Holly‘s review of Insatiable
Desire is the most dangerous sensation of all.
With tensions between the Federation and Imperial ‘Verses rising, one woman may hold the key to victory. The dangerous mission to smuggle her out of Imperial Territory falls to Daniel Haws and his team, the ultra secret Phantom Corps. This elite squad of the Federation Military is the only one trusted and skilled enough to remove her from under the watchful eye of her father, the Supreme Commander of the Imperial ‘Verses.
Carina is used to wearing a mask. Her father and his men think her little more than a pretty prize to be won by a man more ruthless than the rest. When he announces his intention to marry her to one of his henchmen, a man known for his cruelty, Carina knows she has to move as soon as possible to get out. But getting secret information to the Federation has served her well for years and she appeals to them for help.
She expected rescue from a man who’d been her enemy. But she wasn’t prepared for just how intense her attraction to Daniel Haws would be. Born as adversaries into different ranks, and on the run for their lives, they now need each other to survive—by holding on to the only thing they have in common: a growing desire that is dangerous, irresistible, and insatiable…
First things first: that cover is freaking hot. I don’t care who you are, those abs are likable.
Carina Fardelle needs to defect to Federation territory. Her father, the leader of the Imperialists, is a cruel man who is plotting something major to gain the upper hand against the Federation. Carina knows now is the time to stop him, especially since he’s decided to marry her off to a despicable, cruel man. She uses contacts she and her mother have cultivated to ask for an extraction and sanctuary. In exchange she offers crucial Intel about what her father is planning.
Daniel Haws is the leader of the elusive Phantom Corps. He’s been charged with retrieving Carina Fardelle. He expects to find a spoiled princess, and plans to just knock her out and carry her into the Federation. What he finds instead intrigues me. She looks like a princess, but she’s pure steel and heart. She’s strong, courageous and..fascinating. Daniel can’t help but be surprised at the depth of his immediate attraction for her. But he’s a professional, which means hands off.
They’re on the run for weeks, working their way toward the Federation and safety. During that time, Daniel finds it harder and harder to keep his hands to himself. Especially since Carina makes it known she’s more than willing to get involved with him. On every level.
I really loved Carina. She was willing to fight for what she believed in. Her family, her people, and ultimately Daniel. She feels major guilt over leaving her country and her people behind, but she knows her father needs to be stopped. Especially after she learns the full extent of his destruction after Daniel rescues her. She doesn’t let that stop her from doing what needs to be done, however. I absolutely loved how she decided she was keeping Daniel and that was that. It was a cute role reversal.
Daniel was a strong alpha male, but he also had a softer, sweeter side. He’s a trained assassin, ready, willing and able to kill quickly and cleanly. But he also has a conscience and a deep connection with his family that helps keep him grounded. He tries to keep the two sides of his personality separate, but he finds it hard to separate his emotions from the job with Carina. He wants to protect her, yes, but he also wants to take care of her.
It bothered me the way Daniel was convinced he wasn’t good enough for Carina. As the novel progresses we come to realize he’s more than just a soldier in the military. He was more than worthy of Carina, but he didn’t see it. At times I wanted to shake him. The good news is, he didn’t push her away because of it. He struggled internally, and tried to give her the option of leaving if she wanted, but he didn’t try to break things off or walk away from her.
I was also bothered by the way Carina acted about Daniel’s job once they reached safety. I realize she was in an unfamiliar situation and had no guarantees from Daniel about their future, but the way she clung to him and demanded he stay really rubbed me the wrong way. She knew what his job was before she agreed to be with him and she knew what it was when she demanded he take her. It didn’t take long for her to recollect herself, however, so it was a minor annoyance.
I loved the interactions between Daniel and his team. The Phantom Corps are a tight group who work well together. Their banter had me cracking up. It was obvious they cared for each other (even if they weren’t very vocal about it) and took care of each other. I look forward to reading more about them in the future.
Another awesome entry in Dane’s Federation Chronicles. I loved that the heroine was so strong and so willing to fight for what she wanted – namely the hero. It was great that the roles were reversed in many ways, the heroine claiming she was going to keep the hero no matter what he said.
