Wednesday 12 December 2012

Review: Wild Encounter by Nikki Logan

Wild Encounter

  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. 


14 comments:

Tanja - Tanychy said...

How do you people always find such a great books on the NetGalley? I always miss them. I love the cover here especially Africa cause I haven't read a lot of stories that happened there! Great review Rachel :)

Unknown said...

Eeep! This sounds like something I'd enjoy. Thanks, Rachel!

Wonderful review, as always.

Eunice said...

Clare sounds like a brave character and someone that is so easy to like! And Simon, base from those quotes you've put and the way you describe him, an incredible hot alpha male! Haha! I just read a book with the same name for the male lead and now I'm finding that name really sexy. Haha! Lovely review, Rachel!

Unknown said...

How am I just now hearing about this book?! Wild Encounter sounds amazing. I want to know Simon's secret!! Thanks for the great review, Rachel!

Jenny said...

Uhhhhhhh....

....

Sorry, my brain short-circuited after reading those quotes ;-) I need this book asap! And isn't work the worst? Always getting the way of reading time. They should know when we're in the middle of an amazing story and grant us a little personal time to get to the end. Without docking our pay. Obviously ;-) Can't wait to read this Rachel!

Anonymous said...

Lovely review, Rachel. I love that this book is set in Africa! :)
I'm not sure about the romance though because he does kidnap her. I would be a little uncomfortable with that. Anyways, I would read the book just for the setting! I'm glad that you enjoyed the book, Rachel! :)

Sam (Realm of Fiction) said...

I love that this has such a different setting. Though the main character is taken hostage? My immediate thoughts were of Stolen, though I'm guessing this is a very different story. I like the sound of it! Great review, Rachel.

Rachel said...

Awesome review Rachel! I also like books in exciting settings and suspense! Clare sounds like a fantastic courageous main character.

Emma said...

I have to say, I'm have heard of this and the general plot of the story is very enticing I think you have me at the first quote! Wow-wee! That is hot! *Swoon*! Clare sounds like a brilliant protagonist and being kidnapped by a very hot guy how couldn't resist! A fast-paced, tension filled romance is what I need right now! Brilliant Review Rachel!

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I can't think of when the last time I read a book set in Africa was so that alone makes me want to read this book, but I adore also adore antagonistic romances I think they are my favorite and a book with suspense so all in all this sounds like a great read! Thanks for the recommendation!

Keertana said...

Aah, this sounds SO GOOD! I love the original setting for this one and Rachel, you ALWAYS pick the best quotes! Seriously, I am DYING to read more of this romance now! Incredible review, dearest - I'll have to check it out soon for sure! :D

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

I love that this is so captivating AND it happens in Africa! I don't think I'd noticed it before, but the setting alone pretty much ensures I'll read it. And your wonderful review, of course. :)

Livvy said...

I'm glad I decided to check out this review after all because it sounds like a book I want to read at this moment in time to get me back into reading and to just escape.

And those quotes, Rachel. Damn you girl, you pick the best quotes!

This sounds like a very exciting book and I'm downloading it as we speak for my kindle. Yay for immediate access to books.

Thanks for the great review! :)

Anonymous said...

If a book with an unusual romance doesn't sell me, the idea of an exotic setting in Africa and your fabulous review does, Rachel! It's definitely on my To Do Before I Die list to go on a wild safari through Africa... *sigh* Maybe one day. Also, wonderful quotes as always. :)

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