Never Forget

Once upon a time, there was a legendary supercouple named Luke and Laura.Luke and Laura revolutionized the daytime soap opera with their romance, a love story that began as a rape, carried on into a summer on the run from the mob and culminated in a ratings extravaganza of a wedding after stopping the evil Cassadines from freezing the world.The whole phenomenon took place on ABC's "General Hospital" more than two decades ago.Writer Thom Racina was the head writer of "GH" back during the L & L heyday, and he's still making waves today.Today, Luke and Laura may essentially be kaput (she's in a mental ward after apparently murdering long beloved character Rick Webber; he's going nuts without her), but Racina's thriller, "Never Forget," proves he's still got what it takes to grab the attention of an audience.The new novel opens with the death of Hollywood superstar Max Jaxon as he films a climactic hang-gliding scene for his new movie. From there, it's up to police detective Christopher Daniel to retrace Max's steps and uncover the events leading up to his apparent murder, which we see unfold.Max is discovered by hot director Maggie Nash, with whom he has a sizzling affair. They are joined by rising ingenue Kristen Caulfield, but soon Kristen and Max are falling in love behind Maggie's back. Did his spurning of her turn Maggie insane? Or did Max's inability to commit drive Kristen over the edge?Along the way, we are introduced to several other characters who might have had their own reasons to see Max crash and burn, like Maggie's wicked younger stepmother, Nicole, who had her own designs on Mr. Jaxon. Or did producer Bruce Borger, who carried a torch for Kristen, do the dirty deed? And what of Max's mysterious old friend, the unseen Nicky?It's a nest of vipers, a den of snakes, and they all writhe under Racina's careful watch. The author has said this is most likely to be his biggest success because it is his sexiest, and the graphic nature certainly lends credence to that speculation. After all, "Never Forget" did get picked up as a book of the month for the Doubleday Book Club and the Mystery Guild for September 2002."Never Forget" follows Racina's grand tradition of books with interesting, gripping plots that are a sight to behold as they progress. In his "The Great Los Angeles Blizzard," (a precursor to Mikkos Cassadine's weather machine), a, um, blizzard hits Los Angeles. In "Snow Angel" we see a psychotic killer murder the parents of the object of his obsession to grow closer to them. In "Hidden Agenda," the heroine is a big star news reporter who might just be the center of a massive conspiracy to control the news, while the heroine of "Secret Weekend" finds herself trapped at the top of an unfinished apartment building and at the mercy of a killer.Like these, "Never Forget" is very much a "Watch what happens under these circumstances" book, ruled by Racina's wild imagination and fueled by his great sense of entertainment and intrigue.They're

Reading a page of this book, like any other by Thom Racina, is a lot like eating potato chips: you'll find it hard to stop after just ONE! This is another of his compelling mysteries full of glitzy characters and locations, with plenty of steamy and sordid sexual activity peppered throughout. What's especially wonderful about this is the author's ability to consistently pull of the satisfying surprise endings! And NEVER FORGET is no exception. Stick it in your bag when you're packing for vacation--the perfect beach book. I actually kept it in my car and devoured it in 3 or 4 sessions when I found myself with time to spare. Instantly engaging!

This book is a trip . . . a fast, winding story that radiates a first-hand knowledge of the entertainment industry all the way to a spectacular finish. The cover and title will probably draw women readers, and others who like romance . . . but it could easily be billed as something from a modern-day Harold Robbins. Highly recommended!

I picked up "Never Forget" for a flight I was making across the country. It's the perfect "companion" if you want to get lost in an exotic (and erotic) world of complex relationships, sex and murder!Thom Racina has created another classic "page turner." "Never Forget" gives the reader a glimpse behind-the-scenes of the sexy and dangerous world of movie-making where dreams and lives can be shattered by mere jealousy!The book is filled with rich and engaging characters on a "roller coaster" ride of romance, stardom and MURDER! To say the sex scenes are "steamy" do not do them justice. Simply spelled out, they were "H.O.T.""Never Forget" was captivating and also the perfect "who dunnit" that kept me guessing to the very end...(And there's a special treat for TR fans -- with references to his fantastic novel -- "Snow Angel.")Pick it up. Sit down. And lose yourself in "Never Forget." You won't regret it!

On Rodeo Drive famous director and producer goes into Guess and meets drop-dead gorgeous salesman Max Janson. She takes him home to her bed and he stars in her next big movie in which he becomes an overnight sensation. They remain lovers and friends until he met ingénue Kristen Caulfield who steals his heart.They try to keep their feelings in check but Maggie knows something is going on between them. Maggie's stepmother Nicole wants Max and will stop at nothing to get him. Bruce Borgie who works on the props is in love with Kristen and is intensely jealous of Max. In Telluride, Colorado, Max is hand gliding when a prop gun shoots him with two bullets and his glider rips as if somebody sabotaged it. The police have plenty of suspects who had a motive to kill Max but only one person had the guts to carry out the diabolical scheme.Thom Racina is known for his many thrillers but his latest work is something a little different. It is aimed for a Jackie Collins audience and it succeeds admirably. The characters, both villain and innocent alike are simple to understand making it easy for the audience to feel a rapport between them. NEVER FORGET may be Collins-light, but is a novel that will not be forgotten by readers.Harriet Klausner