ARC Review: Inside by Brenda Novak

Inside (Bulletproof # 1)

by Brenda Novak

Romantic Suspense

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This is the first book of Novak’s that I have read and I was really impressed by it. Since it is Romantic Suspense, I won’t be spilling any secrets of what goes on in this book. You’ll have to see for yourself. Rich details are what makes this book stand out. There’s no doubt that a lot of research went into this book and I’m sure many readers will come to appreciate this book as I have.  For me, it was the characters that stood out so I’ll talk a little about each of my favourites:

Virgil Skinner was the shining star of this book! I absolutely loved Virgil. He was rough and brooding, cunning and dangerous. There were so many aspects of his character that I came to love. He was wrongly accused of a crime and yet still dealt with the consequences. He entered prison when he was eighteen years old and fourteen years later, he has been released, only to be put back in again. I felt terrible for him. He lives in constant danger, looking over his shoulder for signs of The Crew, a gang that is out to get him. And yet, there’s this vulnerability behind his tough exterior. The fact that he truly seems to care about Peyton is an added bonus.

Peyton...I love a strong heroine. Peyton matched Virgil perfectly, and although their relationship is strained from the very beginning, there are some great moments of sexual tension and lust between them. It was a thrill to read about.

Rick Wallace got on my nerves a little bit. He is an all- or-nothing kind of guy. And although I can respect that in the professional sense, the fact that he keeps interfering in Peyton’s personal business annoyed me. This may not be due to Rick himself, perhaps I was just too invested in Peyton and Virgil’s relationship to think of any other possible couplings with Peyton.

Laurel is such a sweetheart. I loved her character her strength. I am super excited to read her book and can’t wait to read about her happy ever after. Surely, there’s no one else who deserves it more than she does. In Seconds will be released in August 2011.