TO THE BRINK

Author: Cindy Gerard ISBN: 0312990936 1/2006 SUSPENSE Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS

Working on highly sensitive diplomatic affairs, Darcy Prescott is a natural target for terrorist kidnappers. But when she’s mysteriously plucked off a street in Manila one sultry night, Darcy’s disappearance isn’t what it seems… The moment Special Forces soldier Ethan Garrett laid eyes on Darcy, he knew she was the woman he would marry—and he did. But when their marriage fell apart, Ethan never really recovered. Now a highly paid bodyguard, Ethan quickly slips back into combat mode when he learns of Darcy’s disappearance and calls in old favors to assemble a rogue rescue team…. Tracking Darcy all the way to the jungles of the Philippines, Ethan knows every move he makes could mean the difference between life and death. His love for Darcy burns stronger than ever. But when he learns the true reason for her abduction, it may be too late to save her—or himself…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Oh man...

Not only does Cindy Gerard create flat-out exciting stories, her heroes are of the extremely macho, extremely virile, extremely sexy variety. The sort of rugged, hunky males who can move a female heart into a racy pitter patter.

The kind of heroes who can make a female sigh and breathe "oh my!"...repeatedly.

The third novel in Ms. Gerard's Bodyguards series is just as fresh, just as intense as the two previous installments. TO THE BRINK's storyline is fast moving and compelling, its hero - the eldest Garrett sibling, Ethan - just as potent as the first two spectacular male leads.

Ms. Gerard doesn't skimp on her heroines, either. TO THE BRINK, Darcy Prescott is more than a match for her ex-husband, Ethan Garrett. This dynamic, finely sketched couple balance each other nicely and their banter leads to some glowing, often humorous dialogue. The flashbacks to the pair's earlier tango are also effectively woven into this energy charged story.

TO THE BRINK's obviously well researched Philippines jungle setting gives the story a moody, sometimes dark feel. Splashes of humor, however, keep this story from slipping into a dark abyss...for the most part. There is one aspect of this story, I found too dark, too depressing, too much. A sub-plot I still find too disturbing. An aspect I will not divulge because of potential spoilers and because I don't want to perhaps color another reader's take on this story angle.

Despite that one complaint, I cannot recommend TO THE BRINK more highly. This novel is romantic suspense at its best.

Ms. Gerard, who made her mark in category romance, has made a remarkable transition to single-title novels. These longer stories are slick, edgy, thrilling, skillfully executed with some wonderfully sketched characters and loads of sizzle.

Debbie Jett