DANGEROUS PREY

Author: Lindsay McKenna ISBN: 9780373773213 12/2008 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: HQN

There's more than one way to fly... Expert pilot Kelly Trayhern thrives on risk—and nothing's more exciting than fighting fires, dropping water from her helicopter onto the blazes below. But on one especially perilous mission, the furious flames change her life in a way she never expected... Raptor rehabilitator Sky McCoy had his own dream of flying, dreams that were brutally crushed when he was a teenager, and only the quick actions of fearless Kelly Trayhern saved his life. He had to leave her then, but he's never forgotten her—and when she needs him most, nothing will keep him away. Now the mysterious Native American is determined to heal Kelly's spirit as he heals his birds of prey. But can he save her life despite the evil threat he knows is looming, waiting to destroy everything he loves?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

DANGEROUS PREY is one of those book where from the moment the first scene begins, the reader wants to see what happens, step by step, without putting the book down. This isn't a fast-paced sort of story by any means, but its slow, steady progression from beginning to end is satisfying and interesting. I learned more about raptors and rehabilitation than I ever dreamed I would, and the lessons were skillfully blended into a sweet, poignant love story. Definitely worth the time it took to read!

Kelly is a heroine who moves from one kind of heroism to another with ease, but when a horrible accident leaves her its only survivor, she cannot face beginning anew. Enter a mother's good intentions. Thankfully, those around Kelly care enough to get her the kind of help she needs, and what begins as another's "good deed" turns into a lifesaver for both parties. Sky is a man who has his own issues—plenty of them—and demons chasing him so he easily understands what Kelly is going through. They battle their demons, both separately and together, and find a way to get through one of their greatest challenges yet. Neither can know that kidnapping and evil are in their future, but the trust and respect they find is what they will rely on to get them through what lies ahead.

I think what I enjoyed most about this story is the way it puts two wounded souls together. Neither is perfect or untouched, and no pretense is made about that. DANGEROUS PREY shows that even a less-than-perfect start to a relationship can bring positive change for all involved. Solid storytelling, an intriguing story and a setting that soars makes DANGEROUS PREY a highly enjoyable read!

Kay James