"Ms. Brockmann just keeps getting better and better!"

OUT OF CONTROL is a compelling and skillful blending of several stories, all of them intertwining to form an intriguing not to be missed novel.

The primary focus is on the story of Navy SEAL Ken 'WildCard' Karmody and a woman named Savannah von Hopf. Savannah's uncle Alex is in Indonesia and needs her to deliver a large sum of money to him. She doesn't know the details but she does know that she can't let him down. She is afraid to go alone, so she goes in search of her college roommate's ex-boyfriend Ken. She has only met him once and it has been six years, so she knows he won't remember her but she is hoping he will help her. Besides she has always had a crush on him and she can't resist the idea of seeing him again. Unfortunately, when they do meet he doesn't recognize her, but he does feel an immediate attraction and desire for her. One thing leads to another, she gives in to the fantasy she has always had about him (without telling him who she is), and they have one hot, sexy night together. When Ken does finally discover who she is and why she is there he is hurt and furious. He feels used and betrayed. He still can't just abandon her, so he agrees to accompany her to Indonesia anyway. That's when things really get out of control. Stranded on a jungle island by terrorists, Ken must find a way to get Savannah and all that money safely out of there, while at the same time protecting his vulnerable heart from a woman he thinks used sex to manipulate him.

The other stories include the story of Savannah's grandmother Rose's life as a double agent during WWII and her involvement with a Nazi spy. She has written a book about her life, which has become a best seller, and is being read by many of the other players in OUT OF CONTROL, including Molly Anderson, one of a group of missionaries who are trying to help the people of the island. Molly has developed an attraction for the mysterious man named Jones who lives deeper in the jungle and she suspects may be a smuggler. FBI agent Alyssa Locke is also reading the book. She and her partner, and their boss, Max Bhagat are looking into the disappearance and possible terrorist kidnapping of the author's son Alex. During the course of her investigation she must question Navy SEAL Sam Starrett about the coincidental disappearance of Ken and Savannah. Sam and Alyssa have a history together, most of it painful.

These characters are all very well drawn- especially Ken who is a great hero, the suspense is riveting, and some nice humor has been included as comic relief. Each of these stories is complete and could stand alone (except for that of Alyssa and Sam-will those two ever find happiness, and what is this new twist that has been added to that mix?) and I admired the way Ms. Brockmann joined the stories together via the reading of Rose's book, it was all so well put together and flowed smoothly. Fans of THE UNSUNG HERO, THE DEFIANT HERO, and OVER THE EDGE simply can't miss this one.

Reviewed by Janice Bennett
Posted February 10, 2002

Bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann knows how to push the limits of romantic suspense to new, breathtaking heights. Potent, gripping and explosive, Out of Control is a roller- coaster ride of a novel--as a single act of loyalty becomes a desperate struggle for survival...

Summary

Savannah von Hopf has no choice. To save her uncle's life, she goes in search of Ken "WildCard" Karmody, a guy she barely knew in college who is now a military operative. She must convince him to help her deliver a cache of ransom money into the hands of terrorists halfway around the world. What she doesn't expect is to end up in WildCard's arms before she can even ask for help.

WildCard has always had a soft spot for beautiful women. But when he discovers Savannah's hidden agenda, he is determined to end the affair. But Savannah is bound for Indonesia with or without his protection, and he can't just walk away. When her plan goes horribly wrong, they are trapped in the forsaken jungle of a hostile country, stalked by a lethal enemy. As time is running out, they scramble to escape, risking both their lives to stop a nightmare from spinning even further out of control...