Sandy M’s review of Rule of Law (Chimera, Book 1) by Karin Tabke
Contemporary Romance published by Karin Tabke LLC 15 Oct 19
It’s been a while since I’ve read Karin Tabke. So with this new series she’s started, after taking a bit of time off from writing, I thought it might be a good time to get reacquainted with her work. This is a pretty dark romance, both hero and heroine with pasts that now lead them in their damaged lives, but it’s the heroine who brings the story way down and it never seems to be able to recover from her.
Alana is from a well-to-do family, but her parents are the type who should’ve never had children. So she’s faked her own death and is now strung out on drugs and plays at being a stripper. She’s young and it takes the entire book for her to grow up. But she pushes every one of my buttons and gets on every last nerve by that time that I just don’t care what she does. She’s been sold to the highest bidder, literally. We’re led to believe it’s all to get to her father, and she’ll suffer greatly for it. But in the middle of her delivery to the buyer, she’s kidnapped by Law. leader of Chimera, a family of misfits sorta like a motorcycle gang, but they’re in his night club.
Law is the really dark part of the book, but you can at least see parts of him shine through throughout, especially when it comes to those who are under his protection. Why he’s attracted to Lana I never understood. She’s a brat, throws tantrums, and is so wishy-washy that she’s really not an emotional, fun, sexy – whatever modifier you’d like to use – read. I also don’t get what she sees in Law, because most of the time she can’t see beyond her own need for escape and just egging him on to expedite that need. Throwing things and cutting up things in a fit of rage isn’t the way to get through life.
We know Law wants Lana for pretty much the same reason her buyer does, but of course his plans change the longer he keeps her around. But he’s close-mouthed and doesn’t even tell her, let alone the reader, much at all until late in the game. I don’t mind being strung along during a story, but everything here is kept under wraps for much too long. Even their sexual antics before the actual deed is done gets a bit irritating when they’re stopped in the middle I don’t know how many times. By the time they both open up to admit their feelings for each other and want to make a go for the future, it’s just too late to get emotional about it. The fact nearly the entire book is from Lana’s point of view doesn’t help much either. I want more from Law and it’s just not there.
As much as I do like Law, there’s just not enough to counterbalance Lana’s all-around irksomeness. The one character who does actually intrigue me is True. He’s Law’s right-hand man. If his story is next, I may continue with the series to see what happens. I sincerely hope Ms. Tabke brings everything, including the darkness, up a level or two. A person can take only so much of the dark and individual foolishness.
Grade: D
Summary:
“When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.” ~ Nelson Mandela
A vengeance quest that began twenty-five years ago…
Sold to the highest bidder, Alana Conti must fight for her life–and for her soul–when she comes face to face with Law, the mysterious underworld boss who obeys no laws but his own. His touch is commandingly sensual and Alana yields, taking the first steps into his intriguing life of crime and web of carnal promise.
Law’s heart burns white hot but not for Lana–for revenge. The unspeakable crimes committed against his family cannot go unpunished. Senator Conti’s beautiful, rebellious daughter is the perfect lure to draw his sworn enemy out from an island fortress.
As Lana becomes an integral part of Law’s high-stakes world of vice, spies, and global politics, she accepts the reality of her situation: she’s fallen in love with an outlaw who can give her everything but her independence… and his love.
Forced to acknowledge his feelings for Lana, Law has no option but to surrender the one thing she desires most–her freedom…
Read an excerpt.
