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kislany (Cyprus) (2007/07/03):
Hobby cryptologist Noelle Blance has learned since a child that her knowledge of decrypting codes could be used against the people if in the wrong hands. That's why when she got offered a grant to crack a potentially very important code for the government, she declines the offer, even if it means losing her job at the school where she teaches.
In the meantime, David Wolfe, a former Delta Force, is brought back into action to bodyguart Noelle, since she is the last great cryptologist in the US, since the previous 4 ones have been merciless tortured and killed by the Swarm, a terrorist group, which also killer his wife, Mary, two years ago.
Realising that at that time he hasn't killed all of the Swarm's group, he takes this last job, to revenge his wife's death while the Swarm is going after Noelle.
But of course, as in every romantic suspense novel, the sparks between the two main characters are sizzling until they are ready to erupt, burning everything in the process, including them in their desire for each other...
jazzypom (United Kingdom) (2008/06/14):
David Wolfe was a member of an elite US Corps team (rather like the Delta 6, or the Navy Seals) who helped to bring down The Swarm, a shadowy organisation. Two years ago, his wife was killed because of her connection to him. Heartsick and unable to handle it, David Wolfe stood down and walked away.Fast forward to now, and David Wolfe is drawn back into action, because the Swarm is back on the scene, and they are after a master cryptologist called Novelle Blanche. It's up to David to save Novelle, and to protect her long enough until she can crack the code given before The Swarm gets to her. Of course, there's a problem: for matters of her moral code (bred into her by her tough minded parents), Noelle refuses to work on a code that will hurt people, but that's tough luck, because she's the foremost scientist right now that can do that, and the Swarm are on the hunt for HER. So, she has to trust David Wolfe to protect her while she wrestles with her ideals while keeping step ahead of the Swarm. From what I gather, this is Ms Butler's first book, and it shows. The action is uneven, and at moments where a writer's soft touch is needed to give the characters space to react, she tends to rush through those scenes. Then, the other scenes where action and pace is needed, she tends to slow down on those. In addition, the code sequencing isn't really explained to us, so we don't know what she does, and as a result cannot share the thrill when Noelle actually cracks the code. Also, for someone with no military training, and a self confessed nerd, Noelle seems to instinctively know what to do in some hairy situations - which takes you out of the story at key moments. In spite of the grouses though, I actually loved David Wolfe and sympathised with his plight. He's still wrestling with guilt over the first wife, while trying to handle his burgeoning attraction and emotions with the sexy cryptologist. All this while trying to keep one step ahead of The Swarm. The story is a quick read, and if you're all about the 'alpha men protecting their women', the book will work for you. It seems that this book is the first for Ms. Butler in a series of military men and the women who love them. If you like Marliss Melton, you'll like Shannon Butler's work. There are similarities in the structure and the characterisations, but differences in the way they write. Worth a read if you're at sixes and sevens.
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