First Star I See Tonight. Finished 9-6-16, 4/5 stars, romance, 368 pages, pub. 2016

A star quarterback and a feisty detective play for keeps in this sporty, sexy, sassy novel—a long-awaited new entry in the beloved, award-winning, New York Times bestselling author’s fan-favorite Chicago Stars football series.

Piper Dove is a woman with a dream—to become the best detective in the city of Chicago. First job? Trail former Chicago Stars quarterback, Cooper Graham. Problem? Graham’s spotted her, and he’s not happy. 

Piper soon finds herself working for Graham himself, although not as the bodyguard he refuses to admit he so desperately needs. Instead, he’s hired her to keep an eye on the employees at his exclusive new nightclub. But Coop’s life might be in danger, and Piper’s determined to protect him, whether he wants it or not. (Hint: Not!) If only she weren’t also dealing with a bevy of Middle Eastern princesses, a Pakistani servant girl yearning for freedom, a teenager who just wants to fit in, and an elderly neighbor demanding Piper find her very dead husband.        from Goodreads

She is a go to author and one of a handful of authors who have me purchasing their newest hardcover when it comes out. I’ve read and loved all of her romances.   This is technically listed as Chicago Stars #8 but this is not really a series.  You’ll see some of the same people show up, but in no way do you have to read the series in order to enjoy it and I don’t say that very often.

Coop, a recently retired pro football player is being followed by a  fledgling private investigator.  When he calls her on it she uses her humor and wit to power through all the way to a new job.  Sparks, fly, of course, and there’s plenty of hot sex to keep them panting after each other.

Phillips always does a great job with feisty and interesting heroines and Coop wasn’t too shabby either.

I’m taking a Writing Romance class through the library and the instructor always mentions Nora Roberts and Heather Graham as the elite, but in my opinion it’s Susan Elizabeth Phillips.