Monday, April 7, 2008

Review: Silent Guardian

Silent Guardian
by Mallory Kane

Geoffrey Archer is all that stands between a madman and his next victim. When the ex-cop learns that beautiful Resa Wade is being targeted by the same suspect who had cost Geoff his career and his family, he feels duty-bound to protect her. Keeping her safe means keeping her with him—even though his instincts warn him that her presence poses a threat to his guarded heart. The closer they get, the more angry Resa's stalker becomes. Is giving in to unexpected passion the best way to flush out the perpetrator…and will Geoff and Resa be able to walk away when all is said and done?

Silent Guardian is an engrossing thriller that grabbed my attention from the first paragraph with a perfect blend of tension and romance.

The plot revolves around a serial rapist--which is not a story line I would necessarily choose--but unlike other suspense novels I’ve read and hated, the author here keeps the violence “offstage.” So rather than wallowing in the atrocity of the crime, this author chooses to show us the damage it leaves behind, and how that damage creates a bond between the hero and heroine.

The heroine, Resa, has seen her sister’s life destroyed by the rapist and is determined to bring him to justice. I really appreciated that Resa is an active character; she takes practical steps to protect herself and refuses to let the hero ignore her or her cause. The author clearly shows us Resa’s fear but without making the growing attraction between her and the hero seem unlikely. In fact, the novel crackles with sexual tension and the spicy love scenes do not disappoint.

The hero, Archer, is an even more damaged soul than Resa and the author does a good job of making us understand his pain. Archer is such a believable character that the reader is eager for his healing--both physical and spiritual--to take place. I especially liked the scenes written in Archer’s point of view; I felt they had a real authenticity and a depth of characterization that made him come alive.

The scenes from the villain’s point of view add to the horror caused by his crimes and ratchet up the suspense as the reader gains insights into his plans. The story built with just the right amount of tension and kept me absorbed until the very end.
Overall, I thought it was very well done. So, if you enjoy a suspenseful mystery wrapped around a spicy love story, Silent Guardian is well worth your time.



Review by Hydrangea







Win This Book!

This book is part of our April "Book-a-Day Giveaway"!

Edited to add: Congratulations to Cindi H. -- the winner of this daily giveaway!

22 comments:

tetewa said...

Sounds like my kind of read!

CrystalGB said...

Sounds great. :)

limecello said...

Sounds like an interesting read - a lot of suspense types up for grabs!

Meljprincess said...

I enjoy Intrigues. Would like to win. Thanks.

Melissa K.
Meljprincess@aol.com

Karen H in NC said...

Sounds good...cover ain't bad either! I want to win!

Karin said...

Please enter me--sounds good! Thank you.

windycindy said...

Hi, Suspense and romance! How much better can it get?! Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Jane said...

Sounds like a great romantic suspense.

Estella said...

I enjoy romantic suspense.

kissinoak at verizon.net

acdaisy95 said...

Sounds great!

sunflower95_daisy AT yahoo DOT com

Sue A. said...

Sounds like a good read!

Kimberly L said...

Sounds like a great read. Loved the review.

Sarah said...

This one really sounds like a nice read.

Mary f said...

Count me in, please....

MOUNDSBAR said...

Interesting read!

Pam P said...

Sounds like one I 'd like with the suspense.

DaffyHercules said...

I'm looking to stock-pile some books for my summer reading pleasure, and I'd love to add this one!

judy said...

The excerpt shows that is one of my kind of suspense romance. Put me in the pot for the giveaway.

blessedheart said...

Great excerpt - I'd love to read this story!

Rhonda :0)

ArkieRN said...

I love thrilling romances! Put my name in, please.

Karrie said...

I would love to win this, the book sounds great

Dena said...

Sounds like a great read.