Sydney Croft is a pseudonym for authors, Larissa Ione, (whose books I reviewed last week) and Stephanie Tyler. Larissa, specializes in writing dark paranormal romance and Stephanie’s particular speciality is military romance. If you have or intend to read this series you will find that their combined writing styles compliment each other resulting in explosive storylines, exemplary character development and sizzling sensuality making for a page turning read. While the books are categorized as fiction and erotic romance, as a reader I think what the authors have created is a cross genre series of spy thriller / paranormal erotic romance. I am going to attempt explain why in my synopsis and reviews.
The super secret Agency for Covert Rare Operatives (ACRO) trains and deploys an extraordinary group of humans who have exceptional genetic gifts. Think SEAL/X-Men, however they do not mutate or shape change, the characters in these novels are human with unique powers. While the operatives are extremely powerful, each has a history of persecution due to their rare gifts resulting in an inner vulnerability and suspicious nature. There is an over arching theme of good versus evil setting the stage for espionage, intrigue and betrayal.
There are four books published in the ACRO series, three novels and one novella, which is part of an anthology. I am reviewing the three novels today and I hope to post a review of the anthology late this week that has a fourth ACRO story.
To say Ex-navy SEAL Remy Benaud is a force of nature would be an understatement. Remy is nature, he doesn’t understand his gift, all he knows is that under certain circumstances he attracts weather systems and storms gain strength around him. It is because of this extraordinary power that Remy comes to the attention of ACRO. Following an unexpected phone call from his father, Remy is lured to his childhood home on the Louisiana bayou. He enters his house to find Haley Holmes has taken up residence and his father is nowhere to be found. Remy is naturally suspicious of Haley’s story as to why she is there and uses his Navy SEAL training as an interrogator to gradually ferret out what her real motivations are.
Haley is a brilliant, career driven parameterologist and ACRO agent who is dispatched to Remy’s home to ascertain if he actually does have the power to control the weather and if so to lure him into the ACRO fold. Haley is a scientist whose fascination with the weather is grounded in scientific fact. She does not believe Remy has the ability to draw and control weather systems and she sets out to prove it to herself and ACRO.
When Remy attracts a storm it causes what can only be described as a cataclysmic need for sensual release. As a scientist Haley is curious about Remy, however she is also inexorably drawn by his inherent sensuality and unspeakable power. There is a special link that this couple share and their union is dare I say explosive?
Haley is in a race against time, her agency wants swift results and another covert group of operatives, which is the antithesis of ACRO bent capturing Remy is closing in. The action is non-stop and the plot is full of twists and turns making for an exciting page turning read.
One of the sub-plots in Riding the Storm introduces Annika and Creed, both ACRO agents with highly unusual gifts. Annika can only be described as a ‘weapon’ both in her skills and training in martial arts and use of weaponry, and in the use of her special talent. Creed is essentially a haunted soul whose special ability allows him to communicate with ghosts. Annika and Creed have become a favourite couple amongst those of us who are ACRO fans and I will say that the story of their special romance weaves through the three books.
Unleashing the Storm
Kira Donovan, an animal psychic living on an Idaho farm animal reserve comes to ACRO’s attention because of her ability to speak to and control animals. Kira’s character is fascinating in that she actually has a ‘heat’ once a year when she requires her sexual needs to be satisfied or she suffers unfortunate side effects. Kira has suffered ridicule and revulsion from others her entire life because of her gift and yearly needs but has eked out a comfortable existence on the farm caring and nurturing a large cross section of abused and abandoned animals.
ACRO agent Tom “Ender” Knight’s mission is to bring Kira in at all costs because the bad guys want her and if she were captured her gifts would be used against the world. Ender is an awesome character, a former Army Delta Force Covert Operative sniper; he is conflicted, powerful and focused on one thing – the completion of his mission. Ender has a dark rapier wit that took me by surprise and had me laughing out loud. However, he is also a lethal predator who doesn’t hesitate to use deadly force when required.
Kira and Ender are perfectly matched with respect their base, sexual needs. They share a connection to the animal kingdom in an elemental way that enhances their remarkable sensuality. Ender is however a solitary individual who resists his growing involvement with Kira, she is “a mission” after all. I have to say the authors penned a conclusion to their love story that was both surprising and sweet. Kira and Ender’s story tugged at my heartstrings until the last page.
As with all the ACRO stories, the action had my heart thumping and the suspense was thrilling.
Seduced by the Storm
Ex-Navy SEAL and ACRO agent Wyatt Kennedy is sent on a highly dangerous mission to retrieve and destroy a weapon of mass destruction held by the enemy. Wyatt is an extraordinarily powerful telekinetic and possesses seductive powers which makes him irresistible to any woman. Wyatt is an extremely conflicted and I felt a lonely character who like the other ‘specialized’ operatives has experienced ridicule and betrayal at the hands of his family. The thing that really made me love Wyatt was his sense of honour and duty to those in need.
Faith Black, a powerful psychic is sent on a mission by her covert agency (also one of the good guys) to steal the same weapon that Wyatt is after. Faith is cunning, ruthless and has been trained as a covert spy from a young age. There is a personal issue at stake for Faith on this mission that adds a spectacular plot twist and climax to the story.
The sensuality that erupts between Wyatt and Faith can only be described as nuclear grade, and explodes off the pages from their first meeting. Their romance is complicated not only because they are both on missions with orders from separate agencies, but also because they are extremely driven people accustomed to being in total control.
Remy and Haley make appearances in this story and I can tell you the scenes conceived surrounding this couple are off the charts exciting. I could almost hear the thunder and feel the wind whirling around me. (lol)
Seduced by the Storm ties a couple of subplots surrounding fascinating supporting characters created in the first two novels. Larissa and Stephanie have been quite clever in opening new developments amongst the ACRO ‘family’ that cannot help but encourage us devoted readers to be curious as to what the next ‘mission’ will be.
I’ve read some criticism from other readers that the sex is too ‘up front’ in these novels. As a reader, I think I can argue fairly effectively that because of who these people are, their innate sexuality empowers them it is therefore reasonable that the sex would be woven into the plot early in the story. Secondly these people are on deadly missions, not knowing if they are going to live or die from one day to the next, I think it is also reasonable to conclude that they would look for physical comfort when it presents itself. There is significant tension and conflict as part and parcel of the romantic plot, but we are not talking boy meets girl in Middle America here.
I have provided the synopsis and a picture of the cover art of the next book in the ACRO series below called “Taming the Fire” in the post below. I have to say; I think the cover art for all the ACRO books are sensuous and eye catching but I like the one for “Taming the Fire” the best.
Larissa and Stephanie (Sydney Croft) Bravo!
Fantastic reviews, Lea. I agree wholeheartedly and love many of the points you bring up about this series. LOVE seeing the Creed and Annika mention as well. They truly are very special in the Croft fans’ hearts.
I love this series! Great reviews of the books.
Annika and Creed I have loved following through all the books up til now. The third book, I cried. So sad.
Tiffany and Amy:
Thank you so much for your feedback.
This series is so well done and an absolute auto buy for me. While it’s a wait for Taming the Fire to be published, I think it will be well worth the wait.
Regards