This book picked up right where "The Broken Lake (The Pace, #2)" left off. Wes has been kidnapped by some mysterious military special ops group, and Sophie is understandably freaking out. Her and one of Wes' closest colleagues have to work together to find and return him home safely.

Unfortunately, I found nearly the first half of the book to be boring, even though I'm sure the author meant for the reader to get caught up in Sophie's distress and Wes' rescue. You would think that since one of the main character's life/identity is basically being threatened that I would be on the edge of my seat, absorbed in finding out what happens, but that was most definitely not the case. Things were moving way too slow for me and I found myself thinking, "either rescue or kill the dude already, I've got stuff to do today". I honestly feared that I might have to give up on this series if this book continued on the way it started. But I kept reading, and to my delight, I found that the second half of the book pretty much made up for the slow beginning, and it ended up providing me with a fair amount of chuckles as well (Yeah, I know, this review seems like one big mood swing/contradiction, but bear with me).

After Wes' ordeal, some serious, unexpected events unfolded. I knew that there were going to be some acts of revenge being carried out, but to what degree, I had no clue. Those acts, while shocking and upsetting, allowed for some touching events to occur between Wes and Sophie. I don't want to reveal too much, but the last happenings of this book had me close to tears (happy ones). I was also pleased that we received more answers regarding Wes and Sophie's past, and I quite like how the new character, Dr. Carter, fits into their lives.

Although this book had me on an emotional roller coaster at times, I know that I will definitely be reading the last and final book, "The Hour of Dreams", because I've become quite attached to the love story of Wes and Sophie. But I know that the story of "star-crossed lovers" can never be cut and dry, so I am sure that these two will probably have the rug pulled out from under them again. However, I am choosing to think positively about their future. So, if you like a somewhat cheesy yet likable romance, with a one-of-a-kind scientific and miraculous twist, then I recommend this series to you.

This review can also be found at:
http://escapingwithfiction.blogspot.com/ ( )

The Pace Series is one that since I discovered it, the next installment is always on my anxiously waiting for list. The Iron Quill, like it's predecessors did not disappoint. The characters, the writing, and the pacing are right in line with what I expected, and the ending left me with that longing and expectation for the next chapter in their story.
There was no time wasted getting right into the plot and it was like I didn't miss a beat. It was like picking up with old friends, a comfort level, and a sense of completeness. That isn't to say that it started with Sophie and Wes in an easy place--that seems next to impossible with their situation, and their history, but I was glad to be back in their lives nonetheless.
There are old characters that we're used to, and a new and intriguing character that we get inside his head. He's a great addition, and I love how he's introduced and then how he impacts the story.
Ms. Shorts gives the right information at the right time, and kept me breathless on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would turn out. She writes with an obvious passion, and I really appreciate how she can flesh out what the characters are feeling and thinking, putting me right into their shoes. She isn't afraid to blow up the character's worlds though, and no matter how hard it is to read, this really is a feat of a writer. Especially when I see no way to really reconcile it all, but have faith that somehow she will get them to the end!
This is a wonderful series, a great installment, and I can't wait until more from Sophie and Wes.