Sandra Brown is one of those authors who never disappoints. When you pick up one of her suspense-packed thrillers, you confidently can sit back and know that you are in for a good read.

Although Brown's books are stand-alones, they have the comfortable feel of a series because the characterizations of the main characters are familiar. They include the beautiful, bright and bewildered heroine and the handsome, dashing and daring hero --- both of whom have secrets that prevent them from communicating openly with each other, despite their obvious attraction. Also, the supporting players are so well defined that their roles never get lost in the story. From Huff Hoyle, the contemptible patriarch, to the corporate executive's unfaithful wife, Lila Robson, each creates a strong image and helps move the plot to its exciting conclusion.

WHITE HOT is written against the backdrop of a sweltering Louisiana summer, and an even more sweltering iron foundry. Despite her vow never to return, Sayre Lynch is drawn back to her hometown of Destiny when her younger brother commits suicide. She finds everything as she left it ten years ago. Her father, Huff Hoyle, still rules the foundry and the town with arrogance and pride. Chris, her brother, is as spoiled and smug as ever. Both have conspired to maintain their power at any cost, from keeping their workers totally dependent on them to covering up violence and, perhaps, even murder. The one added element is the company's new lawyer, Beck Merchant, who appears to be the perfect instrument for the corrupt pair.

Emotions run rampant as unforgiven acts from the past draw all the players into a heart-pounding climax. No matter how many of her books one has read, Sandra Brown always manages to provide page-turning suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. WHITE HOT is no exception.