A solid and entertaining thriller, however, the plot is extremely predictable and as such the story lacks originality.
Rowan is a prickly character. There are aspects of her personality that one cannot help admiring such as her mental strength and fortitude. Nevertheless, she has a tendency to break down emotionally, and while this makes it easier to sympathize with her, it also undermines her characterization as a strong willed and resilient heroine.
The romance is one of the highlights of the book. The hero, John, is a no nonsense, ex-DEA agent with his own personal baggage and an uncanny ability to see under all of Rowan's external subterfuge. Their attraction is immediate, but they must struggle through several obstacles before they can learn to trust and love each other.
My one caveat about the romance is that the hint of a love triangle is superfluous and only adds unnecessary angst that detracts from the suspense story. Moreover, the resolution to this plot point is so obvious it might as well leap off the pages. Other predictable elements include the killer's identity, which can be guessed at very early on, and some of the other twists and turns, such as a certain character's escape and another's abduction as well as the location of the killer's lair.
That said, the rest of the serial killer plot is engrossing, particularly the gradual revelation of Rowan's traumatic past and the killer's motivation. The murderer is one of those truly evil villains that make your skin crawl and the ultimate denouement is well-paced and satisfying.
Overall, The Prey is an admirable debut novel and I will definitely be continuing with the series. (less)
I'm not really a fan of Zombies but Caine's version is unique and compelling. The plot is excellent with numerous unpredictable...moreWorking Stiff 4.5 Stars
I'm not really a fan of Zombies but Caine's version is unique and compelling. The plot is excellent with numerous unpredictable twists and turns and the heroine comes across as very real despite her circumstances.
The books deals with some interesting concepts, such as the idea of death as a business and the types of people involved in the funeral industry. It also offers a criticism of the cold, corporate entity willing to do anything for the bottom line and a government more interested in a cover up than justice.
Bryn is a likable heroine, which is important as the entire story is told from her 3rd person limited point of view. She is intelligent and resourceful although the inconsistency between her military training and the fact that she is constantly getting beaten up and knocked unconscious is often very jarring.
The love interest isn't immediately obvious and I will keep his identity a secret so as not to ruin the effect. However, once their attraction becomes clear, Bryn's relationship with the mysterious and enigmatic hero builds slowly but surely, and is quite satisfying overall (once you get past the slightly icky necrophilia issue).
The secondary characters, from the revolting morgue attendant to the high powered, cold hearted business executive to the obsessive-compulsive paranoid genius and is cute sidekick, are all well developed and contribute to the fascinating world Caine has introduced.
In sum, my first foray into Rachel Caine's writing has been a unadulterated success and I look forward to continuing both this series and looking into some of her others. (less)
A fun read despite the glaring plot holes and inconsistencies.
Cole and P.J. have been secondary characters in the series until...moreShades of Gray 3.5 Stars
A fun read despite the glaring plot holes and inconsistencies.
Cole and P.J. have been secondary characters in the series until now and it was great to finally have them get together. That said, there is something not quite right about their personalities and their relationship.
While Cole is sweet and sexy, he is far to open and understanding for an alleged alpha male. Moreover, he gets captured very easily for a supposedly skilled operative. P.J. is a kick-ass heroine but goes from a skilled sniper to sultry seductress to all out vigilante warrior in the blink of an eye. These drastic changes all leave the reader rubbing their head and thinking "what just happened?"
The storyline deals with difficult issues - human trafficking in children, sexual abuse and trauma. While one cannot help feeling for P.J. in light of her suffering, it is impossible to ignore the moral repercussions of her actions. While the title of the book seems to suggest this, the shades of gray are in actuality conveniently glossed over in the characterization and the plot.
Overall, an action packed and entertaining romance but misses the mark in its attempts at conveying stronger psychological and ethical messages. (less)
Fast paced and exciting - definitely one of the best in the series.
Vanessa initially comes across as hard and abrasive but it q...moreThen You Hide 4.5 Stars
Fast paced and exciting - definitely one of the best in the series.
