Under Currents by Traci Hunter Abramson

Genre: Action, Romance

Publication Date: March 2004

One Word Review: Good

Author Website: www.tracihunterabramson.com

GoodReads Synopsis: Shaye Kendall, an Olympic-bound swimmer, has been in the witness protection program ever since she witnessed her boyfriend's murder. She now has a new name, a new life, and strict orders not to reveal her secret. But fitting into a community is hard when you can't tell people anything about yourself. She doesn't dare get involved with her new friend Matt Whitmore. The fact that Matt's father is a high-profile senator could give her the kind of exposure she doesn't need. How can you fall in love when you can never reveal who you really are? But when someone almost takes her life, Shaye recognizes that whoever is after her knows exactly who and where she is. Can she trust Matt to help her? Can she trust his family?

Kathy’s Review: I didn’t realize when I started this book that it was the first in a trilogy. I knew it was part of a series, but thought it was a stand-alone type book. I think it would have made a bit of a difference if I had known that going in. I really enjoyed the story and plot. I liked the idea of our main character going into the Witness Protection Program and what that kind of life would be like. Although the situation was serious, it was fun going along for the ride with Shaye. I liked Shaye and Matt. My only complaint is that she fell for Matt a little too soon after everything that had happened with her Ex. The book ends without any real closure, but luckily I already had the second book on hand and was able to dive in to that one. I think it’s a fun book and would recommend to anyone who likes a little adventure with their romance.

Bookworm Rating: 4

Reading Order:
Book One: Under Currents
Book Two: Ripple Effect
Book Three: Deep End

Royal Target by Traci Hunter Abramson

Genre: Action, Romance

Publication Date: October 2008

One Word Review: Good

Author Website: www.tracihunterabramson.com

GoodReads Synopsis:When CIA agent Janessa Rogers meets the royal family of Meridia on assignment, she expects to use her skills in linguistics and security to protect and serve, but she doesn't expect to find herself engaged to Prince Garrett Fortier, Meridia's most eligible bachelor, as part of the security plan. And she certainly doesn't expect to fall in love with him. Janessa resists her feelings, fearing conflicts in her personal and professional life, yet when the prince admits his feigned affection has become genuine she can no longer pretend. Matters of security, society, and spirituality make their unlikely romance even more complex, and escalating political intrigue gives Janessa an excuse to ignore the questions in her heart. But when a terrorist plot against the royal family endangers them both, Janessa and Garrett must face the challenges of loyalty to family, to country, to God--and to love.

Kathy’s Review: I enjoyed this story, I liked the plot idea and thought the story flowed nicely. It’s a fun book to curl up with on a snowy day. I liked our main character Janessa, she was easy to relate to. While she is a tough CIA agent, she doesn’t come across too tough. She and Garrett had good chemistry together and I liked how their story unfolded. I did think they fell in love a little fast; it drives me crazy when characters are declaring their love for each other when they’ve only known each other a few weeks. Just a personal pet-peeve. A fun adventure, I’ll definitely be checking out more of Abramson’s books.

Bookworm Rating: 4

Freefall by Traci Hunter Abramson

Genre: Action-Romance

Publication Date: February 2008

One Word Review: Enjoyable

Author Website: http://www.tracihunterabramson.com/

First Line: “My father is going to kill me, Amy Whitmore thought to herself.”

GoodReads Synopsis: Lieutenant Brent Miller arrived in the Middle East with one objective--get seven hostages out of a hostile country. The plan almost worked. But now he has been left behind--with one of the hostages. It's up to Brent to get Amy Whitmore, a US Senator's daughter, across miles of desert to safety. What he doesn't know is that to survive, he needs her as much as she needs him.

Kathy’s Review: I’ve seen these books popping up here and there and finally decided to read them. I thought this was the first, but I guess It’s actually Abramson’s fourth book (I think it’s the first in this series though?). Overall, I enjoyed the story. There is plenty of action and romance. I liked Amy’s character, she is sharp, understanding and knows how to take care of herself. There were a few times that I thought she sounded too good to be true. For example, there are about 17 terrorists that kidnap her, when she is rescued she is able to draw most if not all their sketches (not only does she remember them but she draws them herself). Eye witness testimony is so unreliable anyway, and for her to remember so many different faces under those circumstances seemed a little too farfetched for me. But, it’s a fiction novel, so who cares, right? Anyway, I thought Brent was okay. He didn’t come across as tough as I would have liked, but I did like his character. They had good chemistry together and I thought their story evolved well. I enjoyed the story and plan on reading the rest of the series.

I think the cover is a little misleading, the White House isn't in the story at all but is the main featuer on the cover...just an observation.

Bookworm Rating: 3.5

Saint Squad Series:
Book One: Freefall
Book Two: Lockdown
Book Three: Crossfire
Book Four: Backlash