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Suzanne Brockmann probably has done more than any other single author to popularize and define the "romantic suspense" genre. So it's noteworthy that her new novel HOT TARGET somewhat stretches the limits of the genre, in at least a couple of ways. She takes a number of risks here, with varying success.
HOT TARGET revolves around the filming of the biography of Jack Shelton, a World War II hero who also happens to be openly and unabashedly homosexual. Jane Mercedes Chadwick, the producer of the film, is the target of threats from an activist group that has been linked to at least one killing. The movie company that is fronting the finances for the film project takes the threats seriously enough that it retains Troubleshooters Incorporated, a private security firm founded by ex-Navy SEAL Tom Paoletti, to oversee security.
The job happens to coincide with a vacation by legendary Navy SEAL Cosmo Richter. Chadwick is electrifying and loose, while Richter is button-down and all right angles. Chadwick does not take the threats to her life seriously, while Richter, consistent with his assigned duties, cannot take the threats seriously enough. As might be expected, the two are repelled from, then attracted to, each other --- an attraction that ultimately results in danger to both of them.
The focus of HOT TARGET is definitely on the "romantic" side of the "romantic suspense" equation. There is nary an explosion or karate fight until well into the second half of the novel, so that the main suspense seems to be whether or not Chadwick's clothing will continue to defy gravity while she is in Richter's presence. More significantly, however, HOT TARGET deals quite honestly with gay male relationships. Some readers --- those who have gay male friends, associates and/or family members --- nonetheless are going to find this off-putting. Brockmann is taking quite the chance here, aiming at a broader audience while risking those who she previously courted.
Reasonable minds can certainly differ as to whether this book properly belongs in the romantic suspense category, or whether Brockmann has too much of one element and too little of another. The fact remains, however, that HOT TARGET is extremely well-written. Brockmann's physical and emotional descriptions of Chadwick certainly will get the heterosexual male juices flowing. Although there is simply not a lot happening on the action/adventure front, Brockmann has enough intricate relationship complications going to fill three books. While HOT TARGET may not be for everyone, everyone will surely be talking about it.
--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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