Reviewer: Janet Davies
Title: Competitors!
Author: Susanne Marie Knight
Publisher: Awe-Struck E-books
E-book ISBN: 978-1-587495-99-1
Release Date: February 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Year/Setting: Present Day – New York City
Overall Rating: 4.5
Sexual Content Rating: Sensual
Language (Profanity) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: Minimal
Susanne's Website: www.susanneknight.com
Vivianne Quinn is recovering from a miscarriage and the death of her fiancé. The last thing she needs is to get involved with a sexy, green-eyed hunk of a man who seems coincidentally to be in the same place at the same time as she is. But is it coincidence? Or does it have something to do with the injuries she sustained, and that her brother, Davis, the archeologist, has found an old skull that everyone wants? Her other brother Donovan, the cop, is not real happy that Vivian has an unknown, suspicious suitor and he sets out to uncover the truth.
Maximillian Vogelherd is descended from an ancient civilization. Max is a Neanderthal or as his people say, a Neo. His colleagues are looking for tomb raiders - archeologists who steal the ancient bones of his people and display them in a museum or procure them for profit. His Neo brethren are tracking down and restoring the bones and artifacts of his people to bring them back to where they belong. Their mission is to honor and protect their heritage. The last thing Max wants to do is to fall for a homo sapien. But Vivianne Quinn is not just any homo sapien. There is something about her the calls to Max's soul. Does he dare to answer that call to his heart? Can two people from different worlds really be together?
And who is killing women in the neighborhood that Vivianne lives in? Are Max and his people linked to the murders? Donovan intends to find out. He has no intention of letting another man take advantage of his sister like her deceased fiancé did. Vivienne deserves better. But is she next woman the killer has targeted?
I liked Competitors! I have read other books about Neanderthals and this species never came across as anything other than primitive. The Neos in this book are caring, gentle people who value their ancestors and want what everybody wants in life - to be loved and understood. I enjoyed the growing awareness and romance between Vivianne and Max. Despite their differences and the dramas they are living through, there is a bond between them that neither can deny. It was amusing to think that the Neo's consider Vivianne and her people savages. The derogatory term of calling someone a Neanderthal may not be so bad after all. It's always good to see history turned on its head.
I also liked the fact that the killer is not known until the end. I thought I knew who it was but I was wrong. The book also got me wondering if there are Neos amongst us. There are weirder things out there.
If you enjoy books that are beyond the normal, then I would recommend Competitors! It's a fresh, unique romance that is kind of sweet and overwhelmingly passionate.
Janet
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Janet know.
Top
Reviews
Featured Reviews
Archived Reviews