Casey reviewed on 1/22/2012 + 154 more book reviews

Romantic Suspense has to have at least two qualities for me to become truly invested in the story: suspense that keeps me on the edge of my seat and romance that doesnt cheapen the suspense.

I was completely satisfied and more in When the Smoke Clears. It has an excellent level of high-drama suspense, but when the fear drops out just a little bit, the romance is there to pick up the slack. And dont expect those moments of down time to really last, because just when I would start getting comfortable BAM! something would come out of nowhere to rock the storyworld all over again.

Never once during the six hours I spent reading this book, did I figure out the villain. Oh I had my guesses here and there, but it sure took me by surprise when I found out at the end. I would have liked a little more hint and play that this character could have been the villain, but I still think it was laid out well.

The characters are strong and likeable, the action clear-cut and oh so fast paced. The novel utilizes great dialogue and setting and more than once I felt a chill creep up my spine.

AND to top it all off, the main plot of the story is still left hanging, to be cleared up in book two...or three, only the author knows. But I do know, with the kind of ending I was given, Im going to be on pins and needles to get book two!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.

**Available February 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**

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