This is my first book by Ashley Ladd, but I can guarantee it won't be my last! I don't know how I have gone so long without picking up one of her books before, but I will never go so long again. Purrfect Justice has me hooked! The contemporary romantic comedy genre is one of my favorites, and Purrfect Justice fits this category like a glove. I laughed so hard; I had tears streaming down my face. I can't wait to read more of Ms Ladd's works, and will soon be on the prowl for my next Ladd read.

Haley Yates' life long dream was to become a policewoman. Her father is Chief of Police in their hometown, and her siblings are police officers. She is the only one in her family who is not. During her last week of training at the Police Academy, an accident left her eyesight permanently damaged, and she was considered physically unfit to join the force. Though bitter at the destruction of her dream, she decided to do the next best thing. Haley became an administrative assistant for the police force, so although she wasn't on the force, per se, she is as close to the action as she is ever going to get.

Her new goal is to become Officer Manager when the current manager retires next year. To do this, Haley hides her true figure beneath concealing suits, and pulls her hair back into a tight topknot. Haley is well aware that only serious, plainly dressed women break through the glass ceiling and receive more responsibility.

Yet, even though she is getting closer to her goal, her life is not all that it could be. For the past three years, she has been in love with Lt. Cole Fischer, but he has never looked twice at her. This coming Halloween, however, Haley is going to let her control go. She attends the masquerade ball dressed as Catwoman. No one recognizes her; all the men drool over her and many of the women make catty, jealous comments. But there is only one man Haley is interested in: Cole aka 'Zorro'. In her disguise, Haley becomes a seductive, and daring woman, seducing Cole, rescuing him when he is in danger and leaving him wanting more of her. Will she come clean with Cole about her secret identity? Especially when he shows an interest in Haley in her everyday form?

Cole is taken completely off guard when Catwoman seduces him at the masquerade ball, though he is called away before their interlude reaches its climax. When he is rescued by his mystery woman later that night he is even more stunned, but determined to find out who she is – even more so when she rescues him again just nights later! Cole evaluates every woman he comes across as potentially being his Catwoman, but is making no headway. He is convinced she is a policewoman, for her karate moves were not those of a civilian. How she knows he is in trouble, he knows not. And he is not the only one who wants her identity found out.

Worried about the force becoming a laughingstock, his Captain orders him to unmask her and put "paid" to her super-heroine act. No matter how hard he tries to work out her identity, he finds himself at an impasse. Yet at the same time he finds himself increasingly drawn to Haley, though he had previously not noticed her. Something about the two women has grabbed his interest and both are gaining a grip on his heart. Never before has he been interested in two women to such an extent at the same time. Whoever will he choose? Will he find out his mystery woman's identity? And if he does, what will his reaction be?

Purrfect Justice is a fabulous romantic comedy that will leave you smiling and light hearted. If you are having a bad day, reading Purrfect Justice is sure to perk you up and return the spring to your step. If you have read a Ladd tale then doubtless you love this author already. If you haven't, Purrfect Justice is sure to make you a Ladd convert, as it has me. Even as I type, I am eager to go a-looking for more of Ashley Ladd's stories.

The humor in this novel shines through, with a good time being had by one and all. The characters are all marvelous, primary and secondary alike. Each comes to life on the page, each seems real and every single one of them are the type of individual you would want to count amongst your friends. I shall quickly be reading the sequel to this tale, and am eagerly hoping that there are (or will be) more tales concocted that are in some way connected to this one. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and the sexual intimacies are described in detail.

Cole does engage in sex with both of Haley's personas, and her jealousy over herself is completely understandable to me and adds even more fun and joy to the story. Sexual encounters occur in a myriad of places, but are otherwise traditional. Cole's aversion to the family business is a brilliant touch and adds even more humor to a tale that already overflows with it. Cole must be the only guy I know with an aversion to be labeled a Prince. I thoroughly enjoyed Purrfect Justice, and guarantee that when you read it, you will not be disappointed!

Reviewed By Elizabeth
© July 2006