Friday, August 8, 2014

SUNNY - ARC Review: "Bound to Danger" by Katie Reus



SUMMARY:
At a benefit dinner, community activist Maria Cervantes overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack that could rock Miami to its core. But before she can alert authorities, she’s almost killed in a massive explosion—and wakes up in a hospital with no memory of what happened. As the sole survivor of the attack, she is now a person of interest to the NSA—and especially to Agent Cade O’Reilly. Because Maria is the one woman Cade has never been able to forget.
 
Years ago, they were closer than either was willing to admit—until Cade disappeared when Maria needed him most. Now he’s sticking by her, whether she likes it or not. Because the memories locked inside her mind could hold vital clues to the next attack. Because terrorists want her dead—and because he never wants to let her go again.


REVIEW:
Now this is how you write a romantic suspense story.  Katie Reus delivers a multilayered, suspenseful story punctuated by her trademark hot romance.  

Things I really liked about this book:

1. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives.  Not only do we get the point of view of Maria and Cade, but also the guy with the finger on the trigger of a bomb.  The terrorist is not really sympathetic, but understanding the reasons why he is targeting Miami gives another welcomed layer to the story.  He is not painted as merely an extremist or lunatic, but as a calculating man seeking revenge for what was done to his family. 

2. I also liked how the author uses emails to reconstruct the past relationship between the two main characters. I appreciate this technique to show their evolution.  Because they are young adults at the time, the dialogue is innocent and sweet in contrast to the experienced adults they are today. 

3. I read enough romantic suspense and special ops books to be familiar with the terminology, but I thought it was very helpful to have definition of terms at the beginning of each chapter. Phrases like "wet work", "soft target", and "collateral damage" are unfortunately a part of common vocabulary today with the tensions around the world, so having it defined in lay terms is very appreciated. 

4. I think that many of Katie Reus' books would make fantastic movies.  There are twists and turns, chases and blasts, and intensely romantic moments between characters.  Jerry Bruckheimer are you listening?  Stop making Pirates of the Caribbean movies and pick up a Katie Reus' book for consideration!

One thing I didn't like so much:

Often in books with an über alpha, the character feels unworthy of love because of their actions in the past.  It is not a unfamiliar theme.  It is a good thing that Cade has broad shoulders because he carries a lot of guilt, especially when he is around or thinking about Maria. The theme and the language becomes a little repetitive.  

IN A NUTSHELL:
Book two in the Deadly Ops series is a WINNER!  Katie Reus comes back with a novel worth your time investment and may be a little sacrificed sleep. 

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

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