Into the Badlands

Caron Todd's INTO THE BADLANDS combines fascinating archaeological detail with fast-paced drama and a satisfying romance.Paleontologist Susannah Robb feels she is a shoe-in for the position of head of dinosaur research at the Alberta museum. When she loses the position to Alexander Blake, a man she worked with years before at an Australian dig, she is hurt. Not only is Blake unlike her predeccessor, he was critical of her work. She, in turn, feels he doesn't give credit where it is due and is trying to turn the museum into an entertainment center. Their working relationship is complicated by her unwanted attraction to the handsome director.Blake is there to discover who has been poaching fossils, and from his vantage point, everyone is suspect, even Susannah. He finds her fascinating, but can he trust her?This is a delightful story of thwarted attraction in a unique setting. Secondary characters are well drawn and add vibrance to a well-crafted story where everyone is suspect until the last few pages. Ms. Todd's rich prose and yummy hero will make you want more from this promising new author. Highly recommended.

Paleontologist Susannah Robb makes the short list for the recently vacated position of head of dinosaur research, but her nemesis wins the position. She met Alexander Blake thirteen years ago when she was in Australia on her first quarry. Alex had been an assistant to the leader of the joint Canadian-Australian dig, and his assessment of her performance had left her with a bitter taste. Her distaste for pop paleontology, when history takes a backseat to entertainment, has continued Susannah's dislike for Alex's work. Her own dry, pedantic papers may lack his flair, but at least they give credit where credit is due.No one on staff knows that the board of directors awarded Alex the position as head of research because of his background in investigating stolen artifacts. Soon Alex finds himself torn between duty and desire. Further, Alex possesses an aura of energy and strength that makes him extremely likeable to everyone but Susannah. Yet shortly after arriving at his new position, he finds himself drawn to the very woman who seems intent on brushing him off. But Alex's attempts to help Susannah are blocked at every turn, and he finds himself sorely challenged to get close to her. Worse, as long as she is one of his suspects, Alex dare not act on his attraction. Author Caron Todd presents a fascinating setting for INTO THE BADLANDS. Her love of paleontology lends the novel a vivaciousness and originality that readers will appreciate. In addition, Alex comes alive with an irresistible sexiness. Susannah is a bit harder to like, however, with her extreme prickliness. Yet her genuine concern for children, to the degree that she puts her own safety on the line to rescue a boy from a sinkhole, reveals a gentler, kinder side. While their romance is slow to kindle, the ensuing fire and conflict of the second half of the novel proves to be quite engaging. An entertaining read, INTO THE BADLANDS comes highly recommended.