Laura C’s review of Her Dark Protector by Carol Stephenson
Romantic Suspense published by Carina Press 26 Mar 12
I keep diving into the romantic suspense pool and hoping to find some rocking waves, but all too often I just find a stringy mess of seaweed. This book has great potential. Really great. Corruption, secret societies, sneaking around…but it just turns into a messy blob I couldn’t finish.
At the beginning of the book we meet Gail Malloy and the idea that she has a death wish is pounded into our heads repeatedly. In fact, my notes say “ok, I’ve got it. Move on already.” Why should I care about someone who doesn’t care about herself? I’m not convinced I do. But this is a romance, so it doesn’t take long before Jason Hawke (gimme a break on the name, please) shows up. He’s attractive. Check. Damaged. Check. Determined. Check.
And at that first meeting in a dark alley, Gail gets all turned on by “her dark protector” (yes, she uses the phrase a couple of times in the book) with the man she was supposed to meet lying dead in the street while she doesn’t give a crap and dismisses him with a casual “well, he stuck his nose into bad things once too often” attitude that totally rubs me the wrong way.
Umm…yeah…ok, so she has a death wish and questionable taste. I know we’re used to “love at first sight” in romances, but this is ridiculous. She knows nothing about Jason, not even what he looks like (because he’s wearing a hood and it’s dark) but she’s already considering him as a sexual partner.
Then we find out about the Justice Alliance to which Jason Hawke belongs. It’s an old, established group with…wait for it, because you know it has to be there…some members with paranormal abilities. Puhleez. I know this is just series bait and it won’t show up in this book, or at least I hope not, but can’t we have a book that just deals with reality as it stands? Don’t we have enough violence and enough vigilantes, enough paramilitary groups without psychic abilities?
So, I’m figuring I am close to done with this book, but I want to see when/how a relationship will develop between Jason and Gail. I read to the halfway point and then gave up. Because all that happens is sporadic “Oh my god I am so hot for him,” “Oh my god she gives me such boners” moments without any real emotion behind them and without build or continuity.
I didn’t care about the hero or heroine enough to read for their HEA, didn’t care about the villains enough to see them get theirs. What a bummer.
Grade: DNF
Summary:
Florida state prosecutor Gail Malloy may have a death wish, but she has no idea how close she is to having it fulfilled. In charge of the case against a notorious drug lord, she’s become the target of everyone on the man’s payroll—and corruption has permeated the highest ranks. Fortunately for Gail, a stranger is keeping watch…
Haunted by tragedy and seeking revenge, business tycoon Jason Hawke joined the Justice Hunters, a secret organization dedicated to maintaining law and order. He’ll do everything in his power to make sure Gail stays alive long enough to put the crime boss away for good. Even if it means keeping her with him day and night…
Read an excerpt.
