OUTCAST

Author: Joan Johnston ISBN: 9780778325741 7/2009 SUSPENSE Publisher: MIRA

Ben Benedict is tortured by nightmares... Society bachelor and former army sniper Ben Benedict moves between two worlds—from high-society Washington to the mean city streets, from tuxedos to Glocks. His powerful Virginia family wants him out of harm's way, but Ben stays on the job, determined to make amends for a past that haunts him. And becomes a ticking time bomb Dr. Anna Schuster is fighting demons of her own when she crosses paths with Agent Benedict. The two become adversaries—and lovers—as they search for an al Qaeda operative bent on revenge. Ben must fight against time—and his own darkness—to rescue millions of innocents and the woman he loves from a virulent bioweapon in the hands of a dangerous enemy.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I generally like Joan Johnston books. She is a great writer and always writes good, solid storylines. OUTCAST is a good book; not great, but good. I found myself reading it because I really wanted to know how everything turned out. There was plenty of action; the book is definitely not boring. There is also great chemistry between the two lead characters, and I liked a lot of the secondary characters and would definitely like to see some books on some of them in the future.

My problem with the book is that everything is just too pretty. Everything ties up nice and neat, with the exception of one death that didn’t really shock me at all. Other than that, everything felt kinda mediocre in terms of the plot. Everything seemed to be tied up with a pretty bow. I didn't see the angst that I need in my lovers; I didn't feel any real upset or rush of emotions while I read. But, again, I have to say it is a good read; just not great. Read it if you are a fan of Joan Johnston or want a quick read during the long evening.

Even though OUTCAST didn't meet my expectations, there are still some very good parts in the book that make it worth a read.

Kristal Gorman