"Gripping tense thriller"

Personal Protection Professional Jack Chaney arrives from the states to convince covert operator Zach Russell to meet with wealthy Mexican-American Victor Castillo, CEO of Aletta. Though he and Victor detest one another, Zach flies from Australia to Chicago. The hatred they felt ten years ago remains strong, but Victor needs Zach to protect his daughter Antonia while completing a major business deal as someone threatens her life; she trusts only Zach with that and he came because Jack asked him.

Zach lays out three rules that everyone must agree to if he is to accept this civilian job. Rule one is he makes the rules; rule two is where she goes he goes; rule three is nothing personal between them. Antonia agrees to his obnoxious terms even as Zach wonders if her father will pay the price as he refused when his daughter was kidnapped ten years ago. Zach struggles to adhere to rule three as Antonia tempts his body, heart, and soul. However, the threats turn real, but neither are prepared from where and how the present ties back to when she was abducted.

The latest "warrior" tale (see WARRIOR WITHOUT A CAUSE), WARRIOR WITHOUT RULES, is a terrific romantic suspense filled with intrigue and plenty of twists and turns especially the climax. Readers will appreciate Zach's discomfit as enforcing his rules leaves him conflicted because two and three contradict between his head and his heart while in spite of his professional experiences rule one ends up with Antonia making the rules. Nancy Gideon provides a gripping tense thriller that the audience will read in one sitting to learn who is behind the assault.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 10, 2005