the job. Though he has a few misgivings, he is actively working behind the scenes to help her get it.

Until the selection has been made Marlee, for all intents and purposes, is doing the work of the sports director and not getting paid for it. Her competition is doing less work but because of his notoriety as an ex-football player he's has a bigger share of the spotlight. Marlee appears to be holding her own, and Renn is secretly trying to put together something that will give her the advantage. Marlee however takes matters into her own hands and upsets the apple cart by pulling an interviewing stunt that not only angers KNCS, but the athlete and coach involved in the interview as well.

Marlee is now in trouble with the station heads and the push is on to give the job to the ex-jock. While her "stunt" has station ratings soaring, Renn can do little to help her. The two have begun a romantic relationship of sorts. Now Marlee feels that the man she was beginning to have some very strong feelings for, just might have been handing her a line.

THE WOMAN IN THE NEWS is an excellent romance with an easy to follow scenario and complicated emotions. Author K. N. Casper has created a seldom used backdrop for this book, that of a local TV station. He is taking readers into the inner sanctum of the newsroom and showing us what can happen when a talented woman dares to seek a job traditionally held by a man. There is an added "hot topic" to this story. That of a woman already at the top doing the things we women despise in a male dominated environment.

Mr. Casper is talented at writing stories with hot topics and THE WOMAN IN THE NEWS while definitely thought provoking, is entertaining as well. The romance between the Marlee and Renn is done with just the right blend and the events in the story are told in a fast-paced manner that does not get the reader bogged down in a lot of unnecessary information. I must caution you that THE WOMAN IN THE NEWS is a "one seating" story, so grab your snacks and soft drink and be prepared to start reading and not quit until the last page.