5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Realistic!, December 10, 2002
This review is from: Avenging Angel (Paperback)
A murderer is reigning terror upon the city streets, but this villain is almost a folk hero. His victims are only those who have driven their abused wives to seek the shelter offered by Rachel's House, a center for battered women. Despite the fact that only scum is dying, the police are involved, and strongly suspect that the head of Rachel's House, Regan Keller, might be the Avenger.
Regan finds an ally in her struggle in the new handyman, Alex Edwards, who was sent by her benefactress, Lillian Court, to repair the roof. Little does she know that he is actually Lillian's son, a professional trouble shooter, sent to keep an eye on things and help Regan. Little time passes before the attraction between them begins to melt ice, and Alex begins to get past all of the defenses Regan has put up to keep from letting anyone, especially a man, into her heart. Love may have to wait though. The Avenger's body count rises quickly, and soon, not even the innocent are safe.
... Realistically frightening, this novel presents a paradox for the reader. While the Avenger's cause is one that is easy to understand, the danger posed is terrifying. Regan and Alex's passion is one to warm the chilly nights and the bones that have begun to run cold with the well written terror. You will not be able to put this one down once you start...
Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
The Subplot Was the Best Part, January 29, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Avenging Angel (Paperback)
This was my first Justine Dare novel that I have read through to the end. I attempted to read "High Stakes" and just couldn't get into it. As a social worker, it was a hard to get beyond Regan, the protagonist's, self-rightiousness and sense of duty. Ms. Dare excuses Regan's lack of therapeutic rapport with the residents 3/4 of the way through by stating that Rachel's House is a labor of obligation instead of a career choice; however, I was really disappointed in the dialogue between Regan and the residents too early into the book to swallow her reasoning. Spousal abuse is a serious subject and anyone who will take on the material this novel covers deserves respect; however, it did not make for an enlightening or suspensful read.
I feel the subplot regarding Detective Lynne Garrison was more interesting. The character seemed much more empathetic toward the resident's and was fighting her own personal demons. Detective Garrison was a very well-developed character that deserved an entire novel from her perspective. With that, Ms. Dare would have had a compelling, heartfelt novel worthy of 5 stars.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book held my interest from the first page to the last., January 6, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Avenging Angel (Paperback)
This is the first Justine Dare book I have read and I loved it. It held my interest from the first page to the last page. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more of her books. The social issue was one that caught my attention and was explained very well. Dare showed compassion for women in abusive situations with heart but also told a great suspence story that had me guessing to the end as who-dun-it. Great book!
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