Vanessa initially comes across as hard and abrasive but it quickly becomes clear that she is loyal to a fault and her cool facade is really a defense mechanism concealing her fear of being hurt and losing someone she loves. Wade is simply gorgeous with his soft, sweet, sexy southern drawl that just makes you melt. He is dead set against liking Vanessa but she gets under his skin and he cannot help falling for her. They have excellent chemistry and rather than an immediate and unrealistic infatuation (as in the previous installment), Vanessa and Wade's relationship grows and develops into a believable emotional and physical bond.
The suspense plot centers on locating Vanessa's colleague who seems to have gotten himself into a bind and includes several interesting twists and turns as well as a surprise at the end that is virtually impossible to see coming. The secondary storyline about the search for the daughters of a woman wrongfully convicted of murder continues and the compelling developments make me eager to read the next book. Looks like Lucy Sharpe and Jack Culver will have to come to terms with their relationship in order to find a killer. Should be good.(less)
Wonderful beginning but sort of fizzles once the "I Love You's" come along.
The opening sequence with the exchange of lette...moreLove in the Afternoon 4 Stars
Wonderful beginning but sort of fizzles once the "I Love You's" come along.
The opening sequence with the exchange of letters between Beatrix and Christopher is original and refreshing, and their reunion and subsequent revelations had me tearing up on more than one occasion.
The characterization is simply excellent. Beatrix is a unique and adorable heroine with a determination and strength of will that set her apart. Throughout the series her hilarious interactions with various animals are exceptionally engaging and her scenes with Albert are no exception. Christopher's evolution from a spoiled and shallow jerk into an intense and sensitive hero is seamless and the descriptions of his PTSD and his reactions to the episodes are heart-wrenching. The fact that remnants of his initial character remain when he is first reunited with Beatrix adds a realistic element to his transition (at this point, he infuriated me and I was convinced the Bea was better off without him).
The relationship between Christopher and Beatrix is intensely emotional and deeply passionate. The one aspect that disappoints, however, is the fact that once they declare themselves, the story has nowhere to go and the mini-conflict tacked on at the end is completely unnecessary and adds little to the romance.
All in all, a satisfying ending to a wonderful series that I can recommend wholeheartedly to lovers of well written romance. (less)
A solid romance with an engaging couple but the writing is clunky at times and the lost family subplot is tedious and banal...moreA Lady by Midnight 3.5 Stars
A solid romance with an engaging couple but the writing is clunky at times and the lost family subplot is tedious and banal.
Kate and Thorne are lovely together and the development of their opposites attract relationship is absorbing, especially with the build up to the revelations concerning their shared past. Thorne's gruff exterior conceals a man who feels things deeply and the intensity of his desire for Kate is palpable. Although the lengths to which he goes in order to protect Kate are somewhat extreme, they are consistent with his tortured nature and steadfast personality. Kate is a sweet heroine who sees the good in everyone and everything but she sometimes appears naive and gullible. There are moments where I wish she would have stood her ground more forcibly.
While the Grammercys have potential as an ominous and threatening element, Dare chooses to portray them as the loving family that Kate has yearned for all her life. Unfortunately, this falls flat because they are completely uninteresting as characters. They are supposed to be eccentric and endearing but come across as idiotic and annoying.
The cameo appearances by couples from the previous books are nice and the epilogue provides satisfying closure to the book. (less)
The story and romance failed to completely capture my attention and I often found myself putting the book down to read somet...moreTo Taste Temptation 3 Stars
The story and romance failed to completely capture my attention and I often found myself putting the book down to read something else instead.
The mystery surrounding the traitor who led to the massacre at Spinner's Fall is compelling and kept me turning the pages. Nevertheless, the investigation takes a back burner to the rather mundane romance, which is unfortunate.
Emeline is an elitist snob, similar to Annabelle in Secrets of a Summer Night. However, unlike Kleypas's heroine, she never manages to redeem herself. Aside from the intense sexual attraction between them (this books has some of the steamiest scenes I've encountered in mainstream historical romance), I have no idea what Samuel sees in her.
