This is a story where just one more page has to be read all through the book, as the tension-filled opposition between characters is superbly written. Whether the encounter is only packed with sincerely expressed feelings or contains more terrifying physical danger, Beth Cornelison keeps the anticipation riveting.

After Jackson McKay is awakened one night by intruders, he at first believes they are burglars. Unfortunately, they are much worse as he and his young daughter are forcibly taken to a mountainous locale by the demanding group. Jackson works for a medical research company, and the information about his top secret work is what these people want from him. Although the statistics he has discovered can be used for curing diseases, it can also be used to distribute lethal toxins to humans and these mercenaries want it for their own extreme objectives. When his daughter’s life is threatened, Jackson’s emotions are divided as he does not want to cooperative with the terrorists yet concern for his child comes first.

When a forest fire leads to Jackson being able to escape from his captors, he hopes to come up with a plan for rescuing his daughter. He did not count on the arrival of smokejumpers in the area, and certainly not for them to become involved in his dilemma. Unfortunately, they do become mixed up in the deadly predicament, and one of them, Lauren Michaels, offers to help him get aid from the authorities by being his guide around the fire. Jackson and Lauren find themselves working together to save his daughter plus stop the terrorists from carrying out their scheme, while their own rousing desires blaze to life.

Beth Cornelison creates characters who speak to the heart of the reader, where one will become totally absorbed in their lives. Each individual has a distinctive personality, and Ms. Cornelison discloses inner secrets to make connections even more deeply felt. In UNDER FIRE, there are differences of opinions between several characters, and the reasons for these disagreements are clearly shown with often touching insight. Jackson and Lauren are certainly memorable characters, as the basis for their heartfelt emotions comes to light and made me truly care about them. This couple frequently leaves unspoken how they actually feel for each other, and these moments are especially moving from the honest way they respond. When these two did not agree on a course of action, the atmosphere around them is almost palpable with stress. Their more intimate scenes are overflowing with passion yet also fueled by earnest feelings. When it comes to the dangerous aspects of the story, there is an abundance of harrowing escapes and escalating suspense. When peril is surrounding more than one character at a time in a different location, Ms. Cornelison seamlessly keeps the action gripping as each detail is revealed. And just when the reader thinks a beloved character may finally be safe, another unanticipated incident befalls this person. UNDER FIRE grabs the reader with its intriguingly action-packed plot, while the genuine emotions keep you enthralled.

Filed Under: June 2008 Reviews Samhain Publishing	About the Book: Genre: suspense ISBN: 978-1-60504-054-7 Page Count: 310 Price: $ 5.50 Reviewer: Amelia Richard
	Sensuality Rating: Sensuous Star Rating: 5 Stars