Colder Than Sin
3 Stars

Quentin Savage, head of the FBI negotiation unit, is in Indonesia giving the keynote address at a security conference when terrorists attack the luxury resort. In the melee, Quentin and Haley Cramer, CEO of a private security firm, are taken hostage and find themselves forced to resort to any and all measures to stay alive.

***Warning: This book contains references to and details of sexual assault and violence***

The suspense plot is exciting with some solid action scenes, especially at the beginning. Nevertheless, the identity of the mastermind and their motive is obvious early on and all the reader can do is wait for the characters to catch up.

The romance between Quentin and Haley has its moments but is also problematic. To begin with, their initial relationship is based primarily on sex, and the fact that Haley has sex with Quention immediately following Wenck's assault lacks veracity. There is also the impression that without the kidnapping, nothing would have developed between Haley and Quention beyond their instant attraction.

Moreover, neither Quention nor Haley completely fulfills the potential of the characters. Quentin's supposed negotiating skills fail him at key times, and he has to resort to more physical means to survive. Haley is presented as a strong-willed and independent woman but often comes across as weak and whiny.

Finally, there are too many references or incidents of sexual violence. Yes, the situation sets the stage for this, but Haley was raped as teen, mauled by Wenck, and then almost raped by the terrorists. Darby was also raped by several men. . It is all way too excessive and overdone.

All in all, this is one of the weaker installments in the series although the hints at a connection between Darby O'Roarke and FBI agent Eban Winters are very intriguing and I look forward to their story (#5 in this spin off series). ( )

Cold Justice - Crossfire: FBI Romantic Suspense Book 2