Review: Sting by Sandra Brown

Sting by Sandra Brown

Blurb from Goodreads:

When Jordie Bennet and Shaw Kinnard lock eyes across a disreputable backwater bar, something definitely sparks. Shaw gives off a dangerous vibe that makes men wary and inspires women to sit up and take notice. None feel that undercurrent more strongly than savvy businesswoman Jordie, who doesn't belong in a seedy dive on the banks of a bayou. But here she is . . . and Shaw Kinnard is here to kill her. 

As Shaw and his partner take aim, Jordie is certain her time has come. But Shaw has other plans and abducts Jordie, hoping to get his hands on the $30 million her brother has stolen and, presumably, hidden. However, Shaw is not the only one looking for the fortune. Her brother's ruthless boss and the FBI are after it as well. Now on the run from the feds and a notorious criminal, Jordie and Shaw must rely on their wits-and each other-to stay alive. 

Miles away from civilization and surrounded by swampland, the two play each other against their common enemies. Jordie's only chance of survival is to outwit Shaw, but it soon becomes clear to Shaw that Jordie isn't entirely trustworthy, either. Was she in on her brother's scam, or is she an innocent pawn in a deadly vendetta? And just how valuable is her life to Shaw, her remorseless and manipulative captor? Burning for answers-and for each other-this unlikely pair ultimately make a desperate move that could be their last.

With nonstop plot twists and the tantalizing sexual tension that has made Sandra Brown one of the world's best-loved authors, STING will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final pages.

My Review:
 

You guys probably already know but I love romantic suspense.  It's probably my favorite genre although it is hard to articulate the perfect formula.  I do know that I love and want a good mix of both romance and suspense -- too heavy in either direction is a surefire way to write a book that is not the best of the genre, at least in my opinion.  And the funny thing is if you asked a bunch of regular readers which author is amazing at romantic suspense?  You would probably hear a lot of people say Sandra Brown.  Sadly, I am still missing my connection with this author in this genre after reading her latest, Sting.  I'm just not sure that her particular brand of romantic suspense is for me.

In Sting, what didn't work for me was the romance.  The suspense was good and I was surprised by a few of the twists but the romance was totally unbelievable to me.  Call it Stockholm Syndrome or something else to that effect but I just have a hard time with a victim being physically assaulted, restrained and kidnapped falling for her captor.  Part of the problem is that most of the book was in the head of, and told from the POV of, Shaw.  He isn't likable for a good portion of the book -- mainly because he's a hitman and this is job (his kidnapping and restraint, etc.) but I still really struggled with any inkling of romance, lust or more between Jordie and Shaw.  Why on earth would Jordie want this man?  Feelings are complicated and attraction isn't something anyone can pinpoint but I wish this one had skipped the romance altogether.  And that, to me, is a mortal sin in romantic suspense.  I know a lot of my friends loved this book so I hope it is better for you! 

Sting comes out next week on August 16, 2016, and you can purchase HERE.

Noise had prevented him and Hick from talking on the short flight back to New Orleans.  Since each had left his car at the heliport, they'd split up there.  Joe had offered to stop on the way to the office to pick up a couple of sandwiches.   

Now, Hick took one from the sack, unwrapped it, discovered meatballs smothered in melted mozzarella and passed it to Joe, who said, "Don't worry. You Veggie Delite is in there."  He took a bit of meatball and spoke around it. "'To live in New Orleans and be a vegetarian--" 

"--is a waste.' So you've said. About ten thousand times."   

"It's worse than a waste. It's a sin. Ask your priest. He'll back me up."