First Instinct

I enjoyed this novel, despite there being a certain awkwardness in places. Specifically, there was one point where I thought the book was missing an entire chapter; the author made the decision to gloss over what I believed to be quite pertinent information to the story and, although I understand what I imagine to be her reasons, I'm not sure the decision served her as well as she might have hoped. I think the ending could have been even stronger, actually flowed more smoothly, if she would have explored some dialogue between Leigh and Conn when Leigh discovered Marina and Jen were a couple. I suspect the author thought that to do so would have in some way diminished the sexual tension between Leigh and Conn, but I don't believe it needed to. Instead, it just didn't seem realistic to me that they would not have talked about it, and I felt cheated out of being privy to that discussion. After a few minutes of fumbling through the pages to ensure I had not in fact missed a chapter, or even a page of the story, I accepted the editorial decision as we have had all had to accept commercial breaks in a made-for-tv movie. So, why the five stars? This novel is an excellent example of "the whole is often greater than the sum of its parts." The characters were excellent and, the character development was first rate. For me, chracter development is key, for what is the point of any experience if you come out the same person you were before the experience. The fact that both characters grow from the experience of knowing one another is, for me, a priceless experience.

I love a story that's sort of outlandish and still draws me totally into its fantasy. That's what this book did. The author does a terrific job of character development. I think I've fallen in love with both Conn Stryker and Leigh Grove at the same time (is that possible?). The secondary characters are intelligent and likable, and the villains are truly despicable. It's a delicious mix. As the characters evolve and change, the reader know about it. But there is no repetition of the same ruminations over and over, as is often found in other books. The author shows a variety of relationships involving interesting and diverse people. I especially enjoyed the lesbian intergenerational friendships. Meanwhile back at the ranch, a fantastic story unfolds. The action proceeds at just the right pace, so it's a cliffhanger as well as a love story. While every book has pluses and minuses, I couldn't find much negative about this one. If you like "uber" fiction, I believe you'll thoroughly enjoy this book.

Conn Stryker, PhD, is tall and gorgeous with beautiful long, dark hair (I think I know her). She owns and runs a large, prestigious software corporation and designs computer programs to trap corporate bad guys. She is also an FBI secret agent who speaks fluent Japanese, has a black belt in Aikido, and is an expert handler of cars and motorcycles. Leigh Grove is not quite as tall, but is every bit as beautiful. She has short, thick blond hair (I think I know her too). She worked her way through college, including an MBA, as a fashion model. Leigh works in a brokerage house where shady characters are bilking senior citizens out of their life's savings via highly questionable IPOs. What's worse is that the ill-gotten gains are being funneled to Middle East terrorist organizations. When Leigh inadvertently gets in over her head at work and the bad guys try to kill her off, Conn jumps in to save her. While all this is happening, both women are developing an ever-increasing attraction to one another. It's a world of intrigue, fast cars, corporate jets, daring rescues, high-speed motorcycle chases, and computer technology stretched to the limit (and beyond). The pace is fabulous. I can honestly say I enjoyed every page of this book. It is definitely at the top of the heap for this genre.

Imagine meeting the love of your life while you're trying to crack an international money-making scheme. Now imagine you met her only because you were hoping to set her up as a mole in your investigation. The bad guys are dangerous and crafty, so you're constantly worried for your lover and are desperate to bring the case to a close. In the meantime, you haven't been completely honest with her or yourself about your past or your present feelings. Your life is always in control and you're not used to being scared to death. You don't have to imagine it. You can live it through the beautiful, intense, and sometimes comical characters of Leigh Grove and Conn Stryker as they go through it. The investigation seems like something that could really happen, but it takes a backseat to the budding romance between these enigmatic women. Conn first has to overcome her fear of letting Leigh into her heart - then she has to overcome her fear of losing the one woman she's ever loved. I enjoyed Meyer's first book and liked this one even more. Like many of the new authors from Bold Strokes Books, she has real talent and a great editor. `Rising Storm,' the sequel to `First Instinct,' is due out August 2007. This reader is very much looking forward to the continuing saga of Conn and Leigh.

First Instinct by JLee Meyer has heart thumping chase scenes and life-threatening encounters under the cover of darkness. This story features a deeply flawed heroine who is trying to maintain a professional distance from the woman she is protecting. Sounds a little formulaic? Not so because Meyer's presentation and storytelling is one of a kind. She does everything right in her second novel, First Instinct. Meyer's easy writing style helps her readers get attached to the characters as we become engrossed in the book. Her stories are like magnets, pulling us in and refusing to let us go. This is a trait that she has carried over from her first successful novel, Forever Found. The timing and pacing are even and quick throughout First Instinct. Meyer develops the romance and suspense so they are in harmony with each other. She never rushes a scene, but never adds more words than needed. While we may guess at where the end will take the reader, we have no idea how the author will achieve that, and this is what makes Meyer and First Instinct rare. In the end, she gives us a very satisfying read with a rewarding ending. Meyer makes it look simple. Now that is a mark of a seasoned pro.