Dr. Benita ser, a geologist, has always felt safe on her digs and felt in full control of her team. However, during her quest to find a hard-to-find mineral in Sardinia, Italy, her life is in danger. Threatening emails, accidents happening among her and her crew, this latest expedition might be her last. Whoever has it in for Benita, will stop at nothing to see her gone.

But Benita is determined to finish the expedition. Her sponsors, however, have other plans. They send in private investigator, Sean Turner to watch over Benita and return her home safely. Beni isn’t thrilled with the latest addition to her team, especially one as charismatic and sexy as Sean, but she’s made of tougher stuff than to fall at his feet in a swoon. Beni has had enough of good-looking men in her life, who have nothing on their mind by their next conquest.  Benita has a job to do and a crew to take care of. No man, or loose canon of a psycho will deter from her course. But when they return to the States and the unknown threat follows her home and things escalate, Beni has no choice but to turn to Sean for protection.

Who has it in for Beni? Can she keep Sean at arms length twenty-four/seven?

T.A. Ridgell’s latest release, Fractured Souls is another hit in this authors list of successful stories! Though I had my suspicions throughout this story as to who the culprit was, I changed my mind so many times, it was difficult not to throw the book. But this is a GOOD thing. Ms. Ridgell keeps her reader glued to the book, second-guessing themselves and hooked into the story. The danger surrounding Benita sends shivers down the spine, which is how close the culprit comes many times. This is a one-sitting read that will sweep readers away.

The tension between Sean and Beni is passionate, pulse-pounding and adds a lot to the story. Though Benita’s willfulness and stubbornness sometimes got tiresome, these are characters that stand out and are memorable.

For a, aggressive and unbreakable plot that is chalk full of suspense and intrigue, good characters and romance, Fractured Souls is the book to read to find it all. Ms. Ridgell skillfully writes in this genre and I hope to see more of the same as soon as possible! Don’t miss Fractured Souls!

Reviewed by Tracey West for The Road to Romance

June 4, 2006