BORN TO DARKNESS

This work of paranormal romantic suspense launches a new series, set in an economically devastated, politically corrupt America of the near future.

Destiny extends life and youth and, as a bonus, grants psychic powers—but it also grants its users violent insanity. Worse still, Destiny is derived from the blood of kidnapped, pubescent, naturally psychic girls, who are kept in a constant state of fear to encourage them to generate the necessary hormones. The “Greater-Thans,” powerful psychics employed by the Obermeyer Institute, desperately seek to shut down the cabal synthesizing Destiny, even as romance starts to serve as a potent distraction to their team. Michelle “Mac” Mackenzie believes that her psychic power of seduction has ensnared one of the Institute’s new recruits, blacklisted former Navy SEAL Shane Laughlin, despite his efforts to convince her his feelings are genuine. Mac’s partner, Stephen Diaz, finally rejects the celibacy that he believed would hone his abilities and decides to act on his long-held feelings for Elliot Zerkowski, the Institute’s research director; and the team leader, Joseph Bach, still tormented by his wife’s death, is surprised to find himself attracted to Anna, the sister of the most recent Destiny kidnap victim. Which of these couples will allow themselves to accept the love they so richly deserve? Brockman tries a bit too hard to emphasize the other characters’ lack of military training so that Shane will earn his place at the Institute. (No doubt he’ll come in handy in future volumes.) The story is less than innovative, but she makes it appealing, action-packed and sexy. The B romance between the two men earns progressive social points and is both natural and charming.

Satisfying on several levels.