A journalist is hot on the trail of more than just a story -
a vicious killer is at large, and she suspects he uses
unorthodox means. Lana Quinn must explain to federal
agent Aidan Burgess that she thinks the smallpox-type
deaths in Miami are triggered by an allergic reaction to
the killer's touch. She needs protection while she
investigates and Aidan, who fascinates and repels her, is
just the man to give it.
In A KILLING TOUCH, a medical study has been carried out.
The records are dubious and the fact that a
young man managing the files has died is suspicious. Lana
works all her sources, who are surprisingly open with her,
to uncover the truth. For some reason, though the obvious
diagnosis would be smallpox, nobody treats the dead persons
as biohazards, asks if Plum Island has lost a sample, or if
bioterrorism is at work. Only Lana seems to be aware of the
threat.
Lana's friend Kieralyn,a work partner of Aidan's, tries to
pair the two off, but they won't be forced
together, especially as Aidan distrusts journalists.
In spite of their initial resistance, they are soon having
sex. I found the sexual overtones distracting, as I thought
they should be investigating, and they made me uncomfortable
when Lana was lying in hospital after a serious assault.
A KILLING TOUCH by Nikki Duncan gives the reader a strong,
driven female character who seldom answers to her editor. I
would have preferred more realism in the depiction of
journalism, policing, and medical emergencies.
Journalist Lana Quinn has a way with hard–hitting
news. The story she's uncovered has potential, but she
needs the help of her best friend's FBI team. She's been
rescued by them, worked with them, and partied with them,
but convincing the second in command to believe her
theory—that a killer's touch sets off a lethal
allergic reaction—is a frustrating challenge.
Especially since he excites her, body and mind. He's a
danger she shouldn't indulge.
Aidan Burgess is resistant to helping Lana, but not for
the reason she thinks. She has a knack for landing herself
in trouble, which means she needs protection. Protecting
her means staying near her, a journalist, who like all
journalists uses whatever—and whomever—it takes
to get her story. It's a case he wants to refuse.
Especially since she lights a fire in his blood. She's a
danger he can't afford.
As Lana follows up on lead after deadly lead, learning
to trust and rely on each other becomes their only
lifesaving hope. If their pride doesn't become their final
pitfall.
Warning: This title contains a grudge–holding hero
who gives "kiss my ass" new meaning, a heroine out to prove
herself, and a danger that dares them to trust.