Speed date with Shane: BORN TO DARKNESS by Suzanne Brockmann

BORN TO DARKNESS (Fighting Destiny #1) by Suzanne Brockmann

Urban Fantasy

513 pages, hardcover

Available now (March 2012)

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Review copy provided by publisher via Amazon Vine for honest review

Dishonorably discharged, former Navy SEAL Shane Laughlin is down to his last ten bucks when he finally finds work as a test subject at the Obermeyer Institute, a little-known and believed-to-be-fringe scientific research facility. When he enters the OI compound, he is plunged into a strange world where seemingly mild-mannered scientists—including women half his size—can kick his highly skilled ass.

Shane soon discovers that there are certain individuals who possess the unique ability to access untapped regions of the brain with extraordinary results—including telekinesis, super strength, and reversal of the aging process. Known as “Greater-Thans,” this rare breed is recruited by OI, where they are rigorously trained using ancient techniques to cultivate their powers and wield them responsibly.

But in the depths of America’s second Great Depression, where the divide between the haves and the have-nots has grown even wider, those who are rich—and reckless—enough have a quick, seductive alternative: Destiny, a highly addictive designer drug that can make anyone a Greater-Than, with the power of eternal youth. The sinister cartel known as The Organization has begun mass-producing Destiny, and the demand is epidemic. But few realize the drug’s true danger, and fewer still know the dirty secret of Destiny’s crucial ingredient.

Michelle “Mac” Mackenzie knows the ugly truth. And as one of the Obermeyer Institute’s crack team of operatives, she’s determined to end the scourge of Destiny. But her kick-ass attitude gets knocked for a loop when she finds that one of the new test subjects is none other than Shane, the same smoldering stranger who just rocked her world in a one-night stand. Although Shane isn’t a Greater-Than like Mac, as an ex-SEAL, he’s got talents of his own. But Mac’s got powerful reasons to keep her distance from him—and reasons that are just as strong to want him close. She’s used to risking her life, but now, in the midst of the ultimate war on drugs, she must face sacrificing her heart.

Wow. That blurb is like three times longer than my speed date is going to be!

Given its bulk (and in hardcover, too), this book could double as a nighttime protection weapon. The story inside is no less powerful, packing a major one-two-three punch within its pages. There's a kick-ass heroine for those who love their urban fantasy. *fist pump* There's a hot-hot-hot love story for those who want some paranormal romance. *woot* There's even a dystopian society in the wreckage that is America for those who go for that. *yeah, baybee*

Mac and Shane have major sparkage but, of course, both are damaged goods and do their best to stay away from each other--a lost cause. As Greater-Thans, they've got to learn to use their powers to defeat The Organization and the horrible drug that's decimating anyone who uses it. Brockman knows how to create some burn and some chemistry, y'all. Seriously. A fantastic read and a great start to a new series.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes and Noble