Black Orchid
Separated by their families and their different cultures, Jordan Quinn and Seth Cypress are now thrown together by a violent turn of events.   When Jordan sees her estranged husband's panther research team attacked by several men dressed as Seminoles, she knows she has to warn Seth.  As leader of the Seminoles it is his job to protect his people.  But why would the Seminoles steal a panther and attack scientists?  And did her husband really leave for good as his note says or did someone take him?  Seth and Jordan have both gone on with their lives and tried to forget those passionate years of their youth.  But now Jordan's life is threatened and Seth wonders if his brother has anything to do with it.  There are people who still resent the Seminoles and dislike Seth, but what does this have to do with Lawrence's research into feline AIDS and a cure for human HIV?  Jordan intends to find out and Seth isn't about to let her go a second time.  Karen Harper starts with a fascinating premise--  finding a cure for HIV using the endangered Florida panthers as test subjects--  and weaves a story around it that encompasses the Seminole Indians of Florida and the wild, untamed beauty of the Florida Everglades.  Seth and Jordan are appealing characters although many of the other characters in Black Orchid seem to be cliched stereotypes--  from the macho, southern cop Yancy Tatum to the broken English of the Seminoles.  Also, the plot tends to get bogged down in unnecessary scenes.  Ms. Harper's writing style, while appealing, is not as fast-paced as suspense demands and that's unfortunate because her story has a lot to offer.  Black Orchid is like the Everglades, you have to look for the beauty among the swamp.Readers will be enchanted by the Florida setting in Black Orchid! Karen Harper takes us on an adventure seething with secrets and deception--  and a surprise around every dark corner! An intriguing plot and two passionate characters!Kristina Wright  --Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.