Wow! I was breathless trying to keep up with the action in Expendable. Jenna wants to find her sister's baby to make up for their estrangement, but she gets a very strong warning to mind her own business. Being kidnapped and left for dead is only the beginning. When she awakes in a stranger's cabin, it takes her a few moments to equate the note about Tanya's "baby" with the bright but terrified nine-year-old who is hiding there with Reed. Reed, unwilling to let David or Jenna face the danger on their own, throws himself and two former Marine buddies into their care and protection. Reed has to face his past, not sure that Jenna could ever accept what he was or still is. Jenna, a pacifist at heart, is stunned by the violent abilities of her self-proclaimed protector. She's strongly independent and determined to be part of saving herself and David, no matter what the risk. The motivations, fears, and actions are well thought out. The author doesn't use any contrived circumstances to make the story work. It's only as the danger grows out of proportion that Jenna has to come to grips with her beliefs and the truth of what the world is really like, and what a person must do to really survive.

Expendable is a wild ride, especially after you learn what is considered expendable. No, I'm not giving that away. <grin> A truly frightening villain makes this a fantastic story. If you're in to mysteries and romance, this is definitely a keeper.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Kathy F.
August 25, 2011