Title: Dakoda's Revenge
Author: Suzi Goode
Published in August 2007 by Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Sci-fi/Futuristic/Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1-59374-889-0
Other books by Suzi: The Lost Wizard: Book 1
Romaydia is a frequent spaceport where a person can get rid of excess human cargo or, if time allows, sell that commodity for a high price. Mostly women are enticed to the station with thoughts of adventure and promises of marriage. With no way off the station, they’re forced into a life of poverty and prostitution, although both paths eventually lead to death. A self-appointed lord rules Romaydia leaving everyone to self-governing; providing a fitting environment for many unsavory alien characters. Against all odds, two people find a way off the hellish space station, but first, they must exact revenge on the very person who betrayed them.
Odessa Grante’s fiancée gave strict instructions to deliver the package, but the address he gave was bogus. Returning to the docking area, she finds the ship and her fiancée gone. Her family’s warnings ring in her ears, a reminder as to why they did not trust Roland Baylon. Not one easily dejected Odessa searches for the air controller’s office, when an unknown assailant pulls her into an alley. As she fends off the attacker, another man steps into the skirmish quickly disarming the goon. Within minutes, Odessa and her rescuer are dodging gunfire. They never reach the safety of Dak’s quarters before she succumbs to a wound.
Since coming to Romaydia, Dakoda Harley gains the trust of the station’s ruler, Murrach Pardua. Through this man, he gets closer to his wife’s murderer, Roland Baylon; a drug dealer also working for the Romaydian lord. Dakoda craves revenge above all else, so when missing an opportunity to capture Baylon he angrily settles for the girlfriend. However, her observable naiveté proves she knows nothing about Baylon’s activities. Influence by Odessa’s likeness to his late wife, Dak offers protection, more so since Lord Murrach wants her too.
Intrigue and suspense abound in Dakoda’s Revenge. Dak doggedly persists in uncovering the person who gave away his position that day in the warehouse. He and his wife were on assignment for the GDA, following a lead given by Baylon, their informant; information that could take down an infamous drug leader. Once inside the warehouse the criminals set fire to it, trapping Dak and his wife. Her dying in excruciating pain haunts him; still today, he can hear her screams. Upon meeting Odessa, Dak never reveals his avenging mission or working for the vile Murrach Pardua. When she discovers his secrets doubts arise; is he her protector or just another Romaydia man wanting to dominate and take advantage of her? Odessa admits that he has ardently kept her out of harm, more importantly alive, and that alone overrides any misgivings.
Ms. Goode offers some amusing moments shuffling the reader between Romaydia and Earth, particularly inside the Grante home. Odessa’s twin brothers, Jason and Brody, along with their elderly Uncle Peter worry because she has been missing for three months. The twins are simple men, if not a bit bungling as they devise ways to search for Odessa, even though they do not know which star system to search. When they discuss calling the President to borrow an extra space shuttle, and then how he will graciously offer one of his “ace pilots’ to man it for them – you gotta chuckle. Yet, Uncle Peter steals the show; to hell with saving Odessa, he’ll miss his favorite actresses television show! In his advanced age, Uncle Peter’s priorities are clear.
Throughout the story Violette’s intermittent presence adds even more intrigue; giving the reader something to ponder. Who is she and what role does she play in Odessa’s survival on the space station? As her story slowly unfolds, Violette fell in love with a law enforcement officer who, like so many other women, left her on the spaceport. Accepting her fate, a starving Violette gives in, selling her body for food. The first time was the hardest, but easier with each man. Meeting Odessa, Violette vows not to let her fate become this young woman’s. She pairs Odessa up with Dakoda purposely, because he is the only man capable of ensuring the woman’s safe return home.
The romance between Odessa and Dakoda is sweet, forming slowly to create a delicious sexual tension. Their coupling is sultry and satisfying. However, their bliss is short lived as Roland Baylon and Murrach Pardua unearth their hiding place…and they are not happy to see the lovers still alive.
Due for release August 2007, Dakoda’s Revenge is Ms. Goode’s first book with Whiskey Creek Press’ torrid romance section. She has another book with the same publisher, though a young adult novel, The Lost Wizard: Book 1 that has received rave reviews. This series continues with The Lost Wizard: Book 2 coming out September 2007, and then The Lost Wizard: Book 3 releasing December 2007.
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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