Personal Assignment

Terry
Odell
Genre: 
Suspense-Thriller

Nash Hanley, an operative for Blackthorne, Inc, and Danika Payton, an investigative reporter, find themselves occupying the same cabin in the Colorado mountains. Nash has permission to be there, Danika does not. Nash is recovering physically and mentally from a serious injury, which could limit his future with Blackthorne.  However, his plans for a little rest and reflection goes up in smoke when it becomes obvious that his unexpected, stowaway-guest is in serious trouble. Unable to leave Danika to fend for herself, Nash is determined to find out who has a grudge against her. However, falling for Danika was not a part of his plan.

“Personal Assignment” starts off with a bang—literally—initially delivering the action-packed, high-octane, romantic adventure and suspense novel, as promised.  However, the momentum fizzles spectacularly, becoming too bogged down by dull, unnecessary dialogue, too many characters, and Nash’s secondary side story. The plot is very murky, with vague, indistinct baddies, a very thin motive, and a rushed conclusion. The chemistry between Danika and Nash feels forced, causing the romantic elements to fall flat as well.  Oddly, most of the real sensuality between the couple is behind closed doors. That said, a little additional information, with more detail, and perhaps a little more aggressive editing, and the author has everything in place for a good, solid action-based thriller. This one could work, with or without strong romantic elements.  Recommended to the series’ followers and thriller fans.

Julie Whiteley