Book 1), Behind Closed Doors (The McCloud Brothers

Definitely R-rated (maybe even NC-17!) for adult content, adult language, sex and violence. A darkly intense story that started out a bit slow, but then drew me in to the point that many, many things I should have done did not get done because I could not tear myself away from this book!
If you prefer sensitive, sweet obvious heroes don't even bother with this book, 'cause there are none to be found within these pages! Bruised, battered, hard, tough, yet inherently good guys, yes - but no softies here. Seth Mackey and his friends the McCloud brothers (Connor, Sean & Davy) are looking for some serious revenge against the men responsible for the death of their friend Jesse (Seth's brother and Connor's FBI partner). They've set the trap for their two victims and have surveillance equipment everywhere - including the townhouse of Victor Lazar's mistress, which is currently occupied by the luscious Raine Cameron.
Victor Lazar is a wealthy man who is easily bored and so occasionally flirts with the illegal and the darkside. He amuses himself by manipulating others and his latest subject is psycho thug, murderer and sometime co-conspirator Kurt Novak (the man who killed Jesse). His own niece, Raine is not even immune from his machinations when he purposely throws her into the path of the sexy, predatory Seth just to see what she's made of. Little does she know that Seth has become obsessed with her after weeks of watching her via the surveillance video.
He assumes she is Victor's latest mistress (he figures she's a sex toy so he doesn't have to treat her real nice), and she thinks he is a security consultant working for Victor (a partial truth/cover to get into Lazar's offices to plant bugs, etc) and the kind of bad boy she's never had the nerve to go after - until now. When they meet, it's combustible! And while a sexual relationship begins, they're both keeping secrets about who they are and what they're working toward. He's dedicated to bringing Lazar and Novak down to avenge Jesse. She's trying to find evidence that Victor, her own uncle, murdered her father. Of course they're all on a collision course toward disaster when things slip out of Victor's control and into Novak's. Several factors come into play including blackmail, murder attempts, the corruption of Connor's FBI boss and Raine's memories and the ripples her "investigation" into her father's death create. And then there's the romance that develops from the initially rocky sexual relationship between Raine and Seth - two people who've experienced little affection or security in their lives. It was great to see Raine evolve from polite doormat to a woman who could stand up to both the surly, overbearing Seth and the enigmatic and manipulative Victor. And in the process she touches the deeply hidden and wounded heart of Seth who reluctantly begins to trust her just knowing it's probably a mistake. Is he right?
I loved this book, but be warned, the language is rough and so is the sex on occasion. I also loved Seth though many may not, as he is capable of being a real Jerk with a capital J. And Victor's character is not your cookie-cutter bad guy - he's interesting and complicated (though Novak is definitely creepy!). And the McCloud brothers are lots of fun secondary characters that we'll see more of in future books. Sequel STANDING IN THE SHADOWS is Connor's story (also a great read!). Definitely dark, intense and complex with compelling characters - this author is one to watch! Highly recommended!

I loved reading this book! Loved it. It was funny, incredibly sexy and the hero was absolutely adorable!

It starts with our hero, Seth Mackey spying on Lorraine Cameron, who he thinks is Victor Lazar's (who for some reason sounds like a villain from a soap opera) newest mistress. He's been watching her a few weeks now and has her routine down pat. When I mean spying, I mean he's got cameras and motion sensors all over her house, in her car, and at her work. I'll admit, there was a moment when I was, well, disturbed. It was touch and go there for a second where I thought, "okay, this guy is a little too far gone into the crazy department." Push past it though, it's worth it. He's got a reason for his paranoia. Seth believes her boss, Victor, is the man who had his half brother killed. He was living only for revenge until Raine Cameron walked onto the security monitors. She brought him back to life with a jolt and now he can't stop staring at her. Victor Lazar also notices his distraction with Raine and arranges for the two of them to....get to know one another. They fall for each other immediately, and then we learn these two people are both working towards the same goal, to bring Victor Lazar down. Our hero and heroine must learn trust and acceptance while playing a twisted game of cat and mouse with the villains, never knowing exactly who said villains are.

