Thursday, May 17, 2012

Shades of Desire Falls Flat



Natalie Jones is a survivor of an elusive killer who preys on young women and then disappears from view. Since her terrorfying ordeal, the once vibrant photographer has isolated herself in her home, paralyzed by fear and her failing vision.
Special Agent Liam “Mac” McKenzie has scars of his own. Despite his efforts to ignore the attraction that simmers between him and Natalie, he needs her help to catch a killer. Soon , they forge an alliance- charged with desire. Through a soft-focus lens, Natalie dares to envision a future with Mac beyond the investigation, never guessing that the clues hidden within her photographs are drawing them into a confrontation with a madman.
While I enjoyed the premise behind Virna DePaul’s Shades of Desire I felt it was lacking in relationship build up. The suspense in the book was well written; however Natalie and Mac spent more time bickering than getting to know each other. The next thing you know the pair is falling into bed with each other. It felt like the romance went from zero to sixty without any build up. There was plenty of sizzle without the simmer. I loved that both characters were flawed, and I liked the secondary characters, but the main couple in the book failed to grab me.
Ms. Depaul’s writing style is smooth and it flows very well. I have enjoyed other books from this author and will read her again. But Shades of Desire didn’t meet with the expectations that I have in a good romantic suspense. 

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