by Kat Martin
Series: Raines of Wind Canyon #7
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
"Mr. Justice! Mr. Justice, can you give us a moment of your time?"Sabrina Eckhart stared at the news broadcast on KTRK-TV. She had watched the segment run on an earlier edition, but found herself watching it again. The reporter, a small man with dark hair and a determined expression, hurried to keep up with Alex Justice's long strides as he walked out of the downtown Houston Police Department building. "Mr. Justice!" At the sight of several TV cameras, Alex's steps reluctantly slowed. "Everyone in the city is grateful for what you did," the reporter said. "People are calling you a hero. What do you think about that?" The man thrust a microphone into Alex's handsome face. Six two, dark blond hair and blue eyes, always dressed as if he'd just stepped out of a GQ magazine, Alex Justice was an amazing-looking man. "I'm a private investigator," Alex said. "I did what I was paid to do—find evidence that would identify the killer of a ten-year-old girl. I was lucky enough to make that happen. There's nothing heroic about it." "It's been said you'll do anything to catch your man. Is that true?" Alex just kept walking. There wasn't a glimpse of the deep dimples bracketing his mouth that Rina remembered so well. She hadn't seen him in more than six months, not since the day her best friend, Sage Du-mont, married Jake Cantrell, one of Alex's best friends.
Kat Martin always entertains me with her ex-military alpha males and the woman who finally win their playboy hearts. Against the Odds is the seventh book from the Raines of Wind Canyon series but don’t let that scare you as each works as a standalone. In this novel, we get smexy Alex Justice story and a side story regarding his sister and a totally lovable carpenter. Filled with action, suspense and a hot sizzling romance with just enough heat I quickly consumed this.
Alex works with his former military buddies at a security firm in Houston, and he has just collected DNA evidence that leads to the arrest of a child killer. He met hot little redhead Sabrina Eckhart at his best friend’s wedding and while there were sparks she clearly didn’t like him, so he is surprised and intrigued when she hires him to help her explore a mine she inherited from her Uncle Walter. As a former Navy pilot, he flies them down in his plane to West Texas and then rents a helicopter to explore the 3,000 acres. When the helicopter malfunctions things get a little heated, as events begin to occur leading him to believe that someone wants Sabrina dead. The tale that unfolds has two suspenseful threads with romances that kept me turning the pages.
Martin has a knack for creating characters that I end up rooting for. They are flawed noble and completely swoon-worthy. Alex Justice with his six-foot frame and piercing blue eyes is no exception. Despite his playboy ways, women from his past respect him and that says a lot. He is dedicated to his work and loyal to his friends and I loved how Sabrina got under his skin. Sabrina had a lucrative career in the stock marketing until the economy took a dump and now finds her net assets depleted so the prospect of a mine excites her. She finds Alex smexy and intriguing but doesn’t see them going anywhere. The more she learns about him the deeper she falls. I actually liked her, and despite her need to be in the middle of it all she was pretty leveled headed. The suspects, old characters, and Alex’s sister added humor, suspense, and romance to the tale.
The world building and weaving of the two storylines were solid, intense and captivated me. Sabrina’s inheritance and the threats against her and others made for intense moments and action-packed scenes as it thrust the couple together. The second tale regarding the child killer added an extra layer of suspense that had me flipping the pages searching for a happy ending. Sabrina felt genuine and as the reader, it was obvious to us how Alex was feeling but watching him figure it all out was fun and honestly, I only wanted to bop him on the head a few times. I loved the banter, the tender moments and of course the heat. Martin gives you just enough heat to let your imagination soar and it’s one of the things I like about her romances as the suspense is front and center.
Against the Odds were a wonderful romantic suspense and a lovely addition to the Raines of Wind Canyon series. Tomorrow on the blog I will be sharing my thoughts on Against the Edge book eight.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Lark
I don’t think I’ve read any Kat Martin yet, but I may have to give her a try. Thank you for the entertaining review!
kimbacaffeinate
ooh you sound like me Aurian!
kimbacaffeinate
ooh glad you loved it too and thanks for the get well wishes!
kimbacaffeinate
hehehehe..but romantic suspense is so good..and the characters aren’t dysfunctional!
Christy (Love of Books)
Don’t even do it, Kim. You’re not going to get me to start another series. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
aww thanks Jennifer 🙂
Jenniffer Wardell
You’ve been tagged for the Liebster Award! Check out the details here: http://jennifferwardell.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-liebster-award-more-about-me-and.html
kimbacaffeinate
So do I Candace and this series is perfect for that
Candace's Book Blog
I like series that are more companion novels rather than a continuing story line with the same characters. Well, that’s not true, I like both. But it’s nice to have the companions once in awhile. I’m glad this one was a winner for you!
kimbacaffeinate
agreed..yeah-ha!
Blodeuedd
Cowboy! All I need
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..yes the men who swear they won’t fall..always seem to fall the hardest and complain the loudest as they fall
Anna
Only wanted to bop him on the head a few times? Bwhaha that’s great. I love a good romantic suspense but haven’t read Kat yet. Gonna have to change that I think. I really enjoy characters that are a little flawed but have you falling for them anyways. Great review Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I like that element too Heidi.
Heidi
I haven’t read any romantic suspenses in a long while. I am curious about this author. I like that she provides just enough heat and lets your imagination do the rest! Hope you are feeling better!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Debbie everyday I am a little stronger
kimbacaffeinate
Uh-oh…
Diana Leigh
I can’t believe there are seven books in the series already! I’m so behind. *frets*
kimbacaffeinate
this was a fun read:)
kimbacaffeinate
I love alpha males too Ali!
kindlemom1
Okay for a second there your comment button was gone! Seriously, it was strange, I had to refresh and then there it was!
I have to say that lately I have picked up a couple of books with ex-military men being the main character and I liked them! I can’t help it, I seem to like the sexy alpha male almost as much as I like the sexy bad boy!
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
aww sometimes you gotta pick up a tried and true author
kimbacaffeinate
ooh you should try her especially if you like romantic suspense
Turning the Pages
That’s it as soon as I’m done catching up on all your posts that I’ve missed (Sorry for the influx of comments from me!) I’m checking out which of her books I can get from my library. Another great review!
Aurian
Great review, I really need to start reading some of her books. I must have at least 30 unread books on my shelves.
Barbara Walker
I can’t believe it’s been so long since I picked up a Kat Martin! You’ve made me all nostalgic and eager to go grab a big handful of them, especially this series. Great review!
Debbie Haupt
Thanks for the review Kim. Hope you’re feeling better 🙁