Behind Closed Doors [Paperback]

A good combination of thriller and very erotic romance. There’s a lot of sex in this book, so if you object to such, then this is not a tale for you. However sex is used here as much to show how the two central characters change in the course of events, from power plays to tenderness, touching on punishment and eventually even forgiveness. In this, as well as the quality of writing, McKenna makes this about more than sex, and brings in something of the human condition, as well as drawing in other themes and subtexts of the novel. Thus, although plentiful, the erotic nature of the book actually adds meaning to the relationship and thus integrates into the story as a whole.

As for the thriller side, there is certainly no ‘mystery’ here – we know whodunnit and why the various characters are taking the actions that they are. The two central characters are Raine Cameron, who has recently begun working for identified baddie Victor Lazar, and Seth Mackey, whose brother had been killed 10 months prior to the opening of the book. All that drives Seth now is the need for vengeance. He likens himself to a cyborg – focused, emotionless and with a single purpose. To this end he has extensively bugged the house of Lazar’s mistress (Lazar being involved in his brothers death), which is now Raine’s house. Raine is actually related to Lazar, and blames him (rightly) for the death of her father. She has been on the run from Lazar for 13 years, and considers herself to be a bit of a coward – the shy, retiring, unnoticeable type. Now convinced that she needs to find out more of her fathers death, she has ‘infiltrated’ Lazars firm, supposedly anonymously – almost a joke as Lazar knows exactly who she is. Seth, for his part, has been watching Raine with fascination, becoming more and more attracted to her. And now the plan moves along, as he seeks to make contact with Lazar, and through him with Lazar’s new assistant. Both of them seeking knowledge and retribution, neither sure of who they can trust, both unable to deny the attraction they feel for the other. An attraction watched with interest by many…

It’s a very well thought out story, containing many elements. Revenge, hate, manipulation, rage, and the seamer side of life are definitely a part of it, but so too is a great deal of warmth and ‘family’ feeling. Seth on his side has the memories of his brother, and his developing relationship with the McCloud brothers (who I hope will have their own stories in the future). Raine brings her historical relationship with her parents, and her ongoing complex feelings about Lazar. There are others very central to the book too – Novak and Riggs whose roles become important in the telling of the story. There is no ‘mystery’, but a great deal of human nature, as characters change and develop as they deal with very real danger and cope with the shifting nature of reality. I particularly liked the triangle of Raine, Seth and Lazar’s roles as they played against each other.

Overall I enjoyed the book very much, particularly as a study of human characteristics and relationships, and indeed and how we as individuals affect each other and touch each others lives, for better or worse. I liked very much that this ‘erotic thriller’ was deeper than a surface story, and that the characters within were constantly evolving not only as they grew and changed within themselves, but also in their dealings each other.

This is my first book from this author and then I immediately read the following ones. Even though Shannon Mckenna repeats herself in other series, she is a bright star in this genre. I liked the fast pacing storyline very much. If you dont like too controlling male characters you probably wont like it. On the other hand, I must say that it was an amazing read. I could not put it down, a real page turner. Great for lazy days, particularly perfect for the beach.
Behind Closed Doors has a good storyline and sizzling scenes. I recommend this book if you want to read suspense, love and some sex. I was entertained with Behind Closed Doors. Also recommended: 'Standing In The Shadows' by Shannon McKenna.

When a man bent on revenge encounters a woman that is good and kind their fate gets intertwined. But will the scintillating passion be enough to overcome all the obstacles when truth wants to find a way to be revealed? It is a battle of character and courage as the enemy reaches out with his clutches and wants to ruin everything in its path...

Shannon McKenna has left me all hot and bothered and clamoring for more after reading my first encounter with her work, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. In no way could anything prepare me for the sizzling emotional rollercoaster ride and throughout the book I wondered: `Can a crude, bold, brass male character whom refuses to leash his tongue, in more ways than one, claim me in such a demanding way?' Well, as I closed this book I can fully convinced say, YES! Seth appeared in the story and immediately sucker punched me with his straight forward behavior and wasn't ashamed of it either.

With Seth's very intricate nature Shannon McKenna gives this novel a man that will get all your senses flaring to life. But he will also rub you the wrong way at times, even have full-fleshed, pissed off moments at what he has done as he all did it with me. Nevertheless, it is only the stunning way this author tells his story and discloses his background that allows Seth to just be the man he is at heart and no apologies being made for it that is such a part of his appeal. If you think that this novel is all about Seth think again for he will make quite an impression but without a worthy female adversary this story would have lost a lot of its high voltage vibe!

Raine may be a meek, colorless woman in the beginning but the slowly unveiling of her true nature proves to be very intriguing and triggering forbidden feelings within Seth who responses in the only way he knows how...with scorching mind blowing passion that would incinerate the pages if possible. For if there is one thing that is present in this story is sensuous, hot, page melting passion that will make the need for chocolate obsolete.

Just this quote alone should indicate a certain measure of it:
Having a gorgeous woman stare at his **** as if it were one of the Seven Wonders of the World did great things for his ego. A man's **** could never get enough female appreciation.

If there is one thing that rocked me to my core it is the incredible characterization, interaction and romance building in BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. But it was framed by a surprising plot and suspense that contained far going consequences for both Seth and Raine. For with Victor the past of both Raine and Seth is linked together and if Victor is anything it is cold, methodically precise and distant to any emotions what so ever. Moreover, with his personality he knows how to manipulate people and has no boundaries to get what he desires. He poses a threat to all involved and I just gobbled up the pages like there was no tomorrow to finish reading it.

I would almost say that this romance-suspense story has too much testosterone....almost. For who doesn't want to get to know the McCloud brothers? They give off warning signals for future novels with their male bantering and ego's. Hints to past events that must have effected them in one way or another that gets you all in the mood for a more "close encounter" with each of them. They are just what you need when the going gets tough, and for Seth and Raine the going gets tough...and in the end even tougher.

In the end all I can say is that Shannon McKenna has made a statement with a high quality romance suspense story that gave me renewed passion for this genre. She masters all the ingredients necessary for an all consuming romance read and I closed this book with a fulfilled heart.

Once in the grip of BEHIND CLOSED DOORS you will not stop until the last word is read and will make you hunt down other novels by this fabulous author!

Reviewed by Leontine
Courtesy of Realms On Our Bookshelves