Review: An intriguing romantic thriller in an unlikely setting
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 6, 2012
Book was provided by author in exchange for an honest reviewThe Salsa Connection is yet another well written tale of mystery, suspense and romance by author Johnny Ray.At first I was a little skeptical about a romantic suspense set in the world of dancing. How interesting and engaging would a romantic suspense novel set in the salsa dancing world be? Would it be full of terminology that only dancers would understand? Worst of all, would it bring visions of an alien hybrid version of Alias and Dancing with the Stars gone wrong? So many disastrous scenarios raced through my mind in the few minutes it took to turn on my computer and begin reading.In a matter of 15 pages, Johnny Ray put my fears to rest. The Salsa Connection is a fast paced, thrilling story that just happens to take place among dancers. Though to be honest, it is not entirely set in the dancing world, there are a few scenes involving dancing and such but for the most part the book is constantly moving and switching scenes. This is definitely not a slow paced story, which for me is essential in a story that involves murder, mystery and running for your life.There are quite a few characters (including two with very similar names) and twists and turns in this book and it is easy to get lost if the reader isn't paying close attention. The pace at which the story is told matches the heart pounding, full steam ahead events so be sure to keep outside distractions at a minimum to fully enjoy The Salsa Connection.Sveta, the female protagonist is not as fiery as previous characters in Johnny Ray's books, she's naive and has a sense of innocence about her. Still, she doesn't shy away from dangerous situations if it means she'll get answers. She definitely grows throughout the book. Sveta begins The Salsa Connection a young, naive girl and ends up a tougher, wiser, and smarter young woman.One thing that nagged at me though was the easy acceptance of where and what Nickolay had been up to in the many years Sveta and her mother thought him dead. Not only that but when Nickolay reveals the true connection between Sveta and another character, the reactions of Sveta and her mother are so unbelievable I had to double back and make sure I read it right. I had a hard time swallowing that particular scene.In true Johnny Ray fashion, the twists, turns and suspense continue until the very last pages. Just when readers think every conflict has been solved, there's always that one last twist that readers weren't expecting.The Salsa Connection is an adult book that can be read by book lovers who are looking for an action filled suspense that is light on the romance.