Scorched

SCORCHED was a terrific read. I like stories that make me privy to the inner emotions and thoughts of the characters. I also like for the author to share information with the reader before the characters know it. In SCORCHED, Rachel Butler does both. Also, I like the way this plot develops, steadily with no glitches. This time, I agree with Harriet Klausner but not with another reviewer who speculates this is the end of the Selena McCaffrey series. Luke Morgan may have been left a loose end for a reason.

Looks like this is the end of the Selina McCaffrey's story. I'm really sorry to see it end because it's been a real blast. Rachel Butler definitely knows how to tell a story and keep it going through three books. I was hoping this one would be a setup for book number four, but after getting to the end, realized it wasn't. In Scorched, the author delved more into the psyche of the characters involved, especially that of Tony and Selena. This is something I truly appreciated since I wasn't really sure how each truly felt about the other. There were more than a few tender moments between our two lovers, and what they felt for one another was made clear. In this book, Selena and Tony are on the run from people who want to see Selena dead. This time around, however, she receives help from an unexpected source. I'm still not sure why this person would risk life and limb to protect her though, and wish the author would have elaborated a little more on the reason. While fleeing for their lives, Selena becomes acquainted with the family members, many of whom she never knew existed. What she learns somewhat proves to be detrimental to her own safety. Eventually, Selena ends up trusting some people she should and should not have. There wasn't quite as much action as there has been in the two previous books; however, this reader felt it was just right. As always, Butler kept me on the edge of my seat, and I will miss this continuing saga.

In Tulsa, devoted lovers, police officer Tony Ceola and artist Selena McCaffrey, return to their small cul de sac street after spending time with his extended family. They stop by her house, one of four on the block, because a package is outside her door. The package is put inside when "kitty' arrived at her place. A moment later an explosion occurs; kitty saved their lives. Inside his home is assassin Charlize Pawley, who though a respectable Savannah restaurateur, warns Selena that psychopath Damon Long has put a $500,000 hit on her; two pros have accepted the job. Tony believes Charlize is one of them. They flee to Atlanta where they learn one of the killers is dangerous Luke Morgan. Damon becomes impatient so through Charlize informs Selena that he is visiting Greenhill, Alabama, home of her biological father Grant Hamilton. He knows she will come to protect her dad, who had thought her dead when her mom vanished just under three decades ago. Selena and series fans learn what happened to her mother Amelia as Selena, Tony, and Charlize head to Alabama for a High Noon showdown; unaware of Damon's local ally. The story line is fast-paced with Tony worried that Charlize will double cross them as her motive to keep Selena safe is unclear and that his beloved will get hurt though he willingly will risk his life to insure she does not. Although Damon's obsessive need for vengeance seems out of character for this cold blooded yet logical in a macabre insane way killer, readers will enjoy being SCORCHED as Rachel Butler provides many of the answers to THE ASSASSIN and DEEP COVER. Harriet Klausner