This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.com.Expected Release Date: November 11, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://tonianderson.blogspot.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Dr. Cameran Young is the lead biologist on the Environment Impact Assessment team sent to monitor fish migration patterns in relation to the building of a dam in the Labrador, Canada. Expecting difficulties with the locals as well as the challenges of the location and of maintaining her health despite a chronic medical condition, she immediately found herself out of her element when on her first day she discovered the victim of a grisly murder. Both dazzled and disgusted by the handsome — and promiscuous — helicopter pilot, Daniel, who comes to her rescue, she can’t help but be attracted to him. She knows his kind, however, and while he makes it more than obvious that he’s a charming rogue ready to bed-hop with anyone willing, Cameran’s own self respect requires that there be some sort of emotional connection between her and a lover.
Daniel is more than just a pretty face with a womanizing reputation, however. Once a valued member of Britain’s Special Air Service, when a mission went horribly wrong he willingly took the fall to protect his team from the fallout, and now relies on booze, fast women, and the thrill of flying to keep his fragile grip on his sanity.
But Daniel can’t seem to get past his fascination with the girl-next-door looks and sassy personality of Dr. Cameran, and when it becomes evident that she is at risk due to not only her job but also her connection to the murder investigation, his protective instincts come roaring to the surface. Knowing that he can no longer keep his distance, he will risk his heart, and his life, to keep her safe.
Cameran’s medical condition put her in a position of constantly being cosseted or seen as fragile, and she fights every single day to not only keep her condition under control but to fight stereotypes and misconceptions about it. A strong, intelligent woman, she also recognizes that while a fling with Daniel might break her heart, it might also be worth it just to experience a single moment in her life where she’s able to just enjoy herself without really thinking too hard about the consequences.
For Daniel, no-strings sex and alcohol have been his crutch after his fall from grace in the military. Suffering from a fairly strong case of PTSD, he doesn’t dare seek out a meaningful relationship because he really has nothing to offer. When he meets Cameran, however, he can’t help but be attracted to her, and when he learns of his disorder, long-dead protective instincts rise to the surface, until he will do anything to keep her safe.
The mystery behind the grisly murder of a young woman and the unknown killer who will not let Cameran stand in their way added a great deal of intensity to the story, and the twist at the end was masterfully done.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, exciting story with both large amounts of action and drama and a strong dose of sexy romance. Recommended for fans of tortured heroes, tough yet vulnerable heroines, and exciting suspense. 4.5/5 Stars
