Brief Thoughts: Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

by Natalie J. Damschroder

~ Goodreads ~

Rating:  3.5 Stars

Kennedy Smyth's firm provides security for companies and charities in seriously dangerous countries.  She doesn't usually take on "frivolous" jobs, but when an old friend asks her to protect his son's movie shoot, she finds it hard to refuse.  Also hard to resist is the film's charismatic star, Rogan St. James.  The handsome actor piques her interest, while the strange actions of the terrorist threatening the set raise her suspicions.

Even though he's a successful actor, Rogan wants more--a real woman to love, the type he doesn't think exists...until he meets Kennedy.  She intrigues him with her confidence and passion for her work, and frustrates him with her refusal to let him get close.

But Kennedy finds herself in a vulnerable position when she discovers that the terrorist isn't actually out to derail the film.  She's the real target--and if he finds out how much Rogan means to her, he could be next...

I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I went into this book, but the truth is, I'm not even sure if the book met my expectations anyway.  Behind the Scenes is enjoyable and well written, and the characters are all quite unique in their own ways.  I liked Kennedy's independent spunk, and her ability to take care of herself.  I also loved that she wasn't created to be flawless, but was also able to recognize her own weaknesses so she could work on them.  She wasn't cynical about her own worth either, and knew exactly what she was capable of without being overly arrogant.  In comparison, Rogan was also Perfect Boyfriend material, being quite... well, perfect in many ways.

These people are all good people, but to be honest, it also makes them a little flat and boring, especially when the story does a lot of small time skips here and there.

Nonetheless, the semi-investigation and the security set-up that took place in the book was outlined really well.

This is, at best, a mediocre, yet quite enjoyable read.

If I had to complain about something, I think it would have to be the romance.  Kennedy and Rogan seem to fall in love and start talking serious relationship much faster than I liked.  On top of that, people start mentioning how the two of them seem to have something going on.  And yet, as the reader, I'm not entirely sure when and where their unofficial courtship began.  One moment, they were discussing the terror attacks.  One moment, they monologue about their intense attraction.

But then the very next moment, they're talking deep feelings and "meant to be" and stuff like that.

When their relationship starts up for real, though, it was pretty sweet.

The identity of their mysterious terrorist is rather predictable, but probably only because subtle hints were thrown out here and there.  Maybe.

Anyway, enjoyable as it is, this isn't a book I'd reread, but since I DID find it entertaining, I'm not complaining.