Shannon McKenna has written such a tight, suspenseful novel and I enjoyed it immensely. Her talent at building sexual tension is delicious. Seth has intimacy issues and tries to hold Raine off by playing the cool, dominant, need-no-one male, but inside he's as uncertain as a little boy. He's desperately trying to find a way to keep her, terrified that he's going to ruin what's probably the best thing that has ever happened to him. It's known that he doesn't have a great track record with the ladies. It's one of the funniest things about Seth, his penchant for saying whatever is on his mind. Be it thoughtful or thoughtless, I loved Seth. I loved that almost obsessed need to take and protect Raine that he has. That alpha male quality gets me every time. He's got severe trust issues and it rears it's ugly head a few times, but nothing truly unforgivable and she sees past each and every incident. I liked Raine too. I liked her helpless Barbie act that turned into a much stronger willed woman, able to take on things she normally would run away from.

Cons. Well, I can't believe I'm saying this, but there was too much sex. HA. I still can't believe I'm saying this. The first few sex scenes, in the hotel and the car and in Raine's home were hot. Sizzling. After awhile they got a little monotonous. He went down on her, they had sex. He was either hard and fast or gentle and slow. She could have condensed some of the later sex scenes and made them a little more interesting. Instead she went for quantity over quality I thought, and it suffered. I found myself starting to flip through the later sex scenes to return to the story. Another thing, if I had had that much sex in such a short period of time, I think it would have done either semi permanent damage, or at least some pretty serious bowleggedness that would have disallowed for all that running and jumping Raine does. LOL

I highly recommend this book. Seth's internal monologues are so funny, you have to read them. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next in the McCloud Brothers series. Enjoy!

Seth Mackey has never thought of himself as a voyer--just a security expert who needs revenge for the brother he recently lost. But since Raine Cameron moved into one of target Victor Lazar's homes, Seth has been obsessed. When he's hired to manage security for Lazar, Lazar throws Raine at him as a bonus--a bonus that Seth knows exactly what to do with. The only problem is, he speaks better with his body than with his mouth and knows that he'll get in trouble soon. Especially when she finds out his secrets. Especially when he finds out her secret.
Raine Cameron is haunted by psychic dreams of her father's death--and of her uncle, Victor Lazar's role in it. She's determined to discover the truth and has taken a job with her uncle using an assumed name. What she doesn't know is that she's playing with the big boys now. What she does know is that Seth Mackey turns her on more than any man she's never seen.
Author Shannon McKenna writes a sexy action-thriller of a romance. Raine and Seth burn together--and also share horribly damaged upbringings--a history that will make them eternal enemies--or lovers. Still, they keep too many secrets and Seth, at least, has forgotten how to trust. When Lazar begins to open to Raine, she feels herself torn between loyalties to family and to her man.
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS is filled with sex, but it is also an emotionally satisfying story of two damaged characters who can only find fulfillment in one another, yet whose very damage may prevent them from taking the steps they need. With plenty of action (both sexual and adventure), DOORS is a winner.

Raine goes undercover in her Uncle Victor's business to try and find out what happened to her dad. Seth has her house bugged thinking she is Victor's mistress. He is wanting to bring down the men who killed his little brother. They start a wild, hot affair. Neither trust each other and are keeping secrets.
I couldn't put it down. It was interesting, sexy, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't care for Seth tho. He was hateful, domineering, and class A jerk. Raine was too forgiving and a push over. But besides all that I still couldn't stop reading.

I decided to try Shannon McKenna's Behind Closed Doors upon the recommendation of a co-worker and because I enjoyed a well-written suspense thriller. I was very pleasantly surprised and this story turned out to be quite an enjoyable read. The plot was suspenseful and the sexual tension is delicious, making for a dark, erotic, mesmerizing novel.

Behind Closed Doors is very enjoyable on several levels..the plot realistically combines fast-paced suspense with sizzling erotic love scenes. The characters are well-defined and believable.

