DEADLY PURSUIT is Book two in Nina Croft's Deadly Desires series. Because of the fantasy elements and world-building in DEADLY PURSUIT, it's a good idea to read this series in order. The characters from Book one appear and play major roles in this story. DEADLY PURSUIT is a great for any reader who enjoys fantasy, sci-fi, and fast-paced action mixed with romance.
Although both Jon and Alexia long for freedom and autonomy, DEADLY PURSUIT is partly about relationships and the interconnectedness of life. The crew of El Cazador might be an unlikely group of characters working together, but they almost function as a family unit. Nina Croft does a great job of making each character unique and making them three- dimensional. After reading DEADLY PURSUIT, I'm eager to see what Nina Croft has in store for other characters.
The romance itself between Jon and Alexia is a little unusual. Although Jon is a werewolf, DEADLY PURSUIT is not your average werewolf tale. The action and sense of danger pumps energy and intensity into the romance. Alexia reveals her vulnerabilities when she wonders when Jon will eventually leave her. For me, those fears make her real and a much more sympathetic character. The intimate scenes between them are extremely passionate and visceral. Jon makes for a sexy, yet reluctant, hero -- always coming to Alexia's rescue. Jon is a complex character and I wasn't sure that I would like him at the beginning of the story. However, he managed to prove himself as the story went on.
DEADLY PURSUIT is a classic "hero's quest" story that has thrills as well as erotic elements. I liked the moments of humor and thought that they do a great job of lessening the tension. Nina Croft does a wonderful job of world-building in DEADLY PURSUIT. For me, this story is part space odyssey and part erotic paranormal love story. I look forward to reading more stories by Nina Croft.
He craves his own freedom.
Jonathon Decker knows how to keep his enemies closeโand his
allies closer. But what about his women? Everyone wants a
piece of the worldโs sexiest werewolf, now that heโs been
broken out of prison. Enter Alexia, the High Priestess of
the Church of Everlasting life. Captivating and
independent,
Alexia is everything Jon could want in a woman. But can she
be trusted? It will take more than one night of endless
passion to find outโฆ
And she is his to possessโฆ
After twenty-four years of faithfully playing by the rules,
Alex is finally ready take fate into her own hands. Her
passion for Jon is a force to be reckoned withโand the way
he makes her feel keeps her coming back for more. But their
desire could lead them both down a dark pathโone in which
thereโs no turning back. How much will each of them risk to
be togetherโฆfor all time?
EXCERPT
After taking a deep gulp of air, Alex looked up, straight
into Tannisโs eyes. โIโm not a boy.โ
Tannis frowned. โYouโre not?โ Her gaze ran over Alex, took
in the baggy pants and shirt hanging off her skinny frame.
โAre you sure?โ
Rico lounged in his chair, an amused expression on his
lean, handsome features. โI believe you, but Iโve got to
sayโโhis gaze roamed her slim figure, lingering on the
flatness of her chestโโyou sure look like a boy. How about
you show us some evidence?โ
Alex ignored him and glanced across to where Jon still sat
in his seat, his legs stretched in front of him, his
expression bored.
Skylar leaned across and switched on the main monitor so a
floor-to-ceiling screen lit up in front of her. She tapped
a few keys and sat back as an instantly recognizable image
appeared. Recognizable to Alex at least, but a quick glance
around the room revealed no noticeable reactions.
The image showed a woman in full-length black robes, her
hair covered by a dark veil, a serene, otherworldly
expression on her small, pointed face. A wave of
suffocation washed over Alex as she remembered the weight
of those robesโhow much she hated black.
Rico was the first to catch on. โNo fucking way.โ He turned
to stare at Alex, then back at the screen. โThatโs you?โ
She nodded.
โThe Lady Alexia, High Priestess of the Church of
Everlasting Life? Youโre kidding us, right?โ
Alex ground her teeth but said nothing.
โThereโs a reward,โ Tannis said.
Alex peered closer and read the screen. There was indeed a
reward, and it was a huge sum of money. Way more than she
would have ever thought they would offer. It didnโt make
sense. And Alex didnโt like the speculative look in the
captainโs eyes. Tannis was a good person, but if anything
could sway her, it was money, and this was a lot of
credits.
โThe Virgin bride of the Everlasting God,โ Tannis read out
loud, and Alex cringed. โVirgin?โ
Somebody sniggered, and two masculine gazes swiveled in her
direction.
โA virgin, huh?โ Rico murmured, his voice tinged with
amusement and a measure of curiosity.
Skylar slammed him in the gut with her elbow. โGet that
look off your face.โ
โWhat look?โ He grinned and shrugged one shoulder.
โVirgins? Highly overrated Iโve always thought. Give me an
experienced older woman any day.โ
โItโs only a title, isnโt it?โ Janey asked. โI mean, it
doesnโt actually mean sheโs a real honest-to-god virgin.โ
She shifted her gaze from the screen to Alex. โDoes it?โ
Alexโs toes curled within her boots. For a minute, she
studied the floor. When she looked back up, everyone was
staring at her. Even Jonโs bored expression was replaced
with avid curiosity. He caught her gaze and raised an
eyebrow. Alex scowled. What was the big deal?
โHey, give her a break,โ Skylar said, but Alex could hear
the laughter in her voice. โShe was married to God. Itโs
not Alโs fault he didnโt demand his conjugal rights.โ
โHa-ha,โ she muttered.
Janey gave her a sympathetic smile. โHey, sheโs only a kidโ
leave her alone.โ
โI am not a kid.โ
โYouโre not?โ
โSheโs twenty-four,โ Skylar said.
โNo freaking way.โ Tannis stared at her.
Alex drew herself up as tall as she could, which still left
her the shortest person in the room by a good six inches.
What was the point? She slouched again, stuck her hands in
her pockets, and thrust out her lower lip. And waited for
them to get over it.
And for someone to jump to a few conclusions.
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