No Control by Shannon K. Butcher

Posted February 20, 2008 by Casee in Reviews | 7 Comments

Genres: Romantic Suspense


Book description:

Lana Hancock knows all about danger–and betrayal. Eighteen months ago, she was captured by a terrorist group known as the Swarm while one of its members, a rugged man with sinfully dark eyes, did nothing to help her. Now when she’s freed and desperate to put it all behind her, the unthinkable happens. The Swarm is targeting Lana once again and the man who stood silently by has become her protector. But can she trust him?
Delta Force operative Caleb Stone will never forget the hatred shining in Lana’s eyes. Ordered to take down the Swarm by infiltrating its ranks, Caleb couldn’t blow his cover to save her–no matter how much it haunted him. Now, gifted with a second chance, he vows to move heaven and earth to protect her…and fulfill her every desire. But the Swarm has reorganized. It’s more powerful than ever and hell-bent on revenge…
If things went her way, Lana Hancock would never have to lay eyes on Caleb Stone again. Caleb was there during the darkest days of her life. Working undercover, Caleb was unable to intervene while Lana and her friends were tortured and her friends killed. When he finally got her out, Caleb stayed at her side for three long days and nights until he was sure she would make a full physical recovery. When he shows up in her office, Lana thinks she’s hallucinating. It doesn’t take long for Caleb to convince her that he’s not going anywhere until he gets what he came for. Secrets that she’s kept since the day she escaped. Secrets that she’s vowed to take to her grave.

When Caleb’s superior sends him to watch over Lana, he’s not convinced there is any danger. Never able to forget Lana and his part in her nightmare, Caleb only hopes that she can one day bring herself to stop hating him. It doesn’t take long for Caleb to realize that things in Lana’s life aren’t as they seem. Finding bugs in her home and office, he now has to admit that Lana’s life might still be in danger. This time Caleb vowed to himself that he’d protect her with his life if necessary.

After Butcher’s debut, No Regrets, I was really looking forward to No Control. It didn’t quite live up to my expectations, but it was a good read. Caleb’s inner struggle with his inability to protect Lana is a powerful thing that jumps right out at you. This is a man that had to chose between saving the one or saving the many. Caleb Stone is a heroic man, in more ways than one.

While Lana was an okay heroine, I didn’t really care for her. She is the epitome of TSTL. Lana never said a word about what she saw the day she was rescued. Believing that staying off the radar of the terrorists she knows are alive is the only way to protect her family, Lana has kept silent for 18 long months. See, the terrorists don’t know that Lana saw their faces. Then a woman starts working at her charitable foundation and Lana finds herself face-to-face with the woman who ordered her death. So what does she do? She convinces herself that if she keeps quiet, Kara will go away.

Seriously?

The woman has tracked you half way around the world. I highly doubt that she’s just going to “go away”. Not only that, but Lana has convinced herself that she’s not safe when she has not one, but FIVE Special Forces soldiers surrounding her. It was mind boggling. That was also why she could never have any type of relationship with Caleb. She had to protect him. Huh.

I’d also like to add something about the Kara, the top-notch assassin. See, the reason she’s there to “take Lana out” is b/c she’s in lurve. She wants to prove to her lover that she can get the job done.

Pul-lease.

Caleb really saved this book.

3.5 out of 5.


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7 responses to “No Control by Shannon K. Butcher

  1. I’m thinking not so much with the TSTL heroine. I can’t STAND that. I am kind of curious about Caleb, though. I’ll add this to the “If I have nothing else to read” list. 😛

  2. The back blurb was so promising! I love those kind of stories where the hero can’t help – Lone Rider by Lauren Bach was a good one although the hero *claimed* her to keep her out of the gangs hands.

    But coming face to face with someone who tried to kill you? I would think ordinary objects in my hands would become deadly weapons.

    So not doing with the TSTL heroine.

    CindyS

  3. Oh no! I was really looking forward to this book. I had read No Regrets and I really liked it. Your review leads me to believe I won’t like this one. I hate it when the hero or heroine does something stupid for the good of the other. When they make the assumption that they know what is best for the other person. It really drives me nuts. I will still probably read this book though. Oh well, they can’t all be winners.

  4. Man, I just picked this one up at the bookstore too! I didn’t read the whole review, just the points (I don’t want to know *too* much about the plot *g*). Her first book was so good I thought this would definitely be good too. Hmmm.

  5. Holly,

    Yeah like that is every going to happen. Then again, if you have any spare time in the next few weeks, pick it up and let me know what you think.

    CindyS,

    I hate it too. It’s bleeping annoying. I read Lone Rider…what ever happened to Lauren Bach? I thought she was really good.

    Jill,

    Don’t let me stop you from reading the book. I did enjoy it b/c Caleb was a great hero.

    Erin,

    Is this my mouse doctor, Erin? I agree about No Regrets. It was good which was why I was so disappointed with this one. *sigh*

  6. Lauren Bach’s second book was so bad it was painful. I continued reading it to the end because I kept reminding myself how good her first book was. F was the grade. I haven’t bought her again.

    CindyS

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