The male lead is Seth Mackey, who is doing undercover surveillance of one Victor Lazar to take down the persons responsible for a blown FBI operation that left his younger brother dead and his partner, Connor McCloud, seriously injured and comatose for months. During his surveillance work Seth watches and becomes obsessed with the heroine, the beautiful Raine Cameron. Raine is on her own personal mission of vengeance. Since childhood, she has been haunted by a re-occurring nightmares of her father's death. Hiding her true identity, Raine takes a position in Lazar's organization a personal assistant in search of the truth behind her father's death.

Seth and Raine's eventual meeting is mutually electrifying and their initial sexual encounter is explosive. The plot progresses briskly as they work past their insecurities and vulnerabilities to a passion that evolves into a devoted, loving, and trusting relationship.

Shannon McKenna has created a well-written tale of intrigue that seemlessly weaves passion, danger, and suspense into this erotic thriller/romance that sizzles as the action zip right along to conclude in a very satisfying resolution. This book left me quite intrigued and wanting to continue onto reading the rest of the McCloud brothers books.

This got four stars for the sheer entertainment value. I actually liked the story more than what was going on with the hero and heroine. Having said that, this is my second Shannon Mckenna book and I'm starting to see a pattern here of not very likeable alpha hero types. It begins with our hero Seth who is doing under cover surveillance work to trap and take down the men responsible for the death of his younger brother 9 months earlier. During his surveillance work he encounters and creepily watches Raine for weeks becoming obsessed with her. Eventually they meet and of course they're immediately attracted to and go to bed together less than 24 hours after meeting. This is a little out of context with her backstory of only having had sex once in her life. Regardless she falls instantly in love and they start a relationship. Little does Seth know that Raine has her own agenda and is seeking revenge against the same person Seth is after and with all the lies and coverup, it's hard to tell who you can trust. I enjoyed the mix of characters, friends, multiple villains who were more entertaining than our two leads. Having said that, it was a fast read and did bring out some emotion towards the end. I feel like this book probably could have had at least two more chapters to it to explain some things like Raine's powers and perhaps a lot more sucking up at the end to get these two back together, but perhaps Ms. Mckenna had a deadline. This was definitely better than Hot Night by the same author.

It was a nice change not having the same stereotypical main characters you find in most romance novels... The rogue, the virgin.... But it was a little hard for me to really like these two. After 400+ pages, I really wanted to. They seemed real enough for the most part, and I could even buy the whole power/dominance struggle between the two and how it played out in the sex scenes. But Seth was such a jerk at times and not charming enough to make up for it. Raine let him off the hook way too easy in my point of view. I understand that her character was a wall flower to begin with, but when I thought she was finally getting a backbone I was disappointed. I also agree with another reviewer that there sure was a whole lot of sex going on, on almost every page. I enjoy these scenes, but towards the end it was a little much and unrealistic. I mean, didn't they ever get sore? And who wants to do it with a fresh knife wound or sore nose? I liked it overall, except for those things, mainly because it was a nice change from the norm, even though I ended up not liking the main characters.

Behind Closed Doors is very much a non-typical romance novel! The author dedicates almost as much time to the mystery as she does the development of the leads' relationship. There are highly charged sensual scenes that come close to overshadowing the underlying romance. Yet, if we watch closely, we see both the hero and heroine as highly vulnerable. The book encompasses a great deal of maturing for both leads - especially the hero.
Raine Cameron is looking for her father's killer. She has taken a job with her uncle's company to hopefully find his killer. Seth Mackey is looking for this brother's murderer. He is a surveillance expert and is watching Raine's uncle's company because he believes he will discover the murderer within the company. Thus, we find Seth, on the opening page of the book, spying on Raine and finding himself closed to obsessed with her.
The leads meet early in the book. Seth and Raine are good at keeping secrets from the other. But as their relationship develops they each open gradually and expose the despised vulnerability that lies deep within the other. Seth was a little too mean to warrant Raine's love. Initially, Raine allows herself to be pushed around but gradually we see her becoming more assertive. Nevertheless, there are still times you may roll your eyes and wonder "Why is she allowing this?" The hero certainly takes his time in becoming a nicer person but it is his ruthlessness that carries many of the sensual scenes. These sensual scenes rate about a 4.5 out of 5 (see More About Me for rating guidelines).

If I had a choice, I would rate this book 4.5 stars instead of 5. My reasoning is based entirely on the time dedicated to the growth of Seth and Raine's romantic relationship. Although the murder mystery was somewhat better than you find in most romance novels, it still took too many pages. The couple's relationship had a good base and capacity for growth that is never amply explored.
Overall, certain scenes within the book are too powerful to warrant less than a five star rating. It is certainly one of the spicier books I have read and you definitely have to be a reader that appreciates a type A, dominant male lead. The heroine does knock him off his all-powerful pedestal more than once but he always climbs back up on it. On the whole, this is a fun, entertaining read that I will keep to read again. This author is new and I expect many good books from her in the future. She somehow has developed an intriguing edge in Behind Closed Doors that is difficult to define, but captivating none the less.

I discovered Shannon McKenna quite by accident and immediately fell in love. So far she has only two novels, but I would highly recommend both of them. She is an amazing writer. Her writing is not just straight erotica, but actually has a great plot, and great characters. She is an exceptional writer. You will not be disappointed.
Raine Cameron is trying to find out what happened to her father. She knows he was murdered and she is determined to find the killer. She obtains a job as a secretary working for Victor Lazar who is a very powerful man. She believes Victor had her father murdered. Seth Mackey has his own reasons for following Victor. He knows that Victor had his baby brother Jessie killed, and he will do anything to even the score. Seth is also a wire specialist and can plant bugs and cameras in almost any business or home. He can also break into just about any system. Seth bugs Victor's mistress' house, and after Victor's mistress is murdered, a new person moves in. This is Seth's first vision of Raine. Even though Seth believes Raine is working and sleeping with Victor he is attracted to her. Can Seth and Raine learn to trust each other and maybe even learn to love each other while trying to catch a killer? I would highly recommend.

Thankfully I checked this ebook our from the library and did not pay for it. I actually checked out the whole McCloud brothers bundle, but don't think that I will waste my time reading any of the other books in the series. I won't give a summary of the book, as many others already have, but I will say that I was disappointed. I liked the general idea of the storyline, but it was poorly written and had no real character deveopment. I agree with another reviewer who stated that the just did not feel any connection and care about the characters. This book did not flow. The heroine went from one extreme to the other and it just did not make for a good read. I forced myself to read to chapter 19, with the hope it might get better, but it did not. Sorry to say this is one of those times when the star rating was wrong. If you like a alpha male try Simply Love by Catherine Anderson. It is an oldie but very well written and kept my interest.

I first read Shannon McKenna when she wrote a novella for the anthology ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT. I was thrilled to learn she was going to have a full-length book and it was going to be in the Brava line. Brava is a new line of books that promise the reader erotic romance stories and currently not only has Shannon McKenna signed up, but others like Lori Foster.
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS opens with the hero, Seth Mackey, spying on the heroine, Raine Cameron. He is after the killer of his brother and spying on Raine is one way he believes he is going to achieve this. Unfortunately to his job at hand, he grows attracted to her while watching her and it somewhat gets in his way. It does not take them long to meet and the sparks just electrify between the two. And not much longer for Seth and Raine to get in bed and begin a rather interesting, intense love affair. He doesn't trust her and Raine is secretive to him. But boy, he doesn't let his niggling distrust to stop him from pursuing her into bed.
Raine has a secret agenda of her own. She wants to learn about her father's death and the only way she can is to go undercover in her uncle's business. Seth is hired to do security for her uncle, and when she meets Seth, she is caught between the attraction she feels for him and finishing up her task. Even almost to the end, Seth is not sure if he can trust Raine, but love wins his heart. A man who thought he could not love finds that he can.
The relationship between the hero and heroine is very intense, sometimes like a love hate relationship. But they agree in bed very well. ;) Seth is very much a macho man and an Alpha Hero similar to that of the best selling author Linda Howard's male heroes. No woman can stand a chance, but then, who can resist one as sensual and tough as Seth Mackey. He is very sexual and there is lots of action in bed, but also out. It is not a gory type book, but it fits the bill as a romantic suspense for me, with much emphasis on the romance part. Just to warn you though: there is several uses of the f work and other sexual slang terms in the book. It did not bother me, but some readers may not like the use of the words. To me, the usage was necessary and realistically moved the story along.
The story flies to a fast and explosive ending that left me satisfied with the end, but wishing the story had not ended. It was that good to me. Ms McKenna created some characters that not only were realistic, but with great sexual tension that throbbed within the pages of the book. I wish I could give it more than five stars, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book by Shannon McKenna. If you enjoy a good contemporary romance/supsense story that is very hot and sensual, then you will enjoy BEHIND CLOSED DOORS by Shannon McKenna.

I love Seth! This is more erotica than a romance, but it has a very strong love story. Seth's attraction to Rainie is consuming though he doesn't trust her. She however has her own agenda. I loved the romance, the hot sex, and brotherhood of the McCloud brothers. Shannon McKenna is a mustread author for me, but this is my absolute favorite book.

This is the first Shannon McKenna book I have read. I got through the book easily, but I was left feeling disappointed. I thought the pace of the development of the relationship, especially given Raine's history, was completely unbelievable. I felt it was forced on us. We are supposed to believe this girl who has had prior experience with one man (a bad one at that) jumps in bed with the hero and they are in love in less than a week. And on top of that, it is hard to believe that she suddenly becomes this sex vixen after a couple of romps in the hay. Not buying it.

On a positive note, I did like the story surrounding Victor. In fact, I found him to be the best character of the book. I will continue the McCloud series, but I hope the future stories are better.

I picked this one up expecting something totally different and got a lot more than I bargained for. Let's see - an action-packed plot, a sexy, flawed alpha-male hero and a heroine who finds reserves of strength she didn't know she had. This is a great read and as noted by the other reviewers, the action is exciting in bed and out. Come to think of it, not all of the sex was in bed but you know what I mean. I recommend this one to anyone who likes their romantic suspense well-written and uncensored - the language and action in this book is for adults only.

Whew! What a scorcher! I loved this story. How fantastic to find such an erotic book that ACTUALLY HAS A PLOT!!! I will tell you now that Seth is not an easy guy to like let alone love, but he definitely grew on me and I absolutely ADORED him by books end. My main reason for not giving this 5 stars is that I was sometimes so distracted by the side plot that I wanted more of Seth and Raine..not lovescenes..but them together just interacting and getting to know one another....other than that ..this was a fabulous read that Id recommend in a second.

I loved this book. In searching for new authors I had several recommendations to try this author and I chose not to. Finally, I got the book at the library and could not put it down. I am not a huge fan of romantic suspense except for the paranormal kind (Christine Feehan's, Ghostwalkers and Lora Leigh's - Elite Ops), but I truly enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to reading the entire series. I would love some more recommendations.

WOW, what an amazing book. I eagerly awaited this book for months after first reading Shannon's novella in the All through the Night anthology and it was worth the wait. Shannon mixed together some amazing characters, steamy romance and fast-paced adventure to form a novel I could not put down.
All her characters were multifaceted that you were never sure what they were going to do next. I was delighted to hear that Shannon is continuing with several of these characters in her next book due out in August 2003. Let me just say that this upcoming book (Standing In The Shadows) is already on my To Be Bought List.
Behind Closed Doors was Shannon first full-length novel and I expect her to get nothing but better.

Shannon McKenna's writing style is truly superb! The plot is gripping - the characters come to life. The sex scenes seem so real - the descriptions and verbal play are incredibly erotic and arousing; you almost feel like a voyeur as you read. McKenna really knows what goes on in a man's mind ... knows his purpose and his male perception of the sex act. Seth and Raine exchange dialogue that seems so realistic - not contrived. Seth is one of the most intense alpha-heroes I can think of. He exudes dominance and potency ... and lust. Everything he does is extremely intense and controlling, especially the sex. Oh my ... in that area he's like a primal beast! Red-hot!!! Seth's behavior with Raine is based on impulse and instinct ... she became his woman long before he ever met her in the flesh. I still laugh at the scene in the office kitchenette after he had briefly seen her ... or should I say 'stared at her' for the first time in an elevator ... where he leans into her, this stranger, and sniffs deeply to "memorize her smell." You can really understand how vulnerable Raine feels; Seth exposes all ... strips her barer than bare. He's like a modern day laird or viking ... a conqueror. Seth could fit into medieval times - yet he's perfectly suited for the here and now. But Raine is the perfect counter-balance for this dominating man. Her gentle caring spirit softens his hard edges as he learns to control his power play. And I especially liked that she wasn't an angry woman ... no matter what Seth did that was inappropriate, she spoke to him about it, explained her feelings, and got passed it. None of the "he said, she said" bulls**t dialogue. Awesome book! I can't praise it enough!!!

Thank God! For those of you who enjoy Stephanie Laurens' formulaic Regency romances, this book may not be for you. If, however, you prefer your novels to have more substance, and you have a thing for dark, tortured, Alpha heroes - buy and enjoy! This book is definitely R-rated (as most reviewers have acknowledged) but the steamy scenes actually drive the plot by showing the reader more about the characters. No, this is not a typical romance with flowers and sweet words. You can get that boring stuff anywhere. For a change that is well worth your time and money, try Shannon McKenna.

This book is packed with intrique, sensuality, redemption, and last, but not least, love.

Shannon McKenna has a wonderful voice that shines in this story, and I look forward to more of her work in the future. I found myself desperately rivited to Seth and Raine. Seth was rough and hard-edged, but men aren't supposed to be whimps. And Raine was as alluring as she was fascinating.

Nevertheless, if steamy, sexy scenes turn you OFF, then by all means don't pick up this book. Leave it on the shelves for someone who will appreciate its sultry characteristics.

This book is packed with intrique, sensuality, redemption, and last, but not least, love.

Shannon McKenna has a wonderful voice that shines in this story, and I look forward to more of her work in the future. I found myself desperately rivited to Seth and Raine. Seth was rough and hard-edged, but men aren't supposed to be whimps. And Raine was as alluring as she was fascinating.

Nevertheless, if steamy, sexy scenes turn you OFF, then by all means don't pick up this book. Leave it on the shelves for someone who will appreciate its sultry characteristics.

This story had so much potential but failed to keep the primary focus on the suspense aspect of the plot. There were some of the most viscous and cold-blooded villains to capitalize on but instead the attention was mainly on the endless rounds of sexual encounters between Raine and Seth. While I found a way to eventually bond with them, Seth was a little too cave-man for my liking and Raine a confusing enigma.

I think the series has potential so I plan to continue but this one was just okay.

First, he watches her without her knowing. In Oregon, you go to jail for that. Next, he virtually rapes her. Lovely. Oh, and let's not forget about all that marvelous verbal abuse they spew back and forth under the heading of small talk. Sick, twisted and totally disfunctional.
If you need a story of a broken hero being repaired, I recommend Dark Desire or Dark Magic by Christine Feehan. Avoid the stomach turning story of a woman who hasn't a clue about what love means. And on top of that, the 'steamy' loves scenes have all the heat of tepid water.

I bought this book after read Shannon's edition in All Through the Night and was not disappointed.. Its full of hot sex - and thrilling to read. This is a book that I shall read again and again... and I shall be watching out for more of Shannon's Books

First time I've read Shannon McKenna but will not be the last. This book is the best. Eroticism mixed with humor. And the plot is a good one, too. Seth is hot! The interplay among the characters is great. Dialogue just perfect. I've become a fan of this author! She knows how to mix it up!

Ms McKenna has written a wonderful book filled with hot sex, emotionally scared Hero and Heroine, nasty villian, and happy ending. This is a wonderfully written book. I can't wait for Ms McKenna next book.

I bought this book after reading the back (which by the way sounded great) but after I began to read it I became VERY disappointed. I like to read a good love scene, but frankly Seth was just a hound dog and Raine was in heat. The language was vulgar during the love scenes making me think Seth was paying for her services instead of 'being in love with her'. Raine was treated like trash up until the end and she continued to let Seth into her bed which was a joke. Most woman these days would've told him to kiss off. I'm usually a quick reader going through a book about ever three days but found this one so pathetic it took me nearly a month to get through it, as I read several book in between it. I rated this a one star because that was the lowest rating, however I wouldn't have even given it a star (it was that bad).

