Shield of Justice

Sometimes, though, her sins against logic are hard to overlook. How can a good cop be THAT petulant and temperamental? Why would someone who has everything to live for, arrogantly cast aside her bullet-proof vest before marching into a dangerous situation? Why would she not take a moment to call for back up when the person she loves is about to be murdered?

Sometimes I get so exasperated with her characters I want to throw the book at the wall. But, hey, then I pick it up and keep on reading; because no matter how poor the credibility of her plots, I will always love coming home and curling up with a good, trashy novel... And nobody writes them like Radclyffe does.

Radclyffe has done an excellent job of bringing the reader into this book and making them forget everything except turning the next page. You hold your breath, bite your lip, and sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation.

These two strong characters, Rebecca Frye and Catherine Rawlings are complemented by Rad's equally strong storytelling skills, including realistic background that isn't sugarcoated; intrigue that rounds out the plot but doesn't overpower the love story; and, perhaps her greatest gift, depth of emotion. We readers slowly learn the hearts and minds of the people in this novel, even as they are learning and growing themselves. We can identify with the feelings of honor and responsibility as well as the yearnings for friendship, love and belonging--oh yes, and passion--not just sex, not just lust, but true passion.

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   Written on June 30, 2002
   Summary: The Best of Both Worlds
...Radclyffe's newest offering, "Shield of Justice", is a captivating combination of police procedural and what Radclyffe has become known for -- wildly erotic romance. Once again, the story involves two strong-willed, independent women who find in one another the challenge of equals. Set in a large northeastern metropolis, Detective Sergeant Rebecca Frye's search for a serial rapist stretches from the seedy back alleys of the city's underbelly to the picturesque parkland which has become the madman's hunting ground.

Within the context of a well-plotted, action-packed thriller, the author seamlessly weaves the elements of a heart-stopping romance between the emotionally remote Rebecca and her reluctant ally, Dr. Catherine Rawlings. The balance between intrigue and romance is just right, something which is not often seen in the average mystery, where romance usually takes a backseat. The tone is gritty and fast-paced, as befits a police procedural, with interesting secondary characters including a new investigative partner whom Rebecca would rather leave behind.

Radclyffe's previous works, particularly "Safe Harbor", "Love's Melody Lost", and "Innocent Hearts", have proven that she excels at romance, creating in-depth characterizations within love stories at once tender and erotic. With her first action-thriller, "Above All, Honor", she demonstrated the ability to cross genres into suspense without leaving passion behind. Now with this newest entry, she reminds us that romance and danger can go hand-in-hand.

"Shield of Justice" is a ride not to be missed and promises to be the first in an intriguing series.