Laura C’s review of Double Danger by Dee Davis
Romantic Suspense published by Forever 18 Dec 12
I’ve skipped an A-Tac book or two because the cast was getting so huge that a lot of scenes felt like people were just sort of wedged into them. I’ve always found Simon intriguing, however, so I wanted to read Double Danger. And at the beginning, it appeared that Davis was going to cut back the cast and give me some alone time with Simon and Jillian. Unfortunately, all too soon we’re back to the enormous cast of characters and the overly convoluted plot that distracts from the romance and just gets more and more irksome.
Jillian and Simon have an intriguing backstory. Without being too spoilery, I can say she dated and married his best friend, despite the fact that Simon was in love with her. Simon put his feelings in a box and locked them away, but they magnify the guilt he feels over Ryan’s death, since Ryan died serving with him, for which Simon is pretty sure Jillian blames him. After all, he blames himself.
When he and Jillian are forced to work together to prevent a terrorist threat, secrets are revealed that challenge Simon’s view of Ryan, himself, and even Jillian. Jillian, too, has some re-evaluating to do.
And when the story concentrates on Jillian, Simon and Ryan, it’s at its finest. Davis does a good job of portraying the complexities of relationships and damaged men and women.
What doesn’t hold up so well is the suspense plot. The suspension of disbelief required is simply too great (and this from someone who regularly has no problem with Shannon McKenna’s over-the-top plots). I can’t tell you what happens—or doesn’t happen—that’s so enormously unlikely, but let me say that when you read it, you’ll know.
And then there’s the dilution of impact caused by all those people. Everyone in A-Tac has to have a job. The tech gurus, the snipers, the warriors…everyone has a voice and a role, and the profusion is overwhelming. I really wish she had kept things pared down to Jillian, Simon and maybe a couple of others filling absolutely necessary roles.
Grade: C+
Summary:
Ignoring his instincts once cost Simon a vital op-and the life of his best friend, Ryan. Now as escalating, violent attacks hit A-Tac, another person he loves is in danger. Homeland Security agent Jillian Montgomery’s investigation has suddenly brought her back into Simon’s life, and unless they can learn to trust each other, their dangerous mission will fail.
After her husband Ryan’s death, Jillian dedicates herself to saving others. She can’t afford to be tempted by Simon, even though his every touch reignites the desire they once shared. But in the last desperate minutes before disaster strikes, their second chance at love might be the most lethal trap of all . . .
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