Samuel has the potential for an excellent tortured hero but it never manages to come across effectively, and he ends up being your run of the mill alpha who refuses to take no for an answer.
The secondary characters are more interesting, especially Jasper and Melisande (whose book is next - I'm a sucker for redeemed rake vs. prudish miss stories), and Rebecca and Gil ( who apparently appear in subsequent installments although they don't get their own book).
Recommended for those who plan to read the series because it provides the necessary backstory.(less)
Disappointing - the pacing is off with too many descriptive passage detracting from the tension and suspense. The arms dealer plot i...moreIn Too Deep 2 Stars
Disappointing - the pacing is off with too many descriptive passage detracting from the tension and suspense. The arms dealer plot is underdeveloped and the villains barely constitute any real threat. While the main characters have potential as individuals, Tally is definitely kick-ass and Michael very sexy, their romance makes no sense.
Sexy and steamy romance and an exciting if contrived plot.
Delanie and Kyle have sizzling chemistry and intense sex scenes, howeve...moreKiss and Tell 3 Stars
Sexy and steamy romance and an exciting if contrived plot.
Delanie and Kyle have sizzling chemistry and intense sex scenes, however, their emotional connection is virtually non-existent (this may have been better established with a prologue detailing their first meeting).
Delanie is a feisty, spunky, kick-ass heroine but her martyr complex is annoying and she has a couple of serious TSTL moments. Kyle is domineering but in a sexy and endearing way rather than obnoxious and overbearing, and he has infinite patience for Delanie which is a major plus.
The suspense plot is completely artificial and virtually superfluous as it is never 100% clear what precisely is going on and there are too many secondary villains whose identities and motives are not fleshed out. Moreover, although the writing flows smoothly most of the time, there are some drawn out scenes and the descriptions of the jungle environment are excessive.
I'm slowly working my way through the T-FLAC series and will probably continue at some time. (less)
Lacks the intensity of the previous book both in terms of the romance and the threat to the heroine.
If it is possible, Rio and G...moreEchoes at Dawn 3 Stars
Lacks the intensity of the previous book both in terms of the romance and the threat to the heroine.
If it is possible, Rio and Grace are far too accepting of each other. She doesn't blink an eye when he kills people even though she is supposedly a healer who cherishes life, and he embraces her paranormal abilities without question. He even goes so far as to claim that he "knew she was his" after seeing her image on video screen - talk about far-fetched. There is absolutely no conflict between them at all and this makes their romance somewhat bland and emotionless.
Every man in the book thinks Grace has amazing strength and resilience. However, to me she came across as defeatist with her "let me die" and "I will kill myself to thwart you" comments. The villain is borderline pathetic and never constitutes any real threat and the ending is saccharine sweet.
All in all, not up to Bank's standards and hopefully PJ and Cole's book will be better. (less)
Warning: Paranormal elements have been added in this installment and continue into the next book. So, if PNR is not your...moreWhispers in the Dark 4.5 Stars
Warning: Paranormal elements have been added in this installment and continue into the next book. So, if PNR is not your thing don't say you weren't warned.
Personally, these elements add to rather than detract from the story. They are very well integrated and have a logical (at least for me) explanation. They also contribute significantly to the intensity of the bond between Nathan and Shea.
Shea and Nathan are an amazing couple - from their personal strength and resilience to their complete acceptance of each other, scars and all, to their determination to overcome all obstacles - the relationship between them makes for excellent reading.
Although the suspense plot is not all that original, it is still clever and well written with some excellent action scenes.
Once again, the dynamic amongst the Kelly clan is a highlight. The unconditional support given to both Nathan and Shea from both the brothers and sisters-in-law is emotional and engaging.
Grace and Rio's book is next and I look forward to it.
A fast past read with a sizzling romantic element, however, the suspense plot is a somewhat contrived and leans toward the far-f...moreNothing to Fear 4 Stars
A fast past read with a sizzling romantic element, however, the suspense plot is a somewhat contrived and leans toward the far-fetched.
