Customer Reviews

Naked Edge (I-Team, Book 4)

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's been a loooooong wait for this one, but I am so glad it was worth it. I read most of this on my flight back from a business trip, and I have to wonder what people must have thought as I was either dabbing my eyes with a tissue, grinning ear-to-ear and laughing, biting my lip as the suspense built and built, or just blushing because this book was steamy HOT. (Probably the hottest of the series, but be prepared for some big emotional punches too.) I loved the Native American storyline too. I think it added a depth to the story that you don't often get in a romantic suspense book. I even cried in a few places.

Gabe is park Ranger in Boulder who enjoys his work, and is an extreme sport enthusiast and a rock-jock mountain climber. He meets Kat during a rescue where a rock slide nearly takes her life. It is sometime later that their paths cross again, but they do remember each other and things begin to simmer. Kat is an investigative reporter for the Denver newspaper I-Team, and is also a Navajo Native American from New Mexico now living in Denver. When Kat becomes part of a story about the rights of the local Native American's being violated -- including unknown enemies trying to remove them from their sacred Indian grounds -- she finds herself turning to Gabe for information and help.

The relationship between Gabe and Kat starts slowly at first, as these two are as opposite as you can get. Gabe is a man who plays the field and has no qualms about recreational sex, while Kat is a woman whose beliefs have instilled in her the desire to wait and find her half-mate. The story takes these two on a journey where the suspense just builds and builds as more tragic events occur, more attempts on their lives are made, and the risks they face become higher and higher. There is also a great deal of information woven into the story about the life and beliefs of the Navajo and local Native Americans, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The chemistry between these two heats up to a million degrees, and the dialog between these two at times had me in stitches just laughing! They made just a perfect team, and there are so many great scenes in this book to prove it. Throughout all of this I couldn't help but admire Kat as she was a mix of both grace and guts. Despite everything that happens, she keeps her head on straight and never waivers. And best yet, she had enough insight to see past Gabe's machinations and into the person he really is.

Overall, this is much more than just a sexy-steamy read, and in my opinion the best in the series so far, which is saying a lot as they all rock. While there are characters from previous books, it is a stand-alone read too and would be a great place to start if you haven't read this author before. Enjoy!

I am a long time fan of Marc Hunter, the hero from Clare's last I Team book Unlawful Contact. It has been about two years since that book was released and, as impatient as I was, it was worth the wait. This book is amazing. Clare is a master at fully developing characters you care about. This book is such a roller coaster ride of emotions. I laughed when the guys were harrassing each other, and even some of the times when Gabe talked to himself. I was scared for Kat as she was in danger time and time again, and I cried at a scene of great emotion between the two lead characters. Most of your favorites from earlier books are here, but you really don't have to read those books to understand fully and from the beginning what this story is all about.
Clare's sensitivity to the Native American issues in the book, and taking care not to turn Kat into a 'Disney Indian' added that much more depth to the book.
Loved this book - can't wait for the next one!

This book was just a wonderful surprise. I had pre-ordered it (Ms Clare's are a must-buy for me) and just turned on my kindle the other night to buy a book in a series that I was lukewarm about. When I looked to see if the other book had downloaded, there was my new Pamela Clare!!! Oh my goodness, it was like Christmas in March. Plus, I've been house-bound for 6 weeks with a broken ankle so it was really just a god-send :) I love her books and this was no exception. The story is intense, the characters build on the familiar group, the romance was hot, the suspense gripping. ~sigh~ I just love her books. Ms Clare, I went like a dumb-a%% and just put your other 3 I-team books on my kindle and then read them all again because with this ankle I didn't feel like climbing into my closet and finding the other 3 paperbacks! Sssshhhh, don't tell my husband ;) Looking at the pub dates it seems like it takes about 2 years between books, but I'm hoping I won't have to wait that long until Natalie's story comes out. That would be a serious bummer for me because you do such GREAT stories that are packed with intensity, detail, and wonderful relationships! But if that is what it takes, then I will :) Because you do such great, intense stuff that I don't want you to skip any detail! Thanks again.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!! Kat was a wonderful heroine who had deep beliefs and stuck by them, Gabe was a hard ass hero but you knew it was just a cover for a heart of gold that he'd buried due to a past betrayal. He turned out to be an absolute dream. The love scenes were scorchin, as only Pamela can do so well, and visiting past characters was icing on the cake. I loved how the group of characters from all four books formed a tight, supportive group that really care about eachother and I loved how Gabe learned to open up and trust again. I liked seeing the bond he formed with Marc and Julian. Marc and Julian cracked me up with their bantering in this book and Gabe ended up fitting right in along the way.

The ending had a bit of a shocker thrown in but I think Pamela did a great job with it. It was totally unexpected! Can't wait until the next one. Just wish we didn't have to wait so long in-between.

