Toxic Game

4.25 stars--TOXIC GAME is the fifteenth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult GHOSTWALKERS erotic, paranormal, romance series focusing an elite group of ‘genetically enhanced’ men and women known as the GhostWalkers (GW). These ‘super soldiers’ were once part of an unauthorized government experiment performed by Dr. Peter Whitney. This is former model, GhostWalker and doctor Draden Freeman, and tracker Shylah ‘Peony’ Cosmos’ story line. TOXIC GAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion. WARNING: COVERT GAME contains scenes of graphic violence that may not be suitable for all readers. Told from dual third person perspectives (Shylah and Draden) TOXIC GAME follows the building relationship between GhostWalker Dr. Draden Freeman, and GW tracker Shylah ‘Peony’ Cosmos. Dr.Draden Freeman is a member of the GhostWalkers Team Four Pararescue Unit, and their latest assignment finds the team in Indonesia to investigate the mass deaths possibly related to a man-made virus, a biological weapon, that if not contained could destroy the world. Infected and on his own, Draden will meet female GhostWalker Shylah Cosmos, who exposes herself to the virus in order to save our hero’s life. Shylah has been sent to Indonesia to track down and kill the men responsible for releasing the virus, a position ordered by the man in charge. What ensues is the building relationship between Draden and Shylah, as Team Four works overtime to find a cure in order to save their friend and fellow warrior. The relationship between Draden and Shylah is one of immediate attraction. Draden recognizes, early on, that Shylah is the female ‘developed’ especially for him, something Dr. Whitney has purposely formulated in an effort to produce powerful offspring and heirs. Unlike many of the previous story lines, the relationship and power distribution between our leading couple is based on romance, attraction, and equality, without the male lead going all alpha and forcing the female to bend to his will. The $ex scenes, although limited due to the nature of the story line premise, are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text. The world building continues to focus on the camaraderie, friendship and bond between the GhostWalkers, and the women they love. Dr. Peter Whitney, although ultimately responsible for the GhostWalker’s enhanced powers, and the torture of so many psychic females, his role in the series may be changing direction. Most of GhostWalker Team Four (and their significant others) play secondary and supporting characters: Diego Campo, Ezekiel Fortunes, Gino Mazza, Team leader Joe Spagnola, Malichai and Mordichai Fortunes, Trap Dawkins, Rubin Campo and Wyatt Fontenot, along with a cameo appearance by Wyatt’s Nonny Grace Fontenont. Most of the female characters have been segregated from potential infection. TOXIC GAME is a story of betrayal, power, revenge and control. The suspense is limited as the conflict focuses on the fight to find a cure for the man-made virus. The premise is intriguing and engaging as the author includes plenty of medical and biological references; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are colorful, charismatic and sassy. There are some issues of redundancy especially as it pertains to Draden’s appearance (mentioned numerous times), and saying that, I am a bit of a cover snob, and thusly, the cover doesn’t remotely give credit to the character’s beauty quoted as ‘jaw-droppingly handsome without being so beautiful he bordered on femnine’.

Draden Freeman faces an enemy that he may not be able to overcome right when he discovers his mate in this exceptional, exhilarating and emotional Ghostwalker novel. Draden and Shylah are two bold characters that not only demand readers’ attention but capture their hearts while they face their toughest mission ever. The emotional draw of this story is strong and really captivates readers with how realistically the story plays out in regards to how Shylah and Draden handle all the stress and their goals after they are infected with the deadly virus. While the relationship hovers on a very suspenseful edge throughout the story, the romance between them of course is seriously hot and Draden pulls some sweet and romantic surprises out that readers can’t help but envy. This story deals with some real-life events that could and probably have happened in the world of terrorists which adds chills to the story as Draden and Shylah and the Ghostwalkers race against time while trying to take down the enemies and unravel the clues to find out just who is really behind the evil plan. This fast paced plot steadily builds the adrenaline pumping suspense throughout the story with lots of exhilarating events and readers cannot put this book down no matter what else is happening around them.

Just finished the new book with Draden and Shylah it took a different twist from the other Ghostwalker novels. Don't want to give anything away but another review said they talked about Draden's looks to much I think that's what makes this the best storyline. It is not about him coming in and sweeping someone off her feet she can stand toe to toe with him and be the lead. And of course they still look good to each other in the sweaty smelly jungle. Also it's a good novel because it brings in so many of the team's members and their bond to eavh other. Can't wait to see who's next to find there mate. Bringing in the other two groups was good too would love to see more crossover happen. Think I need to re-read somd of the old one to bring me up to date. Ms. Feehan you are one great write can't wait to which series you'll be writing about next but I'll be sure to reading it.