Dana and Ethan's love at first sight romance is engaging if unrealistic. She is a likable heroine although her self-sacrificing martyr deal becomes tiresome after a while, and Ethan is a gorgeous ex-marine with some heavy emotional baggage. There is no real conflict between them and all issues are resolved quite easily, which places most of the focus of the book on the suspense plot.
Rose is a genius at characterization and this is particularly evident in her portrayal of the villain, a manipulative sociopath who comes as close to pure evil as is humanly possible. That said, her crimes are inconsistent with her motivations - she wishes to conceal her whereabouts while she gets on with her plans but the corpses just pile up around her. The body count also has the effect of desensitizing the reader to the horror and callousness of the murders - almost trivializing them. Moreover, the fact that her identity is revealed at the outset detracts slightly from the tension and excitement of the story.
The secondary cast is mainly comprised of characters from previous installments in the series and it is nice to catch up on them. That said, Evie's character irritates me no end and I'm not at all interested in reading her book at this point, so it is a good thing that there are several books between now and then. (less)
Disappointing - was expecting more from Garrett's book as he is my favorite Kelly brother.
The story gets off to a slow start and...moreHidden Away 3.5 Stars
Disappointing - was expecting more from Garrett's book as he is my favorite Kelly brother.
The story gets off to a slow start and the domesticity of the interminable island scenes soon begins to grate on the nerves. Thankfully the pace eventually picks up once the suspense plot gains momentum.
Speaking of which, there are three separate suspense storylines and none are sufficiently developed or resolved satisfactorily. Although the main villain is a traitor and criminal he comes across as quite sympathetic and I appreciated his family loyalty. The secondary villain is a real scumbag and while he does get his just deserts, it occurs off page leaving the reader dissatisfied. The final thread is completely irrelevant and left me scratching my head in confusion and thinking where the hell did that come from.
The romance is the strongest element in the book. Sarah overcomes a terrible ordeal but shows that she is a true survivor Yes, she has her moments of fear and insecurity but never allows them to weaken her resolve. Garrett is so sexy, patient and understanding with her that it makes me almost forget that he is keeping secrets and lying (a trope that I dislike intensely). Nevertheless, they have a sweet and emotional bond that makes it all worthwhile.
The secondary characters are also entertaining, especially Rusty and Sean as well as Rio and Steele (who is particularly intriguing).
Nathan's story is next and it sounds really good. (less)
Battle of the sexes in Regency England - the romance is engaging and the characters likeable but the plot lacks substance....moreA Night to Surrender 4 Stars
Battle of the sexes in Regency England - the romance is engaging and the characters likeable but the plot lacks substance.
The small town setting is quaint and the notion of a safe haven for society's wallflowers is charming. However, neither is sufficiently developed and the dynamic between the women is missing the closeness and intimacy that is expected in these circumstances (Kleypas's Wallflowers has this in spades). Similarly, the relationships among the men lack comradeship.
The witty banter and sizzling chemistry between Bram and Susanna make it all worthwhile though. Bram is an injured war hero intent on returning to his regiment but cannot keep his hands of Susanna long enough to fulfill his mission of forming a militia. Susanna is intelligent, independent and fiercely proud of helping the young women who don't fit into society's image of perfection. She is a lovely heroine but does have a tendency to submit to Bram when he becomes overbearing, which is contrary to her characterization. Moreover, Bram can be sexist and tends to dismiss Susanna's concerns and wishes, which it irritating at times.
Overall, an entertaining read despite its shortcomings and the romances developing among the secondary characters have definite potential. (less)
Synopsis Ex-military turned pilot for hire, Brady Miller has always been a love 'em and leave 'em type un...moreAnimal Magnetism 3.5 Stars (4 with the animals)
Synopsis Ex-military turned pilot for hire, Brady Miller has always been a love 'em and leave 'em type until he comes to Sunshine Idaho to visit his foster brothers and encounters Lilah Young, the local kennel owner who suddenly has him questioning his choices in life.
Review Great characters, cute animals and an intense romance but no plot to speak of.
Although Brady and Lilah have smoldering chemistry and excellent banter, their romance is predictable - at least there are no silly misunderstandings or unnecessary angst.
Lilah is an endearing heroine with her love for animals and difficulty accepting help from others. However, while I understand her attachment to the animals that she rescues, her reactions to giving them away to loving homes is definitely over the top.
Brady is a sexy, ex-military pilot with an adrenaline addiction but he is obviously at a crossroads and looking for a place to belong. Seeing him struggle with his growing feelings for Lilah is one of the best aspects of the book.
The small town dynamics are great and the secondary characters very engaging although their quirkiness quota could have been a tad higher.
Overall, a light and easy read that will have you smiling at the animal antics (which garner this an extra 0.5 star). Dell and Jade's books is next and there is obviously something very intriguing going on with them - love their snarky sarcasm. (less)
Series Note: This in book #1 in the 2nd Dark Crescent Sisterhood trilogy. The first trilogy should be read for the backstory.
Disappointing. The opening scenes have potential but it all fizzles out as the story develops and the book ultimately pales in comparison to the first trilogy.
Most significantly, Bela Argos, the take no prisoners Sibyl from the earlier books, is now a mere shadow of her former self. She is no longer a confident warrior and leader but someone who constantly questions her decisions and abilities. The hero's characterization is also contradictory. On the one hand, Duncan is described as a determined fighter with an amazing strength of will who succeeds against all odds yet he accepts his fate as inevitable and his willing to sacrifice himself without fight.
Duncan and Bela's romance and its resolution are problematic as well. Their relationship comes out of nowhere with no foundation or build up. They are simply together with no explanation of exactly what they see in each other. Similarly, the solution to Duncan's demon possession appears out of the blue and feels tacked on.
In terms of the villains, Raksasha from Hindu mythology, it is impossible not to compare them to the same creatures in Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews. Unfortunately, Windsor's portrayal comes off as a diluted version of the monstrous creatures in Andrews' book. A number of scenes in the beginning are presented from their perspective, which initially serves to ratchet up the tension. However, these disappear toward the middle and the villains are nowhere to be seen until the final anti-climactic showdown.
The secondary characters make a better impression, especially Andy, now a water Sibyl, and John Blackmore, whose adversarial relationship is definitely leading somewhere. The next book is that of Camille, the fire Sibyl, and Duncan's childhood friend, John Cole. Hopefully, it will be better than this one. (less)
Synopsis Pregnant and on the run, Sophie Lundgren has no one to turn to except her baby's father, Sam Kelly. Following a short an...moreNo Place to Run 4 Stars
Synopsis Pregnant and on the run, Sophie Lundgren has no one to turn to except her baby's father, Sam Kelly. Following a short and intense affair while undercover, Same never expected to see Sophie again until she resurfaces with a dire warning that he is in danger. In order to neutralize the threat, Sam and Sophie must put aside their suspicions and learn to trust each other before it is too late.
Review Vast improvement on book #1 both in terms of characterization and plot.
Sophie is an amazing heroine - courageous, resourceful and self-sacrificing. It is impossible not to respect and admire her. She doesn't take any crap from anyone and kicks butt even at 5 months pregnant.
Same is a captivating hero - a strong leader, loyal brother, loving son and protective lover. His scenes with Sophie are a mix of scorching hot and achingly tender, and his reactions to impending fatherhood are one of the highlights of the book.
The conflict between Sam and Sophie is based on issues of trust and while this is usually a plot device that grates on me, it is very well done here as it is consistent with both Sam and Sophie's characterization and the circumstances they find themselves in.
Although the plot is not the most original, it is suspenseful and the action scenes are well written and exciting. The twist at the end is a bit predictable but the climax and resolution are very satisfying.