When you have an emotionally damaged man who thinks he has nothing to give and who wants nothing in return, and a woman who's genuinely pure and good; you just know they'll each be a strength for the other's weakness. Such is the case with Pamela Clare's NAKED EDGE. Romantic suspense or action adventure, I don't care what you call it, it simply doesn't get any better than this.
All Denver Independent I-Team reporter Katherine James wanted when she set out on a hike was a speck of peace and quiet away from the hustle and noise that is Denver, a little one-on-one time with clean air and sunshine. What she got in return was a tumble with a rockslide that left her terribly bruised and broken. Thank heavens for park ranger Gabe Rossiter who was enjoying the solitude of off-duty rock climbing when he saw Kat's fall. Shocked that she was still alive, he called for help and stayed with her until the rescue helicopter took her away. Three months later, Kat is mostly healed and participating in a Native American prayer ceremony that is violently attacked by officers in the name of upholding the law. She is greatly disappointed to see Gabe there in uniform - her recollection of her accident didn't include his telling her he was in law enforcement. It turned out that Gabe is one of the good guys and he quickly takes action to get to the bottom of the violation. When the attacks on Kat and the Navajo community escalate, it quickly becomes clear that Kat's life is in danger and she and Gabe have a serious fight on their hands to keep her alive.
Gabe becomes more attracted to Kat and her unusual beauty every time he's near her. She quickly makes it clear that she is a virgin and yes, she intends to remain one until she finds the right man. Unlike most men who would find this absurdly cliché, Gabe respects her decision and understands that she only wants to share her body with the man she'll share children and the rest of her life with. That doesn't mean he wants Kat any less, but Gabe is still tortured over the loss of his fiancée three years prior and considers himself undeserving. Part of Gabe's training as a park ranger included education in decades-old beliefs and traditions of the area's Native American community. He has the utmost appreciation for those customs and is incensed when he witnesses the cruelty of some of the local police force against the Navajo residents. His deepening investigation serves to further exacerbate the attacks against Kat and he soon becomes her round the clock protector. He quickly realizes that Kat's pure goodness runs far deeper than her virginity and being with her makes him wish that he could be the man on the receiving end of her love and affection.
NAKED EDGE is undoubtedly one of the most powerful love stories I have ever read. The intrigue and suspense are plentiful as are smoldering passions, but the love story especially is solidly told with a rhythm that slowly and continuously gains momentum. Kat's genuine goodness and purity are a balm to Gabe's tortured soul, yet she is unaware of how uniquely special she is. Gabe sees a woman in Kat that she doesn't even realize exists. Navajo customs are beautifully written and woven into this story without being stereotypical and I feel certain that most readers will find themselves educated and more understanding as a result.
Appearances by previous series' characters are just part of the rich deliciousness that is NAKED EDGE and catching up with them is an added treat. This book very capably stands on its own but because this is such a strong, wonderfully told series, I highly recommend reading in order.
COURTESY LAURIE/ROMANCE JUNKIES

To save time for those of you who don't want to read several paragraphs before reaching the conclusion, here are the Cliff's Notes: I love this book and I highly recommend it. 'Nuff said. For those who want a little more meat on the bones here's why I love it (giving away as little of the plot as possible...I hate spoilers).

The heroine, Kat, is the child of a Navajo mother and Caucasian father who grew up on the reservation but has moved off (no I won't tell you why) and now works at the prestigious I-Team. She is a woman between cultures and yet she is centered and has a quiet strength that comes from knowing exactly who she is and what she values. This is reflected in her lifestyle and the balance she strikes between the traditional Navajo values she grew up with and the modern, oversexed society. Her conviction is very empowering.

The hero, Gabe, is a park ranger, and a major alpha male, capable of empathy, and compassion...not to mention passion, but he has lost his way and has covered himself in an almost impenetrable armor of cynicism and promiscuity...almost impenetrable, until he meets Kat.

To avoid spoilers I will just say that the two meet and end up teaming up to solve what first seems to be nothing more than an inexplicable violation of native American religious rights but soon turns deadly. Their attraction is immediate but having diametrically opposed ideas of relationships, they both know it is pointless to pursue. Yet as they move closer to discovering the truth they also can't deny what they are feeling. And it is Kat's strength that finally helps Gabe find his true self again.

As always, Ms. Clare weaves together an exciting plot with serious sensuality. Her ability to handle the tricky issue of how to write a romantic and super hot love scenes is unsurpassed. With each book she taps new emotional wellsprings and the ending of this book is the most powerful yet.

To be honest I was never interested in contemporary romance. But after reading Ms. Clare's historicals, which I consider to be classics and must reads each and every one, I decided to try her contemporary stories and it didn't take more than a paragraph to get hooked. I have read the entire I-Team series and waited impatiently for this latest installment, which lived up to all my expectations.

And for those of you who come from the contemporary background but don't go in much for historicals I would recommend giving Pamela Clare's historicals a try. She brings the same accuracy, the same intensity and the same realism to all her work.

Examing this story from every angle only completes the impression of just the best romanctic suspense novel this year. Each character is well developed and original in their humanity. A superstar, alpha jock--disconnected from emotional reality and condemned to an existence of pointless thrill seeking--is he capable of growth or change? The female lead is an educated half-Native American enmeshed is a bubble stretching across two worlds--can she arrange both cultures--anglo and Native--to meet in the middle? The Colorado mountains--a setting of beauty and tremendous risk is outside the areas of control for either of them. Then a motivation of greed pulling each other piece apart and away. The skill of this author is to build a believeable story without the conviction of a guaranteed HEA. Winter storms and the fraility of human flesh create a tension as relentless as a native drumbeat.
Although the sensuality is deep and rather explicit, it is still a book I would recommend for all ages. The sensual scenes are completely wrapped within emotion--both good and bad. For that reason exposing all readers to the love scenes create areas of discussion on values, cross cultural ideals of privacy and romance. Highly recommended.

The I-Team Series:

Extreme Exposure (I-Team Series, Book 1)

Hard Evidence (I-Team, Book 2)

Unlawful Contact (I-Team Series, Book 3) (Incredible story!)

Naked Edge (I-Team, Book 4)

*Coming Next: Natalie's Story*



Quoted from Pamela Clare's web site:

"Q. Why do you go so long between books?"
"A. I write two different sub-genres, plus I work full time. On top of that, I'm a very picky writer and try very hard to write the best book possible. I'd rather make people wait than churn out garbage sequels."



Ms. Clare delivers. I'll wait as long as necessary to get my hands on a story like this one. "Naked Edge" is a total thrill ride and sweet romance combined.

The hero, Gabe, is an adrenaline junky who thrives on impossible physical challenges in rock climbing, skiing, ice picking, and any other danger he can find. Clare writes Gabe's action scenes so well, you will be climbing the cliffs and hanging in mid-air with him. Don't be surprised when you realize that you are holding your breath.
The heroine, Kat, is a Navajo- American reporter with the I-Team. Her area of writing is environmental news. When possible, she includes topics that can help raise awareness of native land concerns. She is modern enough to know that many of her ancestors superstitions are false, but traditional enough to see when their beliefs are true. Her faith in the goodness of Gabe's soul, even as he doubts himself, becomes the foundation for life-changing love.


Gabe's past has taught him that love is a fairy tale and friendship is for fools. A man's best defense is to keep to himself and seek fulfillment through physical release. For the past three years, he has spent himself in outdoor sports and easy women. Gabe is determined to keep himself single and cold.

Kat sees the truth of Gabe's heart and soul, even when he cannot. She sees his love in the way he holds her to chase away her fears, saves her life without a thought for his own safety, sacrifices his future for her honor, and honors her native traditions to give her comfort. He loves the land as her people do, and respects their right to continue with their ancestors' ceremonies. Kat is determined to show Gabe his true beauty.

The devil on Gabe's shoulder is constantly whispering in his ear. He knows he shouldn't touch an innocent old-fashioned woman like Kat, but he can't seem to stay away. When her life is threatened by men who want to plunder the land for native artifacts, Gabe has no choice but to hide her away. With the help of her friends, officers Julian Darcangelo and Marc Hunter, Gabe escapes with Kat to a remote cottage in the mountains. Without realizing it is happening, Gabe is developing friendships with Julian and Marc. Worse, he has fallen in love with Kat. Believing himself a fool indeed, Gabe is beginning to trust.

What Gabe can't say with words, he screams with actions. Kat is sure he loves her. When proof of his love costs the ultimate price, Gabe doesn't even blink. He gladly gives his life to save hers... After all, she has saved his soul.


Wow, what a story! The action begins in the very first chapter and never lets up. Gabe's character gets under your skin and you'll happily house him there. He is rough around the edges, often using offensive language to hide his emotions, but the sweetness inside always shows through. As the outer shell breaks, his heart shines. Through endless heroic deeds, Gabe wins you over as he wins Kat's love. He's a rock, and oh man do I want to climb that mountain!

Pamela Clare never disappoints! I loved this latest entry in her I-Team series.It definitely lives up to the quality of the first three books and then some! You get a fascinating glimpse into Native American culture that blends perfectly with the story and avoids all the usual stereotypes sometimes present when an author attempts to 'throw in' some Native American characters or subjects in an effort to be unique.Pamela Clare has done her homework here,and it shows.Her writing is easy to read,the kind of story that grabs you and pulls you in immediately.

I also loved that we get two people who are so different in Kat and Gabe yet come together in a love that is beyond powerful.Their relationship moves along at just the right pace,and before the end of the book I came to know and love them both like old friends I've known forever.Some of the most touching scenes were between the two of them,of course,but I also enjoyed knowing what they were each thinking as their relationship developed.That is just one of Pamela Clare's skills,giving you equal perspectives from the hero and heroine,beyond just animal attraction.It makes for a story that is emotionally satisfying in every way.Something that wrings you out a little and makes you feel like you are part of the story,makes you cheer for these people and want the very best for them.One of her best ever,don't miss it!

I'm a huge fan of Pamela Clare, so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed (and I wasn't). What I didn't know was that the big black moment -- that moment when it looks like all is lost and the lovers can't be together -- was going to blow me away. I cried my eyes out. Quite possibly the best black moment in any contemporary romance I've ever read. <Sigh>