NO CONTROL

Author: Shannon K. Butcher ISBN: 9780446618663 2/2008 SUSPENSE Publisher: GRAND CENTRAL

NO HIDING. Lana Hancock knows all about danger—and betrayal. Eighteen months ago, she was captured by a terrorist group known as the Swarm while one of its members, a rugged man with sinfully dark eyes, did nothing to help her. Now when she's freed and desperate to put it all behind her, the unthinkable happens. The Swarm is targeting Lana once again and the man who stood silently by has become her protector. But can she trust him? NO ESCAPE. Delta Force operative Caleb Stone will never forget the hatred shining in Lana's eyes. Ordered to take down the Swarm by infiltrating its ranks, Caleb couldn't blow his cover to save her—no matter how much it haunted him. Now, gifted with a second chance, he vows to move heaven and earth to protect her...and fulfill her every desire. But the Swarm has reorganized. It's more powerful than ever and hell-bent on revenge... NO CONTROL.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

NO CONTROL was a frustrating read for me. I'd heard such great buzz about this author and started the book with great enthusiasm. It was fairly fabulous for the first 150 pages or so, but after that, I never felt like the plot really developed. It just went through the paces of getting to the end. Partially, I think it was just too long for the plot Butcher had and it got quite repetitive.

Another problem was the soulless killer aspect of the book. Yes, people like this exist, but in fiction it's nice to have the villains be more interesting.

I did read an advance copy, so I hope the published version is tightened. Cutting fifty or so pages might really help the pacing for this book.

NO CONTROL is the second book in a loosely connected series. I didn't read the first book, NO REGRETS, but I don't think that was a problem. The third book is due out this October.

Heather Hiestand