Review: A Romantic Suspense with Brains, Brawn, and Skillful Hands! (Includes clever use of a condom packet!!!)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 19, 2013
------Quote-------"Everything was different. His...heart was open wide--dangerously wide, vulnerable to everything. It was okay. His open heart was a good wound.-----End Quote------Pulled out of `retirement' by her old team of thieves, Angel Ramirez's skills are needed to crack the safe of sadistic organized criminal, Walter Borgola. The men holding a beloved aunt captive demand Borgola's prized diamonds as ransom. To be caught stealing would be a fate worse than death. The team is entirely unaware there is another person with his own objective. Cole Hawkins - sexy, blilliant, dangerous, undercover - adds tension to the game plan. He will do anything and use anyone to accomplish his mission.Known for her unconventional characterizations and unique world-building, it was with cautious hope that I read Against the Dark. How would Carolyn Crane's creativity shine in a generally formulaic sub-genre? There aren't any Disillusionists or any hint of fantasy within this novel, yet the main characters reflect Ms. Crane's distinctive touch.Ms. Crane's main characters tend to have unique traits or something a little odd about them. Angel and Cole have an offbeat quality. They also manage to maintain their edge as safecracker and undercover agent. The abundance of tangled emotions attached to their `gifts' give them layers. The touch of contradiction in Angel's character establishes her credibility as a reformed thief caught up in the game.While the characters are well-drawn, the romance requires some faith as Angel and Cole have one of those instant connections common in romantic suspense. This issue is addressed as the story progresses. Their intellectual compatibility, cltandestine skills, and explosive sexual chemistry reinforce their bond. Cole is quite an abstract thinker and a very impressive lover! The sexy times will certainly satisfy the steam-loving fans!The characters take us along for the twisty ride as Ms. Crane builds upon her new espionage world, which I hope to learn more of since it is still a little hazy. Overall, snappy dialogue, clever characterizations, proof condoms can be sexy, and scorching love scenes all set within a depraved crime lord's party atmosphere beget a thrilling beginning to a new series.My Verdict: Recommended Read!Favorite Quote - Simple and Affecting [WARNING: Somewhat spoilerish!]-----Quote-----"He'd told himself earlier that he'd try to save her if he could. That was no longer true, he realized.He'd try to save her even if he couldn't."-----End Quote-----Advanced copy courtesy of Carolyn Crane through an ARC drawing in exchange for an honest review - to be posted no later than April 28th