The overall story arc also moved forward, and I look forward to seeing where Dane is going to take things in the next two books.
4.25 out of 5
The series:
Have you read a Lauren Dane novel? If so, which one is your favorite? If not, do you want to? Leave a comment on this post letting me know and you’ll be entered to win a copy of Insatiable! Contest ends July 22 @ 11:59 p.m.
Be sure to check back later today, because Lauren Dane will be visiting and giving away another copy of Insatiable!
This book is available from Berkley. You can buy it here
I havent read anything by this author but I sure want to!
~smooches~
Jase
vslavetopassionv(at)aol(dot)com
I love her Cascadia Wolves series!
I’ve only read one of her books before. This one sounds good.
thanks!
i havent ever read anything by lauren dane either but hello! that cover is smokin! if the book lives up to thise abs it will be amazing! i would love to win a copy!
meaghan_koci (at) yahoo (dot) com
I love Lauren Dane’s work! Laid Bare is my favorite, but I ead Undercover, not realising it was SciFi, and loved it! I’ve been waiting for this one (and not just because of the cover, LOL!)
bookaddictpatti at cox dot net
Not sure if this counts or not, but my favorite has always been No Reservations. I know she co-wrote it with Magen Hart, but it’s still my favorite!
First time I heard about his book…the cover is sooo hot!!
Sounds good 🙂
I have not read or even heard of this author before but based on the cover alone, I would be willing to give it a read. Thanks
I have yet to read a book by Lauren Dane, and I would love to start with “Insatiable”! It’s sure to leave me with a craving for more of her work : )
US Resident, GFC Follower, Subscriber
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
I haven’t read any of Lauren Dane’s books before, but from this review I’d like to (the cover helps as well)
I haven’t read any of her books, although I have a few in my TBR pile.
This series looks really good.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a BIG fan of Lauren Dane. My most recent favorite is Laid Bare. I do have my go-to books for when I need a feel good moment in Undercover, Tri Mates, and and Coming Undone. I can’t wait to read Insatiable and her November release, Inside Out.
I’ve never met a Lauren Dane book I didn’t love! My favorite (at the moment) is TRINITY, and I’m anxiously awaiting the coming out of REVELATION next week…
Insatiable sounds great. I love the cover. Laid Bare is my favorite Lauren Dane book.
Laid Bare is my all time fave closely followed by The Chases.
Love Lauren LOTS!
I loved No Reservations w/Megan Hart & really liked it. Looking forward to this one!
i’ve read most all of Lauren’s books and I’ll say this is my favorite series. But I do like her book Touch of Fae and the wolf series she has at EC. are fantastic too.
I’ve read undercover and loved it. Plus I have relentless on on my nightstand! I’m really excited for that one!
OMG… Laid Bare is by far my most favorite book I have read this year. That woman can flipping write a hot story!!! And I can not wait to get my hands on more!
Please count me in!!!
alliwantandmorebooks@gmail.com
I have not read one of Lauren’s books and would like to.
I haven’t read any of Lauren’s books. It looks as though I’ve missing some good stuff.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
I haven’t read any of Lauren’s writing yet, but her Federation Chronicles sound like a great series and I’m looking forward to getting started.
I haven’t read any books by this Author before, but I would like to!
Thanks for this give-away!
I have not read an LD book before and DEFINITELY want to. I know she is uber-popular and has a very loyal fanbase. Thanks for the opportunity.
I haven’t read anything by her yet, but her books are on my wishlist.
I haven’t yet read anything by Lauren, but I’d like to. Thanks for the review.
Oh, I love all the Chase brothers novels but my fav has got to be LAID BARE.
I haven’t read any yet but Lauren Dane is on my new authors To Buy list! Her books are quite expensive here in Malta but I never stop checking and keeping a look out for them as i have read fantastic reviews about her books.
I have read a number of Lauren’s books.
My favorite is the Chase Brothers series.
Impossible to pick just one book when she has so many really good ones.
