"Thrilling Romantic Suspense"

One of the things I like when reading debut authors is they almost always come up with a new angle to tell their stories. In this debut I found that to be true, offering both a fresh voice and an exciting and thrilling edge-of- the seat read.

Kaz Jorgensen had an extremely successful consultation business in California but when a phone call from a childhood friend warned her of trouble brewing in and around her twin brother Gary, she hastened her return home. What she found was a shadow of the former caring and loving brother she once knew, emotionally shut-off - even from her. Kaz began to realize just how dangerous the situation was after one of their two boats was set on fire. With a body on board and her brother missing, all fingers pointed towards his guilt. Why even the newly hired, very sexy new fire chief seemed to think her brother guilty.

Michael Chapman had come to Astoria, Oregon to bury the past. A quiet seaside fishing town held appeal over the frantic pace of Boston and the memories of losing his fiancé to a fire he was too late to prevent. He knew he shouldn't get involved with the sister of a suspect but his attraction could not be denied. So when attempts on Kaz's life began, Michael was not about to let another woman die under his watch.

*** I loved this story -- it was fast paced, exciting and fascinating. Alderman's descriptions of the Pacific Northwest town of Astoria, Oregon and the hazards of navigating a boat over the Columbia bars to the open sea of the Pacific were skillfully crafted and absolutely riveting in intensity. Kaz was a remarkable heroine. Not only a highly successful negotiator in the boardroom, but an immensely gifted ships captain whose navigational skills were well respected by her male counterparts. The author brilliantly developed her as a very strong kick-butt heroine fighting to overcome her own fears and guilt over letting her parents die and not about to lose her brother to trumped up charges.

Michael was also a strong lead. Intelligent and capable with his arson smelling canine partner Zeke. He also provided a wonderful romantic element for Kaz employing witty dialog foreplay in building up steam for some lovely sensual interludes in between them dodging physical attacks. Bottom line is Ms. Alderman penned a terrific suspense her first time out utilizing a plethora of prospective suspects culminating in a terrific and intensely thrilling finale. Romantic suspense lovers rejoice -- there's a new kid on the block with a fresh new voice!

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted February 21, 2007

Read an Excerpt

Summary

Kaz Jorgensen is used to fear—the anxiety of negotiating treacherous currents as she captains her family's fishing trawlers, the terrifying nightmares of the day she almost lost her life on the river. But now a man is dead, an arsonist has set the Anna Marie ablaze and her brother is missing, accused of both crimes. How much more can she take?

Michael Chapman knows how to take the heat—as fire chief he's dealt with more than his share. No way can he afford to get involved with the sister of a suspect. But the scorching attraction between him and Kaz burns out of control. Whatever happens, he can't allow another woman to die because of him.