REVIEW: White Heat by Brenda Novak

Paradise in name only?

A religious cult has moved into what was once a ghost town--Paradise, Arizona. And their actions are cause for concern. One woman who escaped from the compound was nearly stoned to death. Another has gone missing altogether.

Private security contractor Nate Ferrentino is given the assignment of infiltrating the group. It's a challenge he welcomes...until he learns that Rachel Jessop, one of his colleagues at Department 6, has been chosen to accompany him. Nate's attracted to Rachel but because of their history, he prefers to keep his distance.

Problem is, they have to pretend to be married. Only couples can participate in certain rituals, which Nate and Rachel need to do if they're going to pierce the veil of secrecy. But when they find proof that cult leader Ethan Wycliff is as twisted as they feared, they know they have to set aside their differences...or Ethan might take more lives. Maybe even theirs....

Title: White Heat (Dept. 6 Hired Guns, #1)
Author: Brenda Novak
Format: paperback, 442 pages
Genre: romantic suspense
Source: review copy
Published: July 2010 by Mira
Buy the book: The Book Depository | Amazon
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Why I Read this Book: I have been reading quite of few romantic suspense novels lately and what I found out is that I really enjoy reading this sub-genre. I am also fascinated with CSI and forensics. So when I came across this book, it caught my interest. Though, I was a bit concerned about the religious cult element and I had hoped it wouldn’t be too overbearing. So much for wishful thinking.

What I Liked: The plot was well thought out. The religious cult that the author created was scarily surreal. We hear about cults like these in the news from time to time and this author nailed it right on the head.

The infiltration process was interesting, exciting and felt like a dangerous thrill ride. I was turning page after page, on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out how things were going to end. Once the action started happening, there was no putting this book down.

What I Didn’t Like: White Heat was heavy on the religious cult, and I mean lay it on thick heavy! Yes, I know that was the plot of the story before going in but it was a bit overwhelming.

I love tension, especially between the two main characters, but the characters also need have to chemistry. The air was filled with thick tension between Nate and Rachel but I wasn’t feeling the chemistry. And the love scenes between them left more to be desired. They were short and not too telling. I was hoping for steamy love scenes and unfortunately it was more fizzle than sizzle. The back story of the awkward feelings between Nate and Rachel wasn’t convincing, especially on Rachel’s part.

Overall Impression: White Heat was an okay read. It was a bit too long for my taste, especially with the lack of “heat” between the two main characters. Reading this book helped me figure out what I like and don’t like in a romantic suspense. I’m big on romance and unfortunately romance took a back seat in this book. If you’re looking for a book that focuses more on suspense and action, rather than romance, then White Heat is for you. Even though I didn’t love this book, I thought it was well written for the most part.

The Book Vixen’s Rating: