"...an intriguing suspense"

She's a femme fatale who is friends with a known soviet spy. He's a charismatic commander of a special U.S. military group. Falling in love was the last thing either expected to happen, but with love comes trust. Can either of them trust the other in order to make a relationship work?

Being in the wrong place at the wrong time has Carly Manning in an unusual situation. After her car is hit, she finds herself in a limo with some entertainers that she knows and men she knows are more than mere body guards. Being honest and a bit naive has Carly under close scrutiny by these men. They think she could be a spy and until they verify otherwise, Carly will be a much watched guest. But spending time with Ken will certainly be no hardship because the handsome commander has secretly stolen her heart.

Ken Morgan knows that Carly could mean trouble. As the commander of an elite U.S. covert military unit known as THE COMPOUND, it's his responsibility to find out what exactly Carly is up to. But finding out if Carly is connected to a soviet spy is a bit harder than he expected. A feeling he never had before surfaces, love, making him want to protect Carly more than anything. Talking her into helping them gain information is not only dangerous for her, but could be dangerous to the whole operation if she betrays them. Knowing the only way he can have a lasting relationship with Carly is if he retires. But men like him don't just get to walk away from all that they have done and seen. This decision could mean his life. So is Carly worth it?

THE COMPOUND is a compelling romantic suspense that has a new surprise for you with every turn of the page. The battle for trust, respect and love makes this a story that will keep you entranced until the very end. We are introduced to many interesting characters who give the book as much life as Carly and Ken do. I'm looking forward to catching up with Russell and some other members of the compound in Ms. Shepherd's sequel to this book, LOVE, LUST & TERROR - TALES FROM THE COMPOUND, coming soon.

Reviewed by Beatrice Sigman
Posted April 30, 2004

Summary

American and international politics form the background for this hot, Cold War love affair. When Ken Morgan dashing and charismatic commander of THE COMPOUND, an elite U.S. covert military unit meets femme fatale Carly Manning and discovers she has an all-too-close relationship with a Soviet spy, he coerces her into joining his group. Ken and Carly begin what appears to be a star- crossed love affair, which they can only survive by overcoming mutiny within the clandestine unit, the brutality of the Soviet Governments hierarchy, and a major falling out with members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This volatile dispute results in an order for Ken's termination. Desiring to protect her beloved Ken, Carly faces the assassin hired to kill him.