The secondary characters are fantastic and I'm looking forward to reading Garrett's book - there is something tortured about this stoney faced Kelly brother. (less)
There is something about Kat Martin's clipped writing style that turns me off - she tends to build her scenes up well but cuts...moreAgainst the Fire 3 Stars
There is something about Kat Martin's clipped writing style that turns me off - she tends to build her scenes up well but cuts them off at the precise moment they take hold, and the reader is left with a "huh, what just happened" feeling.
The characters are likable and share an intense attraction. Gabe is smart, sexy and down to earth, the perfect match for commitment phobic Mattie, who slowly manages to build trust with Gabe in a process that has a truthful ring to it.
The arson plot has potential but lacks tension. The police and fire department take a back seat in the investigation, which is completely unrealistic, and new suspects keep popping up (as late as 60%-70% into the story) with no foundation or development. Nevertheless, the climax and resolution are fast paced and exciting.
The secondary romance is sweet but superfluous at it adds absolutely nothing to the book, and the epilogue is unnecessarily drawn out.
All in all, a huge improvement on the first book but I remain underwhelmed by the writing and suspense plot. (less)
Synopsis The Sibyls are facing their most dangerous foe yet in the form of a demonic power bent on garnering political power. It w...moreBound by Light 4 Stars
Synopsis The Sibyls are facing their most dangerous foe yet in the form of a demonic power bent on garnering political power. It will take everything that air Sibyl, Merilee Alexander and her OCU partner, Jake Lowell have to defeat this evil enemy but in order to do so they must first come to terns with the secrets and the desires between them.
Review A sweet romance and an action packed plot with a climax of epic proportions.
Despite the common threads linking the books in this series, each has its own storyline and their is no repetition or rehashing of previous plot points. We do get updates on the goings on in Riana, Cynda and Andy's lives, which is very entertaining.
Jake and Merilee are wonderful together and their abilities are complimentary, which adds another layer to their romance. Merilee is courageous, loyal and certainly knows how to kick-butt. Nevertheless, it is Jake's story that is truly gripping.
Jake is the most enigmatic and mysterious of the Lowell demon brothers and his internal struggle with his dual human\Astorath identity is the main focus of his character development. If he wishes to protect Merilee and survive the upcoming battle with the diabolical villain, then he must learn to embrace all aspects of his personality.
The villain is the most threatening in the series thus far and his agenda made my skin crawl. The manner in which he ultimately receives his just rewards is very satisfying.
The next trilogy focuses on a new Sibyl trio and I look forward to reading their books. (less)
Synopsis Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, a Navy SEALs commander, and Beth Winters have never met but they have something in com...moreForged in Fire 4 Stars
Synopsis Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, a Navy SEALs commander, and Beth Winters have never met but they have something in common - both witness a brutal terror attack on a commercial airliner before it happens. When Beth decides to act on her prophetic dream, she meets Zane in person and together with his SEAL team, they work to thwart the hijacking and uncover the secret cartel behind the event.
Review The plot is exciting and progresses at a thrilling pace with a gritty 24-like feel to it. It should be noted that there are numerous violent scenes and a couple of disturbing moments including one rape scene.
The writing is good and the research well done, especially with regard to the SEALs. Nevertheless, some of the abbreviations need further explanation for those readers who are less familiar with this branch of the US military (HQ1, BUD/S). In addition, there are some unusual transitions between scenes, i.e., a scene ends with one POV and the next begins with a short recap of the previous moments from a different character's POV. While this does not really distract from the flow of the story it is noticeable and unnecessary. Moreover, the ending is VERY abrupt with no resolution to any of the major plot points. Despite this cliffhanger, it looks like there are exciting things to come and it is a good thing the next book will be published as the end of this year.
The PNR elements are implausible and the story would be better as straight romantic suspense as the psychic bond plot device detracts from rather than enhances the romance. It is as if the hero would not have given the heroine the time of day without it. That said, the main couple is engaging and have sizzling chemistry. The hero is honorable, tough and sensitive and did I mention HOT, and the heroine is strong-willed with a good head on her shoulders.
