Veena’s review of Against The Wild (The Brodies of Alaska, Book 1) by Kat Martin
Romantic Suspense published by Zebra 26 May 14
Ms. Martin continues to deliver on the promise of hot romance mixed with murder and mayhem in a series that she started more than four years ago. I’ve enjoyed traveling with the action as she’s added new hot and sexy heroes in different parts of the country. We first met Dylan Brodie in her previous book while he was visiting his cousin Tyler in California and got caught up in the action at the tail end of Brodie and Hayley’s investigation. Now he’s back on his home turf in Alaska working on restoring a historic lodge that is going to serve as the base for his new fishing and hunting business. He first met Lane during his California trip and determined to use her decorating expertise to get the touch of elegance and authenticity that he desires for his lodge. It doesn’t hurt that he is deeply attracted to her and senses that she reciprocates. It’s time to let the lid off the control they’ve both exercised thus far and let the fire rage.
Well! Perhaps he’s been a bit premature in his anticipation. Lane’s not exactly pleased with the secrets he’s been keeping from her, the first of which is his daughter Emily. Not only is she unaware of her existence but also that Emily is suffering from emotional trauma as a result of being abandoned by her mother. Following on the heels of this revelation are strange dreams and even stranger happenings at the lodge. Lane begins to research the history of the lodge for answers and finds that foul play occurred during the early years after the lodge was built. Could those innocent souls and their murderers still be haunting the place?
Thankfully Dylan does not share Lane’s fears and is determined to prove foul play is at work and starts his own parallel investigation. In the meantime his friend and partner Caleb’s ex-girlfriend is murdered in the town and Caleb is the chief suspect in the crime. Could all these incidents be related? Is someone stalking them for other nefarious purposes? For answers to these questions, you’ll have to read the book, because it’s a tale well told and suspense that keeps you guessing.
I love the description of the scenic splendors and clearly visualized the descriptions in the book against my memories of my visit to this part of the world. I could really relate to the story since I was fortunate enough to take a trip in a small plane much like what the author describes and land in a small lake on pontoons so that we could see and feel the beauty of the nature at close quarters. I laughed when Dylan warns Lane of the dangers that lurk behind the idyllic beauty and winced when Lane’s dog runs afoul of all things a tiny hedgehog that is lurking behind a bush. Ouch! The poor puppy pays a hard price for his curiosity when he ends up with spines embedded in his nose for his curiosity. Lane also has her own share of adventure as she confronts a black bear and chases him off with a stick.
It’s a well-written story with frequent and hot sex and suspense that kept me guessing. My only personal peeve is I feel that the end is a bit rushed with such a sudden about face between them. I have read and enjoyed all these “Against” books and hope to continue reading about the next two Brodies who are now up on deck and ready.
Grade: B
Summary:
ALASKA – Where men are as bold and untamed as America’s last wilderness
It’s been three years since Lane Bishop tragically lost her fiancée, and she is finally ready to risk her heart on someone else. The hot look in Dylan Brodie’s eyes says he’s going to be that man.
But when Lane flies to the remote 1930’s fishing lodge to help him renovate, she discovers a little girl who won’t speak, eerie legends and strange sounds in the night. And when she investigates the history of the lodge, she uncovers a legacy of injustice and murder.
As danger stalks his daughter and the woman he is coming to love, Dylan must risk everything to uncover the shocking truth.
Other books in this series:
