Balance of Power

After a tense day at work, Teal Kinzie goes to a local gym to work off some of her stress. Her work out is more thorough than she ever imagines however when a gym hunk, Mac Tirelli, picks her up and they spontaneously live an afternoon of sin together. The attraction is instant and strong between them but Teal is adamant that it can never happen again. She has a career to uphold and a twenty-two year old daughter named Jenna she’s just starting to get to know. She can’t let any man, no matter how sexy, ruin that for her.

However, when tragedy strikes in her life, and Jenna runs away, angry at Teal, Mac is the only man she can turn to. His strong presence on their adventure to rescue Jenna is the only thing that’s holding her together. As they travel together, as they fight and argue, make love and chat, Teal comes to learn that Mac is anything but the gym rat she first thought he was. He’s a hardworking, tender, exciting, and oh so lovable man. But can they make a go of a real relationship after the fireworks and excitement involving Jenna are over?

Balance of Power is superb! Mac and Teal take center stage as wonderfully written and wonderfully complex characters, each with their own past hurts and scars to deal with. Nikki Soarde does a great job of creating an intense situation and having her characters thrive on the action and emotion of the moment. Mac and Teal grow closer as the story takes shape, and soon one can see how perfect they are for each other, despite the inner reservations both have about any potential relationship. Mac has always been a no-commitment kind of guy, but with Teal that just doesn’t work because in his heart, he wants to commit to her. Teal can’t believe she is falling for someone ten years younger than herself, but there’s no stopping her heart from tumbling straight into Mac’s waiting arms. This is a nonstop action kind of story, even though there isn’t all that much action. You’ll turn the pages quickly in this story. Nikki Soarde just gets better and better with each story she pens, and if you haven’t read anything by her yet, this is the story to pick up! You won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by: Sarah W