Author: Shannon McKenna
Series: McCloud Brothers (book #1)
Next in series: Standing in the Shadows
My rating: 3.5 Stars
Synopsis: Security expert, Seth Mackay seeks revenge against the man responsible for the murder of his brother, and he will go to any lengths including stalking his target's latest flame, Raine Cameron. What Seth doesn't know is that Raine has her own agenda, but when the two meet, sparks fly and all is forgotten until Raine becomes the object of obsession for a madman...
Review: Despite the intricate and well-paced plot, this book is not without its flaws. To begin with, the hero is completely obnoxious and domineering. While it is obvious that his rough exterior is merely a façade meant to conceal the insecurities of a man who was neglected as a boy and who has lost the only person he ever loved, I found it difficult to identify with him because this wall never comes down not even at the end when he has supposedly learned to love and trust again. The heroine, however, does grow and change throughout the story and becomes more likeable. As the tale begins, she is annoyingly naïve and a complete doormat but thankfully develops a backbone and begins standing up for herself. I liked the fact that she knew how to put the hero in his place both in and outside of the bedroom.
In terms of the secondary characters, the book has two villains – one completely diabolical and the other quite witty and charming. This is actually one of the few books in which I found myself liking the “bad guy”. Despite his machinations, he has true affection for the heroine and makes the ultimate sacrifice for her (you’ll just have to read it to find out what I mean).
The writing flows and Ms. McKenna definitely knows how to write a love scene. Nevertheless, I found that her descriptions of the various surveillance technologies and techniques were excessive; the role play scenes were irritating and the supernatural overtones out of place. The book is supposedly a romantic suspense and the paranormal aspects detract from the overall reading experience.
Overall, I enjoyed it enough to read the next book in the series, which according to all reports only get better from this point on.
Friday 24 June 2011
Behind Closed Doors / Shannon McKenna
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Bravo! This is simply a very honest well-written review. Great job :)
ReplyDelete*Weekend Review Club* The main male character of the book does sound like a big turn off, but at least you said the female lead grew and became more likable as the story progressed. Without great characters it's impossible to have a great book. I tend to fall for the bad boys, so this might be right up my alley - sounds like maybe it ends badly though! Sounds like the next book is going to be better, so I can't wait to see your review on that one! Great review!
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