Evan Hennessey, a former Navy SEAL, is now sheriff of sleepy Skyler, North Carolina. He still pines for Morgan and their three-year marriage.

Dexter brings them back together in a most disturbing fashion. This psychotic with a fascination for fire is obsessed with Morgan. When she rejects him, he attempts to kill her in a most painful manner. His method of torture is highly unusual. (I suspect he had to practice long and hard on this technique.) Morgan survives, with disfiguring scars, returning to her parents in Skyler for recuperation.

Dexter hunts Morgan down, leaving death and destruction along the way. Dexter is a truly creepy villain, intelligent and sadistic. He is able to outwit the authorities, steal and kill, and track down Morgan to try and finish what he started.

Morgan hates giving in to her fear. She is quite believable as she struggles to regain her confidence. Evan is determined to bring down the psychopath who has hurt his beloved. He seems bull-headed, a bit too high-powered for this small North Carolina town. But author Carrington provides balance from Skyler’s other residents. Morgan’s parents, Evan’s deputy, and the elderly Ian all seem to understand Evan’s motives more than he does.

Carrington delivers true, spine-tingling fear. There is rather a lot of carnage, and a satisfying climax to the story. The romance is both sweet and highly sensual. The treatment of Morgan’s scars, both physical and emotional, is sensitive and caring. Evan, and others in the story, emphasize the beauty that comes from within. The growth made by both Evan and Morgan since their divorce is both interesting and reasonable. The reader is made to care about their future, together or not. Scary, suspenseful and well-written, Burning Reflections will hold your interest. Recommended.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
September 12, 2007