ENDANGERED – Kathleen Dante
En Series, Book 3
Berkley Heat
ISBN-13: 978-0-425-22607-0
April 2009
Erotic Paranormal Suspense

The City of Aurora, Somewhere in the U.S. - Present Day

Detective Sergeant Cynarra Malva is one of the best homicide mage detectives; she uses magic to keep law and order, especially when it comes to the criminal mage gangs that are causing destruction in her city. Cyn is in charge of a tactical unit that uses spells against the latest criminals who don’t seem to let up. She loves living on the edge and enjoys her work. She also enjoys her no strings attached affair with Rio Rafael, a special ops sniper who has retired and now wants more with Cyn that just sex. Unfortunately, Cyn is not ready to have a long-term relationship with Rio. It also doesn’t help matters that Rio isn’t a mage and she is. Mages are meant to be with other mages, and Rio is considered to be an outcast, or so Cyn’s brothers tell him with glee.

Rio has turned his back on his own dangerous line of work because he wants Cyn forever, and that means a future as his wife. He is wary of telling Cyn his plans because he is afraid she will cut and run. For the time being, he will keep seducing her and giving her incredible sex so that she won’t want to be without him. It kills him that Cyn is constantly in danger and there is nothing he can do to keep her safe.

When a serial killer has turned the city into his playground and targets Cyn, Rio has no choice but to take control of the situation. No one, not some deranged killer, or even Cyn’s family, will keep Cyn from him. Cyn is his, and he is never giving her up.

ENDANGERED is the third book in Kathleen Dante’s En series that deals with magical crimes and the lives of those who try to stop the criminals who have no regard for the law. Many readers will adore Cyn who is strong, quick on her feet, and a woman who doesn’t need a man to lean on to make it through the day. That becomes a big issue for Cyn’s lover, Rio, who is no longer happy with the relationship they have. Cyn keeps Rio at a distance emotionally because they are so different. The reason is because of the magical element in this story. These two characters know how to fight and can handle the worst of situations, but because Rio isn’t a mage like Cyn, they are not expected to be together forever and are only meant to have a sexually gratifying fling.

Fans of suspense and police action will surely enjoy ENDANGERED. I found myself a bit confused, especially with the whole aspect of the mages and the magic used as a weapon for both the police and criminals. I felt this paranormal plot device could have been left out. There was enough drama and tension as it was, and this really wasn’t needed because the story was already interesting.

Cyn’s brothers add some lighthearted moments and are very protective of her, and more so when it comes to Rio. I really felt sorry for Rio because the guy couldn’t seem to catch a break; everyone seems to be against him when it comes to Cyn. Cyn also has a great group of people in her unit whom she trusts with her life.

ENDANGERED was a pleasing read with some great love scenes, nice action, and suspense that will have you rooting for the good guys.

Kate Garrabrant