IN THE DARK

Author: Marliss Melton ISBN: 0446614920 6/2005 SUSPENSE Publisher: WARNER FOREVER

Hannah Geary wants revenge. A rogue SEAL commander had her Defense Intelligence partner killed, he threw her into a Cuban prison, and he's still trafficking stolen weapons. But to catch a bad SEAL, she needs a good one. Lt. Luther Lindstrom is used to calling his own shots-in combat and in the bedroom. He just ended his engagement to his pretty-in-pink, cheating fiancée. The last thing he wants is a relationship, especially with a sexy, strong-willed woman like Hannah. Yet danger has a way of driving people together. With Hannah and Luther only a step away from one of the FBI's most wanted criminals, their attraction grows to explosive proportions. It's where danger rules, and passions run wild...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I can't remember a dedication in any novel really nabbing my attention before. But Marliss Melton's dedication in IN THE DARK did.

"In memory of Pat Tillman, former NFL player, who gave up the glamour of fooball to become The Best of the Best - a U.S. Army Ranger. On Thursday, April 22, 2004, this incredible patriot lost his life in a firefight in southeastern Afghanistan. He was only twenty-seven years old. If years were measured in units of courage, sacrifice, and dedication, then Pat Tillman would have lived longer than most. He certainly lived stronger."

Yes, this poignant dedication snared my attention, but what was within the pages of IN THE DARK held it.

IN THE DARK is fabulous.

Ms. Melton blends two terrific lead characters with an action packed thriller to create a really appealing, entertaining romantic suspense. Neither the romance or the suspense overwhelms the story—each aspect balances nicely.

Luther Lindstrom, who gave up a lucrative NFL career to become a Navy SEAL, is a perfect hero. A big, bad alpha male, Luther has a gooey marshmallow heart—especially where his heroine, Hannah Geary, is concerned. Luther is adorable, a big, cuddly teddy bear.

Hannah is a kick-butt heroine who never loses her femimine side. She can cry and cling to Luther at times, but she proves repeatedly she is capable of taking care of herself.

And Luther...

Ms. Melton created two memorable lead characters for IN THE DARK. Finely sketched, Luther and Hannah are dynamic separately. Together they rock.

My only complaint with IN THE DARK—aside from the fact it had to end—was a secondary romance between another SEAL and the woman who was using him for stud service. This romance, I think, didn't really add anything to the story. It did, however, take focus away from the main characters and the suspense.

Otherwise, I can't recommend IN THE DARK highly enough. The romance and the suspense are both top notch—with engaging characters, just the right touch of humor and an intriguing thriller.

Debbie Jett