Contact

I just finished CONTACT by Susan Grant last night and I have to tell you --it is spectacular. From the first page to the last, it is full of emotion.Add just the right blend of romance, mystery, and adventure and you haveone of the best reads of the year. Although this is definitely a science fiction romance, it isn't a futuristicinstead taking place in present day. Jordan Cady is a pilot for United (like Sue herself) and widowed mother of a young daughter when the plane sheis co-piloting is swallowed up by an alien aircraft. The aliens areactually part of the human race, albeit highly sophisticated. When thepassengers are told that earth has been destroyed by a comet, the alienspaceship in fact rescuing them, they feel a mixture of shock, grief, andrelief. Chosen as a spokesperson for the "rescuers" is Kao, the adopted son of theirleader. And, this being a romance, after all, Jordan and Kao "click" withseveral pretty steamy scenes . References to 9/11 make an impact on the reader and the story takes a lot oftwists in turns, really showing Grant's talents as one of the one ofromances new stars. The growth in her writing after just four books isremarkable -- given that even her first book was oustanding. I am not a sci-fi reader, in fact, other than books by Grant and CatherineAsaro, have not read others in this genre. So, I have to recommend thisbook for not only sci-fi fans but those who just want a well-written,compelling read. This one got me out of a mini reading slump and I finishedin just two days (very busy days at that).

This is one of the most realistic romance books I have ever read. The suspense is a real kicker and will not let you put this one down. The Courage Laws will really make you examine yourself. Jordon & Kao are both strong characters that are thrown together unexpectedly. Kao, an ex-POW in a zombie state, his only purpose in life"--clear his father's name" and Jordon, an airline pilot, just wants 2 weeks vacation and to keep her promise to her daughter "Boo". The two have the ideal 50/50 relationship. I agree with Barb (Jordon's mother) "No matter how strong a woman is, she deserves a strong man." I've been waiting for the release of this book and definitely have not been disappointed. Susan Grant, one of my favorite authors, has done it again!!!! My only question is: When will the movie be released?

**A Perfect 10**Susan Grant's splendid visual imagery, natural dialogue and superb characterization combine to make the impossible not only possible, but plausible in her latest book, CONTACT.  The mental and emotional turmoil Jordan and Kao endure will wring your emotions and touch your heart.  Keep a box of tissues handy.  Trust me.  Even those who never cry over books will find themselves teary-eyed.I don't believe in alien life on other planets, but I enjoy sci-fi romance.  In fact, my all time favorite book is WARRIOR'S WOMAN by Johanna Lindsey.  As much as I love that book, however, it's just fantasy.  CONTACT affected me in a way I never expected, for while I read it, it WAS real.  Things I accepted as absolute truth before I began reading melted away, just as they did for the passengers of United 58.  Ms Grant displays wisdom by not allowing the passengers to presume alien abduction.  Instead, they believe themselves victims of a terrorist hijacking, a much more believable scenario.  Only later do they realize the truth, yet even then they do not passively accept their fate.  They are Americans and struggle to hold onto as much of their way of life as possible, which is what I would expect.  Some readers may not like the fact that a number of passengers wanted a male leader, rather than Jordan, feeling it sexist.  But I applaud the author for not following the politically correct path.  Yes, it was sexist of those members to prefer a male over a female, but in that same scenario I'd have wanted a strong male too, if available.  Sue me.  I don't think it showed a lack of respect for Jordan.  On the contrary, they respected her a great deal.  Still, it's normal to seek comfort and need security when life turns upside down, and their desire for a strong, male leader was simply an attempt to gain that extra feeling of security.  Wrong?  Maybe.  But entirely human.I haven't written much about the poignant romance, delved into the complex motivations that drive Jordan and Kao, the painful conflicts between them, or the destructive forces that threaten all they hold dear, and those alone would make this book a keeper.  However, it's Ms Grant's ability to place the reader into the story as if a participant, rather than just an observer, and to make one accept the possibility, even if only for a moment, that will leave you breathless.For a story that will make you feel, make you think, make you believe, don't miss CONTACT.

I waited for this book for a long time. That's dangerous...because it sets one up for disappointment...but Contact was everything I've come to expect from Susan Grant's books...and more. An intelligent, kick-bootie heroine, a to-die-for hero...sweet and strong...and enough action to keep me turning the pages practically nonstop...a definite reread. Verrry highly recommended.

United Airlines First Officer Jordan Cady never dreamt that flight 58 might be her last-on Earth, that is. When the plane is apparently swallowed in mid flight, the first thought that goes through Jordan's, the Captains, and other crewmembers mind is a highjacking. Flashes of 9/11 and terrorist cross all of their minds, bringing instantaneous safety precautions to the forefront. The fear of what they're facing, and then the reality of facing what can only be aliens, brings about the death of the Captain of flight 58, immediately throwing Jordan into the lead role. She takes up the reins beautifully, determined to find out what exactly is going on, and what she, her crew, and passengers can do to save themselves. When the aliens try to breach the aircraft, Jordan, with the help of her crew and some passengers, fight in the only way open to them-resulting in injury to some, and eventually the capture of the alien who appears to be in charge. Answers are what Jordan is after-not harming anyone. Kao Vantaar-Moray has been traveling with his adopted father, Commander-elite Ilya Moray; on his ship The Savior, recuperating after returning from being a POW in the war with the Talagars. The Savior is a perimeter patrol ship, created to patrol and protect the borders. Kao is scarred both physically and mentally from his POW experience, and after being stripped of his military rank and honor, is still floundering for what he's meant to do now. So his father, Commander Moray, puts him in charge of the `refugees' they've rescued from Earths apparent destruction. Kao is determined to do an incredible job, garnering his father back the utmost respect he'd lost when Kao disgraced him. What Kao doesn't plan on is finding the appointed Captain Cady a courageous, incredible woman who draws him despite the language barrier that exists. She's determined to fight for her people's protection, no matter what the odds. He's immediately attracted, and drawn to this strong woman, whom he senses has struggles of her own going on inside. He's drawn to the refugees as a whole-his senses and emotions come alive watching them experience their new beginnings in what they've dubbed `New Earth'. Jordan is a heroine who is struggling with the apparent loss of her child, and while she's grieving inside, she struggles to hide her own emotions and put her crew and passengers first and foremost. She finds herself feeling guilty for being drawn to Kao, and even for experiencing almost happy feelings with him when her daughter, Boo, is dead. Sue Grant has captured the essence of grief and perseverance that many of us know is real life. We feel the emotions-from joy to despair-that Jordan feels on her quest to find out the truth, and we fall in love with the tall, dark, Kao-who's just learning what love is himself-right along with her. Throwing in some twists and turns that will surprise, and even anger you for Kao, Ms. Grant has delivered 110%. Sue Grant has chosen