Alicia’s review of  Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare
Contemporary romantic suspense released by Berkley 1 Apr 08

I had only read Pamela Clare’s historicals until now. I read this book because of what she posted about her experiences with prison and prisoners. Just the fact that she knew what she was writing about drew me in. Since Sybil had the ARC, I had to read it. I’m so glad I did.

Sophie Alton and Marc Hunter had one night together. Then Marc went into the Army. He saw it as the best way to begin his adult life. His mother was addicted to drugs and was in prison. His little sister was adopted out to a “good” family. He had been in a lot of foster homes and a lot of trouble. So, one night with Sophie and the next morning he was gone. But he never forgot her.

Sophie became an investigative reporter. Now, she has a great career and she’s saving money to put her brother through college. She’s working on prison reform and following a young mother who is cleaning up her life. When that young mother suddenly runs off with the baby, destroying her chances for full legal custody of it, Sophie is shocked. Not as shocked, though, as she is to find out the young lady is Marc’s little sister.

Sophie never forgot Marc. He has always been a special memory to her. She has even considered trying to find him, but doesn’t want to disrupt his life. When she goes to meet with a prisoner about the girl who ran, though, she doesn’t even recognize Marc in the unshaven man in front of her. Marc had hoped she wouldn’t be afraid for herself in his hands. He never thought she wouldn’t know him. She fears for her life and it cuts him to the quick.

And that’s the best thing about Marc. He loves Sophie from start to finish. Sophie has to question her own feelings because Marc is a prisoner and considered dangerous. Marc understands her hesitancy, though, because a woman with any sense would second guess herself. He’s just a good guy.

Unlawful Contact sizzles from beginning to end. The chemistry between the characters radiates from the pages. The plot never stalls and the emotion is high. I had to stop reading and just cry several times. I recommend you read the author’s posts about her real experiences as an investigative reporter (the first post is titled “Pamela Clare looks good in stripes…”, the rest are “Goldilocks Goes to Jail”).

This book is a must-buy.

Grade: A

     Taken hostage by a convicted murderer while reporting at a prison, Sophie Alton has no idea that the man holding the gun to her head is the bad boy who was her first love in high school. Condemned to life without parole, Marc Hunter finds himself with no choice but to break out of prison after his younger sister disappears with her baby.

     Though he regrets what he has to put Sophie through, he can’t let anything get in the way of his stopping the corrupt officials who are set on destroying what’s left of his family. But being near Sophie rekindles memories for both of them. As the passion between them heats up, so does the conspiracy to put both of them in their graves.

     Read an excerpt.

Read Gwen’s review here.