The sensuous cover picture of Cassy Rivers, sister to former Marine Sniper Nicollette Rivers of Atonement fame, depicts the same spunk and sass although not quite as tough a demeanor as her older sister. Cassy survived her harrowing experience from Atonement but is still suffering the effects of having to go near the woods to investigate a tragic incident involving a co-worker. Added to that is the appearance of her former lover FBI Agent Boyce Hunt who is called in to investigate the unusual bank robberies in small town Eider in the McIntire County Series, Book 2 by Winter Austin, published by Crimson Romance.
Inside Born to Die we get a close-up of "Nic's" little sister in action, the lingering fear factor of her past experience, the intense pain and anger she harbors over her relationship with Boyce Hunt, and the inability to resolve her feelings toward her father.
We explore Agent Hunt's deeper motivations, his attachment to Cassy Rivers which he can't completely ignore anymore, why he abandoned her in her time of deepest need. As the contemporary phrase states, "It's complicated."
Grisly murders and unheard of bank robberies seem to be linked which means Agent Hunt might be around for longer than originally planned until he's called back to Tennessee regarding a case of personal concern. His partner Liza takes over while Cassy assumes Boyce will once again leave her behind in spite of his telling her it'll be different this time.
There are twists, turns, profanity, sexual tension and passion in this exciting novel which accelerates the plot as it moves along through each character's emotional crisis. Something's gone terribly wrong in this small town and county, and the FBI, Sheriff's and Eider Police Departments are on full alert. It's Christmastime, and some families clearly won't be celebrating this year.
Cassy outdoes herself in a scene where she and Agent Hunt are held captive in Cassy's home. We see the professional Cassy in action, the woman who's taken charge of her life since her terrifying escapade with a serial killer.
Winter links the crimes effectively, shows the intensity of a relationship that just won't die, incorporates a meaningful auxiliary subplot, and ties up the loose ends with an unexpected and satisfying ending. I highly recommend Born to Die (and Atonement) for those readers who can forge through a bit of bad language and some sexual episodes.
Father, only you can effectively direct our steps as writers. I pray that you would continue to show Winter where you want her to go with her writing and provide exactly what she needs to get there. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.