Unleashing the Storm by Sydney Croft

Title: Unleashing the Storm  
Author: Sydney Croft  
Series: ACRO (book #2)  
Previous in series: Riding the Storm  
Next in series: Seduced by the Storm

My rating: 2 Stars

Synopsis: Kira Donovan is an animal psychic and shares many traits with animals including the need to mate. Once a year for four weeks, she must endure an overwhelming sexual desire and if it remains unfulfilled she will die. ACRO sends Tom “Ender” Knight to either recruit or kill Kira as in the wrong hands her gift can be deadly. Unfortunately, ITOR has similar plans, and Tom and Kira must go on the run at the most inconvenient time – just as Kira goes on heat and Tom is the only one around to satisfy her.

Review: In one word - disappointing. The plot is mediocre at best and primary characters are not as well developed as in the first book. The sex scenes are excessive and the explanation for them borders on the idiotic. Kira and Tom have little to no emotional attachment for the first 3/4 of the book, which makes their story less romantic and engaging. I prefer the last few chapters were the connection intensifies but it is too little too late.

In contrast, Annika and Creed’s story goes from strength to strength and I especially enjoyed their intensity. The relationship between Dev and Oz, however, did not appeal to me.

The writing is effective and the ACRO world is appealing so I am still continuing with the series.