Relentless

Hmmm - while this one didn't cause the 'blush' factor that Undercover did, it's still up there as one of the steamier reads I've ever read! But as I read along, I almost tried detaching the steam from the storyline and the story works very well just on it's own. I think the author deserves kudos for not sacrificing one for the other.

Abbie Haws is an amazing heroine. She is everything a reader wants in her heroine. Abbie is smart, she knows what she wants and goes after it. There isn't a single TSTL bone in her body. As her position as a barrister in the world of Ravena, she is also the voice for a group of unranked citizens who feel that the unranked should have a say in the governing of the 'Verse, rather than have all the power in the show more hands of the Ranked. She's not out to overthrow the government; what she is after is reasonable. She goes about this in a non-violent way, even coming into friction with her father who is much more of a rabble rouser. Abbie understands the issues involved from both sides. In her efforts to effect change, she runs into the hero, Roman Lyons.

Roman is also an incredible hero. He is pretty much the leader of Ravena and he takes his leadership seriously. He truly cares about the people even though he is far removed from the issues of the unranked. There is an immediate and strong attraction between he and Abbie, even though both know it can't go anywhere. As the head of a Ranked house, he can only marry someone from a Ranked family. A widower with two grown sons, he really isn't looking to marry anytime soon.

As hard as they both try though, neither Abbie or Roman can't deny their passion. And this is where the steam level rises way above boiling temperature!! And WOWZERS does it ever rise!! Both are very sensual people and the love scenes between them are Hawt. But as I was reading them, I was very impressed that the author didn't neglect the storyline at all. One of the few complaints I had about Undercover was the world building left a bit to be desired, but not so in Relentless. Ms. Dane did an excellent job in explaining this world. And another thing she did that impressed me was to keep the characters true all through the book. It came through loud and clear how much Roman respected Abbie and what she was after. A secondary plot had her using her skills as a barrister in defending the son of Roman's top aid. It was Roman who trusted her to successfully defend the young man.

Because of who they are, Roman and Abbie must keep their relationship a secret from those who are opposed to both Roman and Abbie. They both face those trying to defeat them. This is the conflict of the book and it was a very believable conflict. There were no big misunderstandings. There were some who commented after I blogged about Undercover that Relentless was even better and I agree with them.
I was very impressed overall with this book and eagerly look forward to Insatiable the next book in this series, coming out in July. show less

I'm a fan of paranormal romance, erotica, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. So once I jumped into "Relentless" by Lauren Dane, I simply could not stop reading. The plot and characters of her latest Berkley release combine bits of each of these genres into something totally different and definitely entertaining.

In some ways this is almost a Romeo and Juliet kind of story starring Roman and Abigail--two people who shouldn't be together, yet can't stay apart. The story is set in an interesting melange of the future yet socially structured much like the dynastic, medieval past. The 'haves' are those WITH paranormal abilities, the 'have-nots'...well, haven't; and never the twain shall meet! Or at least they may meet, but certainly not show more mingle bloodlines! Into this mix, stir in a 'have-not' female lawyer who is agitating for more rights for all have-nots and the head of the whole 'haves' ruling conglomerate. Now, just how more 'wrong' could this relationship be? Except for the fact that they are perfect for each other, bring out the best in each other, have sizzling sexual attraction, and want nothing more than to BE with each other.

Added to their quandary is the assumed requirement that he marry and breed the next generation of strong talents, a possible mutiny among some families in the conglomerate's ruling council, a violent 'history' between the heroine and one of the ruling council families, equal rights, and public scrutiny. Do you see how hard it is to try to get a handle on the scope of the plot without giving anything away?

There's even appearances and plot devices involving characters and situations from "Undercover" although it's not necessary to have read it first...it just made the whole all the more enticing to me! I loved "Relentless". If paranormal, romantic, fantastic, erotic stories with a hint of mystery set against a science fiction backdrop sounds interesting to you...pick up a copy of "Relentless" by Lauren Dane, coming out in May09. I won't even laugh when you run out to buy "Undercover" when you're done! show less

This turned out to be pretty good. I had some issues with the hero and the rules of the world in general (as I think the author intended) but I was won over in the end.

This book was enjoyable, but not extraordinary. The world created by Dane wasn't much different than exists today in some caste systems. The romance was enjoyable, but not really suspenseful.

Awww. This book made me cry at times. It is so hard to read about not getting what you want.

I'd have preferred some actual problem to overcome and maybe a better ending.