Against the Odds

November 12, 2012
Martin’s seventh Raines of Wind Canyon contemporary western (after Against the Sun) sizzles with unbridled passion and nonstop suspense. Sabrina “Rina” Eckhart, a former stockbroker, decides to travel from her home in Houston to West Texas to see an ostensibly valuable mine she inherited from her uncle, and hires private investigator Alex Justice to accompany her on the journey. Danger follows the pair as a series of “accidents” befall her. As fiercely independent Rina reluctantly leans on commitment-wary Alex, the two form a sizzling emotional and physical connection. A subplot involving a serial killer Alex helped put behind bars adds an additional element of mystery. While at times Alex’s superhero-like qualities defy credulity, the fast pace and romantic chemistry never falter.

December 1, 2012
After losing her fortune, her beloved car, and perhaps her job as a stockbroker, Sabrina decides to investigate a barren chunk of west Texas land, left to her by an uncle who was convinced there was silver to be mined. While searching for a mine with Alex, a former Navy SEAL who is piloting a rented helicopter, they survive a catastrophic equipment failure and crash in the middle of nowhere. Back in Houston, Alex designates himself as her bodyguard after they learn that the copter had been sabotaged, and another attempt on her life lands Sabrina in the hospital. When her mother runs into trouble, Alex suspects a trap, but when they go to her, they end up making a discovery that changes Sabrina's view of her extended family. Martin's suspenseful tale, featuring multiple characters, family secrets, and steamy lovemaking, is enhanced by a subplot involving a child killer, a court case, and Alex's niece.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)