The Challenge

Ok so some of the reviews for this book are not so good...my response to that is HELLOOOOOOO the book jacket very clearly states what the book is about! If you don't like the premise of the book, then don't read it! As for me, this book and it's sequal The Dare are the BEST and I do mean BEST romantic fiction I've read in YEARS!!!!! FINALLY an author who isn't looking to please the masses (ie. no wishy washy alpha male wanna be's here) or succumb to the pressure to be "politically correct" (spanking during sex for pleasure..oh my what would the feminists say????? who cares? Susan Kearney doesn't and she writes it beautifully)in her characterization. FINALLY someone who breaks the mold and touches aspects in her characters other authors would run from. FINALLY the return of the TRUE alpha-male. And I do mean that. Kahn is Alpha-male to the n-th degree, though I must say he adjusts and grows with Tessa without compromising himself. So many "alpha-male" characters anymore lose themselves by the woman who comes in and shakes up their preconceived notion of the roles of men and women. Kahn doesn't. As for Tessa, again so many heroines today deny getting to know any other part of themselves than the independent, stubborn side. Tessa and Kahn both tame each other as both of them realize that both of them can be strong and soft at the same time. Neither has to cling to one side or the other so hard that they deny the other side is there. The writing is superb, the sex scenes are HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT did I mention they were HOT, and the characters are so easy to love even while hating them sometimes. Not for everyone, but if you want a steamy hot read with characters that will rock your world, this book is a sure bet :o)

Secret Service agent Tessa Camen has studied a variety of martial arts during her life. To protect the president she uses her own body as a shield and took the assassin's bullet. Tessa woke up nude, in the arms of a handsome man named Kahn. He tells her that she has been brought forward through time over three hundred years. Earth is so polluted that it is brown instead of blue. Earth plans to join the Galactic Federation who will help the planet clean itself. However, to join the Federation, Earth must choose one person to complete "the Challenge". If the chosen one wins, Earth wins. If the chosen one loses, Earth may not join or receive help. Tessa IS the Chosen One. Of course, Tessa believes none of it. But Kahn can prove it all. Kahn is from the planet Rystan. To seal Rystan as a full member of the Federation he must train Tessa to use the psi-abilities. He has only a few weeks in which to do it. At the same time, his nemesis, an Endekian named Jypeg, is out to kill them both. ***** I have not read a book this great in a long time! The author created a brave hero and heroine, both warriors with talent, skill, and honor, added in a sentient computer that any "Star Trek" or "Star Wars" fan will envy, and pit them against overwhelming odds. The outcome is an action packed space adventure that readers will not EVER forget! I can hardly wait for Susan Kearney's next release to come out. ("The Dare" is due for release June 2005.) In a single word, "WOW!" ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

The back page review of the CHALLANGE reminded me of several recent SF/FANTASY books I have read. I really didn't expect it to be as good as it was. But it is a good book and not once did our heroine think she was asleep and dreaming. ( I simply can't stand for the character to go through that one more time. It has been done to death.) Tessa Camen is a martial arts expert who guards the President. She has trained for many years and is undefeated. While guarding the pres they are attacked and she throws her body in front of the pres. Knowing she will die. However she comes to in a spaceship headed out to the capital of the Galaxy. She has been chosen by Earth to represent it in the Challange. Moved 300 years ahead in time because Earth needs a champion with certain physical attributes, she is the only one they can send. Kahn is selected to train her. Fighting in his time is done with psi powers and he has to train her to use hers. While she doesn't think she has any psi ability, he has to force her to use the power of her mind. His world will receive full membership in the Federation if she can win, and Earth will receive a sub membership which will allow it to buy technology to clean up the pollution strangling it. The first few chapters were a little slow. But when she finally convinces him to train her as a man would be trained, it picks up and takes you on a fantastic ride. I look forward to more of these adventures in this new world created by Susan Kearney.

I couldn't put the book down. The sex sizzled. I loved watching the tough, sexy hero fall in love with Tessa. The science fiction worlds were interesting and well thought out; the twists and turns in the plot kept me up all night. I especially liked that Tessa was strong and feminine and how she used her brains to tame a man she loved. Tessa didn't hold back. And neither did Kahn, the hero. I was sorry to see the book end and can't wait for THE DARE. If you like wild and edgy, this book is for you.

Special Agent in Charge Tessa Camen is guarding the President of the United States (POTUS) when assassins attack. Tessa saves Madam President from the first assault getting her out of Jefferson Central High School, but the coordination with her team fails and she is alone. She gets POTUS to the car, but instead of one of her men as driver, a killer draws a gun. Tessa leaps in front of POTUS taking the bullet that kills the dedicated American agent. Tessa wakes up believing she must be in heaven as she finds herself with a hunk. The man explains that he is Khan of planet Rystan, the year 2324, and the United States of North America and earth need her services. Khan explains she was selected to take the challenge of the Federation of Planets that earth desperately needs to join to obtain technology that will save the planet by finally cleaning the environment. At first disbelieving, then turning doubtful and cynical, Tessa eventually accepts the challenge, but has doubts about the psychic skills needed for success. As Khan prepares her, they fall in love, but another species wants earth to fail and interfere with the test. THE CHALLENGE is a superb science fiction literally star-crossed romance that fans of both genres will fill enjoy. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and believable multiple species so that the audience will know they are in the twenty-fourth century. Tessa is a terrific heroine and Khan is her perfect mentor, lover, and sidekick. Susan Kearney soars to stardom with this sterling tale. Harriet Klausner