Intrigue, danger and romance

Phew. I loved this book. Strap in for this breakneck roller coaster ride of a romantic suspense tale. This author does a phenomenal job of weaving together exhilarating action, palpable tension, plot twists, mystery, and red-hot romance. Mara is an anthropologist who works for JPAC recovering the bodies of POW/MIA service members. While in North Korea recovering a body, she is accused of spying, arrested, convicted and sentenced to death. Curt is the US Attorney who is acting as the US Envoy who comes to North Korea and gets Mara released moments before her execution. Curt is also the attorney prosecuting Mara’s uncle, the former VP, for accepting bribes from the military contractor, Raptor. Curt intends to question Mara, deliver her to DC and then start the trial. Unfortunately, a stop in Hawaii to investigate a death of the coworker who may have had a hand in Mara’s arrest, ends up with Mara and Curt running for their lives. There is instant connection and attraction between the two but knowing they have a conflict because of Mara’s uncle, they’re determined to ignore it. Nevertheless, their chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together no matter how hard they tried to resist. The story included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline as shown through sweet moments, strong friendships, spicy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, uber protective men, smart women, secrets, plot twists, painful pasts, evil actors, and love. I cannot wait to read more in this series.