Alison Kent, Beyond a Shadow

Beyond a Shadow

Alison Kent

Kensington Brava, December 2006, $14.00

ISBN: 0758211147

Ezra Moore sails into Comfort Bay, Oregon, allegedly for a breather from traveling by sea from the Caribbean Island of San Torisco. He claims to be a teacher of disadvantaged children on sabbatical, and accepts work as a handyman at the Maples Inn, but in fact is an undercover agent trying to bring down Spectra IT, a mob that sells illegal arms and prostitution. He knows first hand the destruction caused by Spectra IT and its "CEO" Cameron Bates, who enslaves labor from his home island.

His plan to sell illegal guns to Spectra IT, but he has a slight problem in divorced teacher Alexa Counsel, who does not trust the newcomer, though she is attracted to him. She worries that he will harm her friend Molly, owner of the B&B, or perhaps her child Emmy Rose or Rose's spouse Danny. Alexa's plan is to stop him before he hurts any of the three Maples. Playing cat and mouse with one another, the SG-5 agent and the schoolteacher fall in love, but his mission leaves the two of them and the Maples in danger from the highly connected Bates, who does not mind wasting a life or having his thugs abduct innocent pawns.

The latest SG-5 tale is an exciting thriller starring two likable brave protagonists, who risk their lives to keep loved ones safe. The Comfort Bay residents, especially Alexa's friends are loyal and caring, while the Spectra IT thugs are somewhat stereotypical of the clever callous killer. Series readers and those who appreciate a strong romantic suspense will want to follow the escapades of Ezra and Alexa.