Sabotaged

The Iditarod, a hostage scenario, date rape, and robberies? Sounds like the combination for an intriguing romantic suspense novel.

The cover model's eye is an interesting and beautiful mix of blue, green, and brown. I'm not sure I've seen eyes like hers. I don't know if it's natural or enhanced, but it added a spark to the cover. The rest of the cover was beautiful as well. I especially liked seeing the dog sledding dogs. I've been intrigued by the Iditarod since I first saw the movie Iron Will. I also like how the title is recessed in the cover. I haven't seen another book do that before, so it made it really unique.

The date rape took place prior to the opening of the book, so part of the journey within the story was especially tense because of the lingering effects a particular character had to deal with because of that experience. I felt that this issue was handled with care yet was also presented in a mostly realistic way. I say “mostly” because I'm not sure the person would have been as eager to kiss a person of the opposite sex before she fully dealt with the hurts of her past (though each person who's been through something like that reacts differently). The first kiss came much too early in the story for me, especially because of this character's past. I would have appreciated a bit more patience before that moment.

Mystery came at every turn. The twists were unpredictable, and they inspired more questions than answers through the first half or so, which I loved. I like it when an author can keep me guessing and curious throughout an entire novel. This book definitely succeeded.

Early in the story, the leads slept curled up together in a cave. I realize it was cold outside, but this was still awkward to me since the leads were unmarried.

Trigger: date rape

Content: alcohol, date rape, sexual terms, derogatory term