Shannon McKenna

Fatal Strike
3 Stars

This installment in McKenna's series continues the story arc from the previous book with Miles Davenport recovering from the psychic attack that left him in a coma. He experiences recurring dreams of Lara Kirk, and realizes that she is still alive and being held captive. Soon Miles and Lara find themselves on the run from psi-operatives with a diabolical agenda.

On the surface, Fatal Strike has a winning formula - a gorgeous tortured hero, an independent and courageous heroine, an ego-maniacal villain bent on world domination, oodles of action and lots of sexy times. Unfortunately, something is missing.

Miles and Lara are appealing enough as individuals, but their chemistry is severely lacking. Perhaps it is Miles previous infatuation with the vacuous Cindy, or maybe it is the obsessive nature of Miles and Lara's attraction. Either way, it doesn't work and their romance feels forced rather than natural.

The psi-plot, which has been the focus of the last couple of books has become tedious and annoying, and the cameo appearances by the McClouds and their friends are underdeveloped and feel more like filler than anything else.

The writing is also overly descriptive and repetitious, especially Miles and Lara's internal musings. The book could have been 50 pages shorter and been more satisfying.

Overall, a disappointing read, but I am interested enough in Sam and Sveti to read the final book in the series.… (mere)

In for the Kill
4 Stars

Series note This is the 11th and final installment. The book focuses on Sveti Adrova and Sam Petrie, whose romance has been brewing for a while. Much of their backstory is outlined in previous books, and as such, it is recommended that the series be read in order.

McKenna's series ends on a high note with Sveti and Sam's story. Both the plot and the romance are reminiscent of the early books in the series before they became bogged down with strange psychic abilities, implausible situations, and convoluted storylines.

Sveti and Sam have incredible chemistry and their sparks fly with every interaction whether physical or verbal. On the surface, Sam is laid back and amenable, but when it comes to Sveti all bets are off. Sveti is strong and resilient (not surprising given her past), but she holds back a piece of herself out of fear of losing the man she loves. This leads to some annoying and TSTL moments on her part and there are times when her attitude toward Sam is harsh and cruel. Thankfully she comes to her senses.

The plot is fairly straightforward as clues regarding the death of Sveti's mother emerge, and she becomes the target of some truly evil villains. There are some excellent actions scenes and an exciting climax and resolution.

Overall, McClouds and Friends ends with a bang, and I look forward to reading McKenna's next series.

… (mere)

One Wrong Move
4 Stars

The psychic drug enhancing plot has potential; however, there are too many inconsistencies and far-fetched scenarios to make it completely satisfying. For instance, the nature of the psychic abilities is never completely clear. Does the drug enhance pre-existing skills are does it actually bestow them upon the taker?

The romance is better. Nina and Alex are appealing both as individuals and as a couple. Nina is quiet yet determined, and despite her initial reserve is open to embracing life and love. Alex is dark and brooding, but shows his sensitive side on occasion, albeit begrudgingly. They have great chemistry together and their snarky sniping at one another is entertaining.

The secondary characters are a mixed bag. While the villains are suitably malevolent, some are more evil than others and one even comes across as a pseudo-good-guy, which is weird and confusing. There is also very little connection to the other books in the series as only Bruno, Lily and Miles really put in an appearance.

Speaking of Miles, his book is next yet the focus in the series on his infatuation with Cindy makes it difficult to believe that he can fall in love with another woman. McKenna is going to have her work cut out for her in this regard.

Overall, an enjoyable romance but the suspense is lackluster.… (mere)