Surviving Demon Island by Jaci Burton
I think that Jaci Burton was so nice to sign this book to me (and of course Sybil getting it for me in the first place) at RWA. And of course I had to read it.
Gina Bliss is an action star at the top of her game. And she loves doing her own stunts, but she’s been making one movie after another and she’s ready for a break. What’s a better vacation for an adrenaline junkie like Gina than a survival reality show set on a tropical island? Gina suspects something is off from the minute she steps foot on the boat, but she’s not too worried because she’s surrounded by some great action types.
One of whom is Derek Marks, the hot survival consultant helping run the show. And he drives her libido crazy. Gina is known around Hollywood as a playful type but she doesn’t let men get too close. Derek makes her see that may be a bad thing, but in a good way.
Derek is wary of Gina, he thinks she’s just a Hollywood diva that’s been trained well for her movies. But when he uncovers her pas and sees it equals some aspects of his own, he’s ready to shake off his idea of her and drag her into bed. But Gina’s instincts are right, there is something off and Derek is just the man to have around in a pinch, especially when the demons on Demon island, become all to real.
There’s some great dialogue between Derek and Gina, as well as some dynamite movies in the sack (or outdoors. . .that cave was smokin’), but they are two people who are very afraid of emotional attachment. With all the things happening on the island it’s a wonder that the rest of the people weren’t going at each other as well.
There are some things outside the realm of plausibility though. There’s some serious weaponry going on here, and sci-fi geeks would be drooling if they were real. If these demons are as powerful as hinted at, they must be really dumb to let so many humans kill them so easily. And though the people are all highly trained in various weaponry and martial arts, it’s amazing that they’re able to work together like a trained military unit so well in the course of a couple of days.
Overall the story is well written, the plotting good, not too fast or too slow, and there are a couple of surprises, which made for an unpredictable, but pleasant read. Derek and Gina were alright, but I’m wanting to read the next book, Hunting the Demon about Derek’s brother Nic. A trip back into this world of evil demons, action and sexy hunks would be a good thing.
Grade: B-
