This first book in the Adrenaline Search and Rescue series introduces us to Marcus, head of the Lifeline S&R team ,and Becki, once a student of Marcus's with whom he shared a brief sexual fling and now a search and rescue professional in her own right. Becki has come to Banff to work with Marcus's team and has never forgotten their passionate affair. Both Becki and Marcus struggle with PTSD from traumas in their past, in which Becki lost a climbing partner and the memories related to the accident and Marcus lost a co-worker - and part of his arm. Their passion re-ignites easily but their new emotional wounds threaten their chance at happiness.I found this book to be a thrilling read, combining pulse pounding action scenes with hot and steamy sexual encounters. It was refreshing to read of an amputee who is still wholly male, confident and dominant, in the bedroom and out. Marcus's emotional side comes through well and the author has done an excellent job at not having the reader pity him for his injury but rather admire his strength and courage. Similarly the portrayal of a heroine who is strong and confident on the outside while dealing with the internal emotional effects of the climbing accident is pulled off well in Becki. As the story progresses and the details of the traumas they've individually experienced emerges, it becomes clear that the two main characters are perfect foils for each other. Fast paced, sexy and suspenseful with humorous dialogue and entertaining secondary characters that round out the story, this contemporary romance delights on all levels. 5 stars! I admit it. I started reading this series because of the setting. I LOVE The Rocky Mountains! And the resort area of Banff, Alberta is one of the most beautiful in the country. I kept reading because of the characters. Okay, and the chemistry between them, smoking, sexy, and downright hot. And the camaraderie of the group. The life and death stakes didn't hurt either. For this lover of suspense it was a great ride!
What do You think about High Risk (2013)?
Lots of sexy times combined with an excellent story that has twists to it I didn't see coming.
—JRod23
Love this man! Mrs. Arend puts so much passion into her novels, she is one of my faves!
—doris
