Review: Wild Encounter by Nikki Logan

  Wild Encounter by Nikki Logan
  Publisher: Entangled
  Publication date: September 9th 2012
  Source: Netgalley
  Rating: 4 Stars

 

 A wildlife release mission in Africa turns deadly when the convoy is hijacked by smugglers, and veterinarian Clare Delaney is taken hostage. Terrified for her life and her animals, the intrepid Clare establishes a rapport with the man she believes is the criminals’ leader, and reluctantly finds herself under his protection...and falling hard for the enigmatic man.

Alpha-to-the-max Simon deVries sees right through his sexy captive’s attempt to seduce her way to freedom. So when their simmering attraction flares into true passion, it takes them both by surprise. Now he’s torn between completing his secret mission and letting her escape without telling her his true identity. He knows if he lets her go, he will be risking his career, his life...and his heart.

Wild Encounter has many of the things I love in a story.  Thick suspense, an unlikely romance filled with tension, and a wonderful exotic setting.  Add to that, pacing that keeps you glued to the pages.  If it weren’t for work, I’d have read this in one sitting. 

Clare Delany has spent the last two years working on a mission to relocate a pack of rare African Wild Dogs from Zimbabwe to Zambia, in an effort to keep them safe from poachers.  When suddenly she and the dogs are kidnapped she has more than her two years of hard work to worry about.  Staying alive is her prime concern now.  Right away Clare assesses the situation, and aligns herself with the group’s “Alpha,” Simon.  For some strange reason he seems concerned with her safety and protection, and Clare latches onto him to survive.   Clare can’t help the growing attraction she feels for this charismatic man.

Simon is not too happy because a wrench has just been thrown into a mission he’s spent the last two years working on.  He suddenly finds himself between his bottom-dweller associates, and an all-too beautiful woman who is now their hostage.   Simon is not who he pretends to be but he can’t reveal his identity.  He must find a way to get Clare out without ruining everything.  Complicating things further are his growing feelings for Clare.  He knows it’s wrong, but he can’t help it.

Wild Encounter was a gripping story!! Like I said before, if it wasn’t for work I would’ve sat and read this straight through.  The story starts with a bang and doesn’t stop.  I loved all the danger and twists.  The relationship that builds between Simon and Clare is at first suspect.  How can you know if your feelings are real when they bloom in such a high tension situation?  But their attraction is undeniable.  Can anyone say smoking hot sexual tension?!!    Let me give you a taste:

“But know this, Clare.  I am by far the most civilized man in this house, and given how badly I want to lock this door, rip those clothes off you, and not come out for a week—“

She stifled a gasp.

“—that should give you an indication of the sort of danger you’re inviting if you open the door to the others like you just did for me.  Have I made myself clear?”

The amazing setting of the African bush was brought masterfully to life by Ms. Logan, and I felt like I was there.  *sigh* I love animals, so I found the thought of Clare’s job thrilling.  Well, maybe not all aspects.  I’ve backpacked several times, and a week without running water is about my limit, lol.  

Clare was a courageous and resourceful character.  I was rooting for her the whole time.  I admired and could easily relate to the fierce protectiveness she had for her animals.   Even though I could see where Simon was coming from, I still wanted to smack him a few times.  Still, like Clare, I was not immune to his pull:

Gentleness from him was almost her undoing. “Clare…”  He groaned into her mouth and her breath came thick and fast, causing foggy light-headedness.   He held her while she ran her hands over parts of him she didn’t know she’d been dying to feel.  His chest.  The swell of his biceps, the muscles of his back.  How could one man feel so good?  Such a wrong man.

Oh my.

So if you’re looking for a fast-paced, tension filled romance, with some mystery and suspense, look no further.  This will not disappoint.   

On a side note, I love the cover but Clare has brown eyes in the book and this woman’s are obviously green.   If not for that I would think it was perfect for the story.