IF YOU DARE - Adrianne Byrd
Harper/Torch
August 2004
SYNOPSIS: From one of the most exciting voices of African-American fiction, the national bestselling author of MY DESTINY, comes this thrilling tale of romantic suspense.
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE: (4+) Wayne Jordan
REVIEW: Retired art thief, Damien Black now lives as a successful businessman, but when Sean LaFonte offers him a job, he’s intrigued and decided to return to his former life for just one final heist. Stealing the Degas Collection from Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is a challenge he can’t resist. That is until he meets Angel LaFonte, the beautiful director of the museum, and the sister of the man who’s just hired him. Of course, this complicates the situation. Add a private detective who's bend on exposing Damien and you have the making of an engrossing story.
The excellence of IF YOU DARE lies in the depth of and insight into the two major characters, Angel and Damien. The instant attraction between them provides a heated sexual tension that intensifies as they grow to care for each other. Creations of Ms. Byrd’s wonderful imagination, Angela and Damien are three-dimensional characters that battle with internal conflicts that challenge their own personal beliefs as well as the nature of their developing relationship.
The secondary characters are vivid and realistic personalities. One of the most intriguing of these characters is Angel’s brother who must be one of the most despicable characters I’ve seen this year. I couldn’t help but hate him. He is, however, is a perfect example of Ms. Byrd’s ability to create a diversity of characters.
Of course, the moral issues that arise as a result of the hero’s profession may leave some reader’ wondering but Ms. Byrd handles this will the skill of a veteran and by the end of the story, female readers will be dreaming of their own Damien.
As with each of this talented author’s previous books, Ms. Byrd’s pens a story that is at the same time wonderfully romantic, suspenseful and filled with intriguing characters. Fast-paced, the story will keep readers hooked for the first page until the very end. IF YOU DARE demonstrates all the qualities that make Ms. Byrd’s one of African-American’s most talented romance authors.
waj@romanceincolor.com (1st October 2004)