I think we can agree that regardless of how much you love an author, that doesn't always mean you'll like everything they write, as not everything is for everyone and tastes do vary. However, Susan is one of those rare authors for me...I have loved every book she has written and this one is no exception. I love the fact that I know I'm reading a new book with each release. Yes, some of the characters will be reoccurring due to it being a series, but the character's personalities are never the same. Everyone is a distinct character. They're like a snowflake...no two are alike. Each story is unique unto itself, never feeling like it's repackaged. That is the sign of true talent in my eyes and one of the main reasons she's a favorite.
Ghost, abrka (also, but rarely, known as Keane LOL), is in London on a layover while traveling home after a mission. (A very important one and if you read Protecting the Future you'll be in on the secret.) Rayne, a flight attendant, sees him sitting down and despite how unlike her it is, she approaches him and asks if she can sit there. I can literally picture the steam rising from these two as they chitchat and surreptitiously side eye each other. When it's announced that their layover has resulted in a cancelled flight due to the weather, they decide to go sightseeing together.
As their day progresses, they get to know each other, although Rayne knows him as his alias, John Benbrook, she calls him Ghost and he stays true to himself while in her company. It's apparent where they'd both like this to end, but Ghost is very up front that it'll only be for one night and Rayne, having never done anything like this before, is deciding whether or not she can accept his terms.
Of course, Rayne accepts them. Their day of fun and sexual tension results in a night so hot it's a wonder they didn't catch the hotel on fire. Ghost can't understand why his usual distance isn't working for him, but he accepts that Rayne is different, and upon seeing her tattoo, one that perfectly symbolizes all he is, he knows she's meant to be his, but he feels his life doesn't allow for commitment. So he does what he always does...he leaves, but this time it's different because he doesn't want to leave.
Six months later we catch up with Rayne and learn that she's having a hard time letting Ghost go, and has in fact made same additions to her tattoo to help memorialize their connection. But she also knows she needs to move on as Ghost unequivocally told her what their night meant...a good time and nothing more. Except we learn from Ghost that that isn't the case. He can't stop thinking about her and wishing things were different, and he hasn't been with anyone else since her. We get the impression that's a huge deal in his world and even if it wasnt, Ghost now carries her with him in the form of Rayne's tattoo with his own personal additions to commemorate that night. *Sa-woon ladies.*
They both know that night meant more than they agreed on, but they also know their time together is over and they should both let go and move forward. Thankfully, fate being the bloody genius that she is, decides that just won't do and events conspire to reunite them.
Unfortunately for Rayne, this reunion comes becomes Ghost and his team are sent on a mission to Cairo, to rescue hostages from a terrorist situation. Yeah, Rayne is one of those hostages along with her sightseeing group. Rayne made a mistake and she is really regretting it. She knows what not to do in certain situations as her brother, Chase, is in the Counterterrorism unit with the Army, stationed at the same base as Ghost as a matter of fact, but she mistakenly tries to get one of the terrorists, a young boy, to view her as a human, but it backfires in a big way as he singles her out and thus she becomes an unwilling participant in a ritual. A very brutal, for the woman, ritual that will result in the boy becoming a man, in front of a cheering, and leering, audience and everything is gleefully being announced by this evil as all get out man that I have dubbed "The Narrator." *shudders in remembrance* That's all I'm saying on this part as you need to read it yourself to truly experience the level of depravity they're teaching these impressionable boys.
Ghost, devastated to learn Rayne is in danger, finds her, freeing her with Wolf's help. Phew, that suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat
After an enlightening conversation with Wolf while Rayne sleeps, Ghost realizes maybe he can have both a personal and professional life and goes about getting Rayne to agree. Of course, this is made a little more difficult by the fact that Rayne now realizes Ghost lied to her the whole time they were together. She understands why, based upon his job, but it still hurts.
But Rayne agrees to stay with Ghost and give a relationship with him a chance. Two things immediately halt any hesitation she may have been feeling. Nope, I'm not telling you what they are, but oh man, the feels...
As Ghost and Rayne adjust to living together and coupledom, Rayne grows close to his friends and she and Ghost grow closer by the day. They both know they've found something true, something worth fighting for, until one stupid male action by Ghost...he tries to push Rayne away after being injured. See, stupid male action. He can't be all alphastastic when he's laid up injured in a hospital bed, right? *mentally head slaps Ghost*
Will Ghost man up and realize he was a jerk and Rayne didn't need him to protect her from his work hazards nor for him to be infallible? Will Rayne take the risk and leave her life behind permanently to begin a new one with Ghost? Will Fletch, one of Ghost's teammates, get a chance with his new tenant? *I am so excited that's the next book and yeah ladies, I already licked him, so he's mine. Hands off. Side eye being given.* Will Truck, another teammate, and Mary, Rayne's best friend, continue their entertaining banter? *Fingers crossed they wind up together.* Will Rayne be able to overcome her fears and travel internationally for her job again?
People, do not hesitate any longer, stop what you're doing and one-click this book now. It is fan-freaking-tastic and I am anxiously awaiting book two. I'm already addicted to this new series, have fallen in love with the characters, and adore this couple.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I also, as I always do with a book from this author, pre-ordered a copy.**