Book: Ricochet (R, S)
Jessica Andersen's Ricochet is a refreshing novel of romantic suspense. Refreshing, because the two protagonists are actually aware of how their respective pasts may hinder their responses in relationships and (drum roll please) they actually talk about their hang-ups before they become involved!
Alissa Wyatt is a new crime lab analyst (think CSI) in a small police department. All the cops resent her and the two other new analysts because the last CSI guy was well-liked, even if he was technologically way behind the times. Alissa's love interest is Tucker McDermott, a cop in that department with whom she almost had a one-night stand before she started working there (he bailed at the last minute when he found out she would be working with him).
Tucker is actually self-aware and emotionally honest with himself and with Alissa. He has communication skills and experience real conflict. It's like all the stuff that these guys should say and think and try to figure out, he actually does. I actually found myself gaping at some of the honest things he says to Alissa (in a good way).
The language is smooth and powerful and really evokes the emotions of the characters. Hey, what can I say, I am a sucker for strong writing! The suspense is tight and well-paced, and my complaints are few.
First, the final thirty pages involve a major TSTL (too stupid to live) decision from the heroine that needlessly places her in danger just so the hero can rescue her (she goes against character and follows an "instinct" that actually places her in greater danger). Ummm, why? Also, a reference to the heroine's "woman's weakness" during a scary situation really annoyed me; even if fear could be considered a kind of weakness, it is experienced by ALL people, not just women. This phrase was used to reinforce the idea that this is a damsel in distress (which she would not have been except for her TSTL decision).
Also, Alissa's analysis specialties supposedly include sketching and skeletal reconstruction, but she gets to do very little besides taking crime scene photos and casting a footprint. I guess this was a case of tell instead of show as far as her skills go, and I was a little disappointed.
Despite these minor flaws, which stand out further because of the high quality of the novel as a whole, you can't beat solid writing, strong romance, and heartstopping action. I look forward to the sequels; Alissa has two female friends on her forensics team who no doubt need to meet Mr. Right.
Grade: A-
Alissa Wyatt is a new crime lab analyst (think CSI) in a small police department. All the cops resent her and the two other new analysts because the last CSI guy was well-liked, even if he was technologically way behind the times. Alissa's love interest is Tucker McDermott, a cop in that department with whom she almost had a one-night stand before she started working there (he bailed at the last minute when he found out she would be working with him).
Tucker is actually self-aware and emotionally honest with himself and with Alissa. He has communication skills and experience real conflict. It's like all the stuff that these guys should say and think and try to figure out, he actually does. I actually found myself gaping at some of the honest things he says to Alissa (in a good way).
The language is smooth and powerful and really evokes the emotions of the characters. Hey, what can I say, I am a sucker for strong writing! The suspense is tight and well-paced, and my complaints are few.
First, the final thirty pages involve a major TSTL (too stupid to live) decision from the heroine that needlessly places her in danger just so the hero can rescue her (she goes against character and follows an "instinct" that actually places her in greater danger). Ummm, why? Also, a reference to the heroine's "woman's weakness" during a scary situation really annoyed me; even if fear could be considered a kind of weakness, it is experienced by ALL people, not just women. This phrase was used to reinforce the idea that this is a damsel in distress (which she would not have been except for her TSTL decision).
Also, Alissa's analysis specialties supposedly include sketching and skeletal reconstruction, but she gets to do very little besides taking crime scene photos and casting a footprint. I guess this was a case of tell instead of show as far as her skills go, and I was a little disappointed.
Despite these minor flaws, which stand out further because of the high quality of the novel as a whole, you can't beat solid writing, strong romance, and heartstopping action. I look forward to the sequels; Alissa has two female friends on her forensics team who no doubt need to meet Mr. Right.
Grade: A-
posted by JJ at 6:20 AM
