Catalyst

War torn countries and the food shortage in South Sudan was vividly described by the author. When Bree flies in as an aid worker, finding she is next on the auction block. Or was her family behind this as a ploy to furthering their company. Bastion won’t let her be abduction, and together they will fight, as the personal sparks fly for them. What a compelling story, giving us a tension filled plot, that doesn’t stop till the end. Well done and readers will enjoy Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Janus Publishers.

Romantic suspense is my favourite genre and in my opinion Rachel Grant is one of the best authors out there. I have read all her books and there isn’t a dud among them. Her heroines are smart and sassy, her heroes are strong, heroic but also believable and her books lead you on a journey that will excite and intrigue. She fits in plenty of drama, lots of heat and you never feel cheated by the ending. I can’t recommend any of Rachel Grants books strongly enough if you’re a romantic suspense fan.

This is a definite five star read. The bad guys are many truly disgusting. This is the second book in this series and pulls the reader into the world of the Sudan, poor, undernourished, abused and heart felt sadness. The story focuses on the pillage of natural resources and the plight of those people trying to survive. Two lovers fighting the good fight, trying to make a difference in a world so warped, it is close to impossible. Excellent read. Put at the top of your TBR list.

I love her books, have read them all and can’t wait until the third in this latest series comes out. Please hurry!

Catalyst is the second novel in the Flashpoint series. I don't typically read a series out of order, but I didn't feel as though I missed out on background information. The novel starts off in South Sudan at a USAID camp where Brie Stewart is volunteering as a relief worker. She is recognized at Camp Citron by Chief Ford. Chief Ford can't believe "Princess Prime" is in Sudan as a USAID worker. Having formed an opinion of her 10yrs ago, he can't fathom her giving up her oil money to live in squalor and tells her--right before kissing her. Brie Stewart has cleaned up her act, changed her name, and worked really hard to help suffering people. While Brie doesn't hide her past, she claims responsibility and continues to battle her demons daily. What she doesn't need is an Alpha male, Chief Ford, harassing her and accusing her of past wrongs. But that kiss... After returning to camp, Brie's village comes under attack. She escapes only to be captured and put up for sale in the market. Chief Ford's Green Beret team is called up for the rescue mission. His team successfully tracks down Brie, rescues her, but also creates a diversion to enable the captured children to escape. In doing so, he and Brie are separated from the rest of the team. Even though they have a pre-arranged meeting place, Brie and Bastion miss it due to the rainy season and injuries. They eventually find a place to hide and come up with another plan....They also realize how wrong they were about each other. This novel was captivating, suspenseful, and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were so many stories within the main story that Rachel Grant had you guessing until the last word. Real world issues such as: famine, pursuit of political power at all costs, development of biological and chemical weapons, human/child trafficking and drug abuse were just a few of the topics mentioned. Such a powerful story! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

Catalyst is only the second book in The Flashpoint series and already becoming another of my favorite series by Mrs. Grant. Sometimes fiction has its way to highlight a cruel and sad reality in our current real world, this book accomplished that. I was captivated from the very beginning by the plot and all the sensitive themes that are addressed though the book, at times I felt sick knowing the fiction in the book is the reality of many. Bastian is a hero that struggles with his immense love and resentments toward his family, country and his feelings for a heroine that he thought represented everything he despised. Brie is a heroine seeking for absolution and ways to mend the ugliness that her family has created by working for humanitarian groups while battling her own personal demons and twisted villains in a land with everything is for sale. South Sudan is a land of famine, civil war, slave markets, insurgents groups, countries that profit from the continuing government instability, and private companies from powerful countries that seek the total dominion of the energy and oil. I was delighted surprised by the appearance of a character that I like very much from another of Mrs. Grant’s series and I can’t wait to know more about Savanna James.

I always enjoy Rachel Grant’s books. This book grabbed me right from the start. It’s faced-paced, full of action and adventure, lots of romance, and lots of fun! I really like the characters. Both male and female lead characters are strong, but they have faults and seem more human and real because of them. Both lead characters (Brie and Bastian) had a lot to overcome just to get to where they are at the beginning of the book! But they’re struggles are real struggles that people deal with every day in real life. (I’m referring to struggles with family and heritage, drugs, etc.). I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as much as all the other Rachel Grant books I’ve read. They are always a fast and wild ride, never disappointing! I received this eARC from the publisher, which in no way impacts the content of my review.