The secondary characters are fleshed out well with a really nasty villain and several sexy Navy SEALS who will apparently be getting their own books - yay! On a side note, there is one important character who was less than appealing to me (view spoiler)[Mac's misogynistic attitude and his weird attraction for a rape victim is very sleazy and off-putting (hide spoiler)].
Overall, an excellent debut by an Indie and self-published author. I will definitely be on the look out for the next installment. (less)
This book's one saving grace is the developing romance between Alyssa and Sam. Nils and Meg are not an appealing couple - the constant reminder of the...moreThis book's one saving grace is the developing romance between Alyssa and Sam. Nils and Meg are not an appealing couple - the constant reminder of the age difference between them is a complete turn off and the suspense plot is completely contrived. In real life, the terrorists would have killed her family the second she took hostages. Hopefully, the next one will be better. (less)
Synopsis Carly May is a genealogist hired by Winifred Castillo to trace the history of her family. But someone in the Quintrel...moreAlways Time to Die 4 Stars
Synopsis Carly May is a genealogist hired by Winifred Castillo to trace the history of her family. But someone in the Quintrell-Castillo line would rather keep old and dark secrets buried with the dead. Soon Carly finds herself the target of a sinister foe who will stop at nothing to prevent her from discovering the truth. The only person Carly can turn to is Dan Duran, a dangerous enigma with ties to the Quintrells and secrets of his own.
Review Well-paced action and suspense.
The history of New Mexico is interesting and the genealogical aspects well-researched and explained in a way that even this science-phobe could understand (the table at the front of the book is especially useful for keeping track of who's who). Some readers may find the details excessive and tiresome but it is relevant and necessary to the plot.
The mystery is intriguing and there are just enough clues to figure it all out in time. Nevertheless, the story lacks a sense of urgency and the big confrontation scene never comes. Moreover, the transition to the epilogue is so sudden that I thought my copy might be missing a few pages.
There are also several loose ends such as the origins and nature of St. Kilda's consulting, what really happened to Sylvia Quintrell, why does Alma have it in for Carly, what are Carly's roots and what happened to Lucia and Armondo?
The romance is secondary and while the sexual tension between Dan and Carly is excellent, their chemistry never really materializes. Carly's spunk and sass, however, are a definite highlight and her banter with Dan is simply brilliant.
Overall, an intriguing read that pulled me in and wouldn't let go. I will be continuing with the series. (less)
Synopsis Captured and tortured by the vicious members of a Mexican drug cartel, US Marshall, Zach MacBride, is on the verge of g...moreBreaking Point 4.5 Stars
Synopsis Captured and tortured by the vicious members of a Mexican drug cartel, US Marshall, Zach MacBride, is on the verge of giving in when Natalie Benoit, an I-Team journalist, is thrown into the cell next door. the two work together to escape and grow physically and emotionally closer as they fight to survive against all odds.
Review A well written story with fast-paced action scenes and a steamy romance.
Both Natalie and Zach are compelling characters. They have both suffered incomparable losses and it is not surprising that they find comfort in each other. The way in which their past traumas is handled is realistic and believable as is their connection and the buildup of their relationship.
Zach is intense, powerful and sexy but with a core of vulnerability that pulls you in. Natalie is intelligent and resourceful. The fact that she is capable of holding her own and rescuing herself makes her one of my favorite heroines in the series. For this reason, her barely mentioned plans for the future at the end of the book are annoying and completely inconsistent with her characterization - it is the reason this book as 4.5 instead of 5 stars.
Another highlight of the story is the reappearance of characters from the previous books. They were mosty absent in Naked Edge so it was wonderful having them play a more significant role here.
Regarding the villain in the book, despite the fact that he is cut from the same cloth as the evil human trafficker in Hard Evidence, he is not as intense or as threatening as that villain. The fact that his identity is revealed early on may have reduced the level of tension that he inspires.
Overall, a solid addition to the series and I hope that Clare continues to write about the I-Team.
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