On the Line - by Fern Michaels (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

He's a rising star in New York's cutthroat culinary world. Until it all comes crashing down when a mysterious illness unearths dark secrets from his family's past in Colombia, putting his career - and everyone he loves - on the line...

Now in paperback, beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels blends her trademark masterful storytelling with dual timeline suspense in this unputdownable new standalone for fans of Janet Evanovich, Danielle Steel, and JD Robb.

Mateo Castillo is a rising star chef on the Manhattan culinary scene. But just as he's about to reap the rewards of his skill and hard work by being featured on a major TV cooking competition, Mateo collapses in his restaurant's kitchen--and regains consciousness in a hospital emergency room.

If it weren't for a security guard finding him in time, Mateo would have bled to death. The cause of his sudden illness is as mysterious as it is worrying, and Mateo and his family undergo a battery of genetic tests. Yet the answers that start to emerge only raise more questions.

Mateo's parents fled their home in Colombia many years ago, seeking refuge from the infamous cartels. Now the test results threaten to uncover a dark secret that exposes his family to dangers from the past--while clouding the investigation into who is trying to hurt Mateo in the present...

Review Quotes

Praise for Fern Michaels' Standalone Novels

"Dramatic, riveting and a delicious page turner." --Woman's World on Fearless

"Without giving too much of this fabulous, stirring, somewhat suspenseful, novel away before you get a chance to read it yourself, let me just say that CJ finds herself uprooted from everyone and everything she's ever known, and placed (for her own protection) into a small New England town--on the water that took Kick from her... There are so many layers to this story; as each is peeled back and revealed to the reader, it's the heart, soul, and resilience of CJ, a strong female character, that endears Deep Harbor to us." --Delilah, Radio Host and Bestselling Author, on Deep Harbor

"This standalone book is a warm-hearted, romantic story with a touch of suspense and carries Michaels' trademark funny, snappy banter." --Booklist on Deep Harbor

"Michaels' highly developed skills as a storyteller are evident in the affable characters, suspenseful plot, and delightful romance."-- Publishers Weekly on Deep Harbor

"A page-turner, Southern Comfort tells a story with the perfect blend of mystery, adventure and romance...Between the high-intensity of the case-cracking and the blossoming of new relationships, this novel is a great fast-paced beach read for a slow summer day." --The Charleston Mercury

"Michaels turns [a] fairy tale into a story about family...Will appeal to Michaels' faithful fans or teenagers reading their first romance." --Library Journal on A Family Affair

"[A] tale of strong emotions and courage." --Publishers Weekly on No Safe Secret

"With its cast of feisty seniors and spunky, resourceful women, Michaels' latest is sure to capture the hearts of its readers, even while tickling their funny bones." --Booklist on The Blossom Sisters

About the Author

Fern Michaels is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of the Sisterhood, Lost and Found, Men of the Sisterhood, and Godmothers series, as well as dozens of other novels and novellas. Her books have been translated into more than 20 languages and sold over 150 million copies in print. Fern Michaels has built and funded several large day-care centers in her hometown and is a passionate animal lover who has outfitted police dogs across the country with special bulletproof vests. She shares her home in South Carolina with her fur family of dogs and cats, as well as a resident ghost named Mary Margaret. Visit her website at FernMichaels.com.