Against the Sun by Kat Martin

Against the Sun
by Kat Martin
Series: Raines of Wind Canyon #6
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Publication date: May 29, 2012
Genre: Adult Romance/Suspense
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository


* warning contains sexual content.

Millions of lives are on the line. But for him, only one truly matters. It's not in bodyguard Jake Cantrell's job description to share his suspicions with his assignments. Beautiful executive Sage Dumont may be in charge, but Jake's not on her payroll. As a former special forces marine, Jake trusts his gut, and it's telling him there's something off about a shipment arriving at Marine Drilling International. His instinct is aroused...in more ways than one. A savvy businesswoman, Sage knows better than to take some hired gun's "hunch" as gospel. And yet she is learning not to underestimate the man her grandfather hired to protect her. Determined to prove Jake wrong, Sage does some digging of her own and turns up deadly details she was never meant to see. Drawn into a terrifying web of lies and deceit-and into feelings they can't afford to explore-what Jake and Sage uncover may be frighteningly worse than they ever imagined.(synopsis from Goodreads)

Against the Sun is the sixth novel in the Raines of Wind Canyon series by Kat Martin. These are romantic suspense novels which deal with ex-military men and the woman who capture their hearts. Each is designed to be read as a standalone. As always this reader prefers to read them in order. I like to get a sense of all the players and enjoy knowing the back-history. Against the Sun held my attention from page one and I was swept away. 

In this novel we finally get Jack Cantrell’s story. He is a former special force marine who now works security jobs all over the world. He loves the ladies and respects them, but has no intention of settling down. Recently he has been doing work for his buddy’s security business in Houston. The tale begins with him arriving at the offices of Marine Drilling International. He has been asked to act as bodyguard for Sage Elizabeth Durmont as she entertains a Saudi sheik and his family. She is negotiating a multi-million dollar deal to buy a used oil drill platform and piping. She needs to understand customs, and be protected from those who oppose the deal. Sage doesn’t think she needs Jack’s help, but her grandfather insists.  She plans on letting this sexy jar-head know exactly who the boss is. Jack is not happy with having to deal with the breathtakingly beautiful and privileged executive. He figures she is a spoiled brat, who got her position due to birth. The tale that unfolds is filled with sexual tension and action packed drama, as threats are made against Sage and the sheik. 

Martin provides well fleshed out characters who make the tale feel genuine. Sage at times got on my nerves. Her wavering on decisions in her personal life made me crazy. I know she is a careful planner, but as a top executive in a cut throat business, I expected her to make decisions and stick with them. I did love the way she did what was morally right, even at the cost of business. Jake is complicated, and always in motion.  He has a strong moral compass and despite some Neanderthal tendencies is completely swoon-worthy. They are both convinced that what they have is a fling and that it could never work. Watching the two of them discover that with love all things are possible, was fantastic! Other characters including the Sheik’s family helped round out the tale and make the drama compelling.

The story line is fast paced, and there are many different components. All of which kept me delightful engaged. There is the business deal and a fiance' to deal with. The sheik's daughter is delightful and I loved her story line. The son is dark and his tale is filled with danger. The attacks occurring could be related to the deal or a personal attack against Sage. Watching Jack and his team piece together the clue and save the day was an awesome ride. Martin has an amazing ability to weave different plot threads together creating suspense and mystery. She has created a group of male characters that woman cannot help but fall in love with. I adore that she pairs them with strong, capable woman. 

I recommend Against the Sun and the Raines of Canyon series to fans of romantic suspense and swoon-worthy men. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Kat Martin writes romances novels in all genres from paranormal to historical. I have read quite a few and enjoyed them, so be sure and check them out.

I want to thanks Harlequin and netGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novel 4 coffee cups out of 5.

Kat Martin 

Website

How do you like your romance delivered?

With a side of suspense, mystery, straight up or wrapped in paranormal? 

Or are you like me..and prefer the buffet?