Red Heat by Lynne Connolly is the second book in the Storm series.

Caroline can't believe that the day is finally at hand after all the training and work to finally fulfill her duty to infiltrate Storm. You see, Storm is the name for the group that represent the many types of talents, or individuals, who have special gifts like; shape shifters, vampires and sorcerers. Caroline was taken in by the IRDC, International Research and Development Clinic, after a terrible accident and transformed to look like one of the Storm members who is thought to be dead. The IRDC want the Talents to share their abilities with the world and will go to any means to achieve this goal. Caroline is sent to the Timothy Hotel to play the part of the owner's lost love Jillian. Caroline knows that Talents can't be trusted and will use their gifts against normals without thought. Upon arrival, Caroline is immediately brought upstairs and the owner Chase is notified of her arrival. Chase comes running and Caroline gets the surprise of her life when he kisses her. She was always aware of Jillian and Chase's relationship, but the man is much more than she ever expected. Chase being a sorcerer delves into Caroline's mind and believes what he finds, but other members of Storm aren't so sure because she could be a spy sent by IRDC. As Caroline spends more time with Chase, the lines between what she has been taught about the IRDC and Storm begin to blur. On top of that, Caroline begins to question her own identity as she and Chase find that their very lives might just be on the line as they race to uncover the truth about Caroline/ Jillian's very existence.

Ms. Connolly has continued her fast paced series filled with paranormal creatures and enough suspense to keep the reader of the edge of their seat. I find the many abilities of the Talents and their struggle true to live fascinating. Many minorities find their differences either looked down upon or as the Talents find envied. The struggle between the Talents, trying to keep their people safe, and the IRDC, who are determined to solve the mystery of the Talents abilities no matter who gets hurt, is realistic and frightening. I loved how Chase looked into Caroline's mind and recognized the woman he loved in spite of all that was done to her. I can't wait to read the next book in the Storm series. Thanks go to Ms. Connolly for a incredible read!!

Reviewed by: Teresa