I've never read anything by Shannon McKenna before, but I am going out to find as many other of her books as there are available. I loved this story and felt that the characters were developed as they should have been. There was suspicion and fear, but what a great ending!

This is the first Shannon McKenna I have read and I was very disappointed. The hero was totally unlikeable and the heroine was not much better. The plot, what there was of it, was good but too little time was spent on it and too much time was spent on the sex scenes. And I say sex scenes, not love scenes. I felt like I was reading porn most of the time. This one will not reside on my keeper shelf.

I like this writer a lot !! Shannon McKenna has her own style when it comes to the romantic supsense genre. If you haven't had a chance to read any of her stories then this book will make a great one to begin with.

I enjoy books of this genre. The stories take me to another world--another place in time--and supply me with a great way to unwind after a hard day at the office. Behind Closed Doors is one sizzling read! I loved it!!!

I thought this book would be an interesting read, combining romance and adventure/mystery. What I found, though, was a great disappointment. The 'romance' was anything but; it was pure porn -- and a lot of it. And the characters were so poorly developed that their actions and emotions became grating for their unpredictability. The storyline was interesting, but the overload of porn and unlikable characters rendered this an unenjoyable read.

Shannon McKenna's plots are good - what there is of them! Too many pages of detailed sex - If I wanted to read porn, her books would be OK - But I don't care about reading porn. Most books have 2 or 3 pages of sex and they are easy to skip through. S. McKenna doesn't have anything else to write about. We all know what happens when a couple gets hot and heavy and we don't need a detailed, blow by blow (pun intended) description! I will NEVER read another book of Shannon McKenna!

I first read Shannon McKenna when she wrote a novella for the anthology ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT. I was thrilled to learn she was going to have a full-length book and it was going to be in the Brava line. Brava is a new line of books that promise the reader erotic romance stories and currently not only has Shannon McKenna signed up, but others like Lori Foster.
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS opens with the hero, Seth Mackey, spying on the heroine, Raine Cameron. He is after the killer of his brother and spying on Raine is one way he believes he is going to achieve this. Unfortunately to his job at hand, he grows attracted to her while watching her and it somewhat gets in his way. It does not take them long to meet and the sparks just electrify between the two. And not much longer for Seth and Raine to get in bed and begin a rather interesting, intense love affair. He doesn't trust her and Raine is secretive to him. But boy, he doesn't let his niggling distrust to stop him from pursuing her into bed.
Raine has a secret agenda of her own. She wants to learn about her father's death and the only way she can is to go undercover in her uncle's business. Seth is hired to do security for her uncle, and when she meets Seth, she is caught between the attraction she feels for him and finishing up her task. Even almost to the end, Seth is not sure if he can trust Raine, but love wins his heart. A man who thought he could not love finds that he can.
The relationship between the hero and heroine is very intense, sometimes like a love hate relationship. But they agree in bed very well. ;) Seth is very much a macho man and an Alpha Hero similar to that of the best selling author Linda Howard's male heroes. No woman can stand a chance, but then, who can resist one as sensual and tough as Seth Mackey. He is very sexual and there is lots of action in bed, but also out. It is not a gory type book, but it fits the bill as a romantic suspense for me, with much emphasis on the romance part. Just to warn you though: there is several uses of the f work and other sexual slang terms in the book. It did not bother me, but some readers may not like the use of the words. To me, the usage was necessary and realistically moved the story along.
The story flies to a fast and explosive ending that left me satisfied with the end, but wishing the story had not ended. It was that good to me. Ms McKenna created some characters that not only were realistic, but with great sexual tension that throbbed within the pages of the book. I wish I could give it more than five stars, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book by Shannon McKenna. If you enjoy a good contemporary romance/supsense story that is very hot and sensual, then you will enjoy BEHIND CLOSED DOORS by Shannon McKenna.