Review: In a world where it’s humans versus Morphates, a Morphate loner must trust a squad of humans to protect her life.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 12 1, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: In a world where it’s humans versus Morphates, a Morphate loner must trust a squad of humans to protect her life. Let’s hope her trust is not misplaced…Opening Sentence: “Why do I get the feeling I’m about to have a really bad day?”The Review:I was a little unsure what I would think of this book when I read on Jacquelyn Frank’s website that she was using the Jax pseudonym to write books featuring “unconventional” romances. Luckily, my nerves were unwarranted, and I enjoyed the story, although there were also issues that kept it from being a 4-star read for me.Fifty years ago, a doctor began running experiments on people. While a large portion of his subjects were homeless or criminals, those who discovered what he was doing also became test subjects. As a result of his work, a new species is born: the Morphates, who have super human strength and speed and are also immortal.In the present time, Devon Candler has figured out a way to kill Morphates. A Morphate herself, she wants to create an even playing field between humans and Morphates, so Morphates don’t become out of control. Unfortunately, Morphates who don’t agree with her plan have put a price on her head. To protect herself, she hires NHK, a security firm headed by Liam Nash, the one man who has killed a Morphate himself. From the moment they meet, there’s a palpable connection between Liam and Devon; however, neither one of them believe in mixing business with pleasure. Will they be able to resist each other? Will Devon be able to survive the assassins coming after her?Devon is a great heroine. She is incredibly strong and self-confident, and yet there is also a vulnerability to her that I felt made her very realistic. She managed to survive the experiments done to her and came out of them a strong, independent woman who’s not afraid to go against her species in order to do what she thinks is right. She’s definitely a heroine a reader can feel connected to and cheer for.The best partner for a strong woman is a strong man, and Liam definitely fits that mold. What I liked best about Liam is that he doesn’t treat Devon as if she is helpless. He knows she can take care of herself and treats her accordingly. They make a great pair.Now for the negatives. The world building was sometimes confusing. I would have liked to have more information on how the world operated, with the Federated States and the Dark Cities. I knew enough to follow what was going on most of the time, but a little extra explanation would have been helpful. Also, after the halfway point, it seemed like most of the book was sex. I don’t necessarily have a problem with that, but it felt like the plot suffered because of it. At the 95 percent mark, nothing had been resolved, and then it all wrapped up very quickly. I would have preferred a longer book, so that the end didn’t feel quite so rushed.Overall, I enjoyed the book, but did have some issues with it. While it’s currently a stand alone book, if Jacquelyn Frank decides to make it a series, I would be interested in reading more set in this world. It feels like there is much more that could be said!Notable Scene:The doors opened with a burst of energy, a no-nonsense movement and confidence, and in walked Devon Candler.Time suddenly ground to a halt for Liam. Every single muscle in his heavily powered body contracted abruptly with shock.Devon Candler was a woman.She entered the room with a display of powerful presence, blatant femininity, and the most mouth-watering curves Liam had ever laid eyes on. And just like that, in the breadth of a nanosecond, Devon Candler robbed Liam Nash of his peace of mind.FTC Advisory: Kensington provided me with a copy of Dangerous. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.