Veena’s review of Against the Sun (Raines of Wind Canyon, Book 6) by Kat Martin
Romantic Suspense published by Mira 29 May 12
Against the Sun, sixth in the Raines of Wind Canyon series by Kat Martin, continues to feature the brave men who have served their country in the Special Forces and now continue to serve and protect in the private sector. Jake Cantrell is bored at the slow pace of managing Atlas Security for his friend Trace Rawlins (Against the Storm) while he and his wife Maggie enjoy an extended honeymoon. He is ready for action and looking forward to his assignment to provide protection for a high-profile negotiation between Marine Drilling and Saudi Arabia.
He arrives at Marine Drilling to meet with the CEO, Ian Drummond, and starts off on the wrong foot when he asks the attractive assistant outside Ian’s door for a cup of coffee while he waits for the meeting to start. The beautiful lady is not really Ian’s assistant but his granddaughter, Sage Drummond, a vice president at Marine Drilling and Jake’s new assignment. She protests the need for protection but soon adapts to the need and sees the benefit in Jake’s knowledge and expertise in Middle East protocol. She really appreciates his protection when a protestor gets in her face at a restaurant and frightens her.
The Saudi representative, Sheik Khalid Al Kahzaz, arrives complete with his son, daughter, and entourage. Things seem to be off to a smooth start with the social part of the agenda that has been planned, down to the finest level of detail. Despite the protests outside their offices, the negotiations seem to kick off rather well. However, trouble is ready to rain down on Sage’s parade – first Jake overhears the Sheikh’s son and his security team talking about drug smuggling, then the Sheikh’s daughter disappears, Sage’s hired limo blows up. Will the Sheikh depart the US without closing the deal that Sage has worked so hard at it and along with it sink her ambition to take over as President of Marine Drilling?
As things begin to spiral out of control, Sage and Jake succumb to the attraction that is blazing between them. Sage even breaks off her engagement in order to pursue a relationship with Jake. He’s a protector and would have protected her regardless, but he’s fallen in love with her and wants to see her safe and successful. He pulls together some of his teammates from Atlas Security to investigate the drug smuggling and finds that there is a lot more involved than simple drugs.
Set against a backdrop of action that moves at a good clip is a love story. Jake, who lived for the adrenaline rush, starts to see a future with Sage. However, she has her own share of baggage. She loves Jake but is not sure that he’s a good fit for the Drummond country club life style. She’s not a snob but feels beholden to her grandfather and wants to please him. Will Jake be able to overcome her objections and forge a lasting relationship with her or will she go back to her safe fiance who has her grandfather’s stamp of approval?
I have enjoyed all the books in the series so far, especially the well-researched action adventure that serves as the backdrop to the romance. I was engaged in the story from the beginning, and, while not totally surprised by the villains of the piece, enjoyed the suspense and the journey. The plea for freedom from the Sheikh’s daughter highlights the plight of women behind the veil in the Middle East, and while many might be content with their role, others want and desire more. The author’s treatment of the subject flows naturally as a part of the story and gives a voice to women who don’t have one. I look forward to continuing to read the future books in the series.
Summary:
It’s not in bodyguard Jake Cantrell’s job description to share his suspicions with his assignments. Beautiful executive Sage Dumont may be in charge, but Jake’s not on her payroll. As a former special forces marine, Jake trusts his gut, and it’s telling him that there’s something off about a shipment arriving at Marine Drilling International. His instinct is aroused…in more ways than one.
A savvy businesswoman, Sage knows better than to take some hired gun’s “hunch” as gospel. And yet she is learning not to underestimate the man her grandfather hired to protect her. Determined to prove Jake wrong, Sage does some digging of her own and turns up deadly details she was never meant to see.
Drawn into a terrifying web of lies and deceit—and into feelings they can’t afford to explore—what Jake and Sage uncover may be frighteningly worse than they ever imagined.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