I have a stack of Lauren’s books on the keeper shelf and another stack on the TBR 🙂 My favorites so far are the Chases, too 🙂
I have a couple of Lauren’s books, but haven’t gotten to them yet. But I’m so excited to start them since I’ve heard nothing but good things about her writing.
I’ve read Undercover and love the futuristic world created. The menage is hot and I can see where she’d want them both.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
I love her Brown siblings books, Laid Bare and Coming Undone. I think she’s an awesome author.
usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom
I have never read a Lauren Dane book but I have been following her on Twitter… I’ve been meaning to pick up one and I think I just might have to go out and buy it!
I have never read a Lauren Dane book but I have been following her on Twitter… I’ve been meaning to pick up one and I think I just might have to go out and buy it!
I haven’t read anything by Laura Dane yet, but she is on my book wish list, so hopefully I will get to pick up one of her books soon. I’ve heard great things about her book, so If I win I’ll be super excited 🙂
june111@att.net
I don’t think I have read anything by Lauren Dane yet although I had been eying “Insatiable” at the bookstore the last time I was there. That cover really catches the eye. 😉
cories119[at]yahoo.com
Great review, Holly. I think the way I put it was that Daniel didn’t feel “not good enough” in that Carina was ranked and he was unranked. I think he thought he was somehow tainted by his work and therefore somehow less than her. Hard to describe, but definitely not an inferiority thing, IMO. More of a self-doubt/worth kind of thing, yet he was also so confident that it was hard to see through that. ramble, ramble
Anyway, obviously no need to enter me. Just stopped by to comment 🙂
I haven’t read too many of her books – I’ve got many on my TBB list.
*hugs*
Anna
s7anna@yahoo.ca
I haven’t, but the excerpt you posted definitely piqued my interest. — willaful
I’ve read Lauren’s Cascadia series and it’s fabulous! I was hooked instantly!
I’ve had Lauren’s works on my wishlist for quite a while and now it’s time for me to start reading!
I look forward in starting this series.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
I can’t wait to read this book! I’ve never read this author before.
I have read almost everything she has released thus far. The only series i have yet to try is this one and her co-writing with Hart, but i will be starting those soon!
There’s no way i can pick one book, i like them all for different reasons. Everyone of her series has a different vibes, that satisfy my reading mood at the time. If i must choose though, i’ll go with her latest i read, COMING UNDONE. I have already pre-ordered the next on in the series.
I read the Chase brothers series and really liked it. I think my favorite was Book 4 in that series. I’m very interested in reading Insatiable, love the plotline.
Just finished my first Lauen Dane book last night Trinity .. Wow.. just Wow
Would Love a chance to read Insatiable.
Thank you for giving everyone a shot at it.
I think my favourite Lauren Dane book so far was Laid Bare but Coming Undone was pretty darn good too!
laid bare so good and hot and real charcters
kh
Not yet but I will and soon, looking at the covers…
I haven’t read any of her books, and i would really want to read one !!
My favourite is Coming Undone
oh wow, thanks for your review – can’t wait to get my hands on it!!
so far I’ve only read one book by Lauren – Coming Undone, but I really really loved it and already have the other books on my bookshelf, but hadn’t had the time to read them yet…
greetings, Ina
I’ve read Coming Undone and Laid Bare by Lauren and loved both. Can’t wait for this one and the cover looks yummy!
Pam S
pams00@aol.com
All the ladies I review with LOVE her, and I, uh, haven’t read one of her books yet. ::blushes:: But I’m fixing it! Really!
Lots of favorites, a couple are:
Trinity
Triad
Enforcer
Laid Bare
plus love her Chase Bros series
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
Hello,
I’ve read one of her books before, which I liked, but I have not read any of her Federation Chronicles books, yet. I actually haven’t read very many futuristic books (except JD Robb)at all. The series sounds pretty interesting. Thanks.
I love her Brown family series and just relocated the first two in the Federation Chronicles series so I can read them before I read Insatiable.
Contest closed. Please check here to see if you’ve won:
http://thebookbinge.com/2010/07/winners-announced.html