Sandra Brown once again proves her unparalleled prowess in creating heroines of class and sensuality, coupled with smoldering heroes that set the pages ablaze. Out of Nowhere, first published in August 2023, is a testament to Brown’s superiority in weaving a spellbinding tale of romantic suspense, with romance and suspense delivered in equally tantalizing doses.

Out of Nowhere thrusts readers into the lives of Calder Hudson and Elle Portman, whose paths intertwine under the most tragic of circumstances. A visit to a county fair ends in disaster, when Elle finds herself grieving for the loss of her two-year old son. Elle, a children’s book author who chose to be a single mother, faces the worst possible calamity that would befall any parent – the untimely demise of their children.

The shooting incident itself is a gripping brain twister, with Ms. Brown keeping the readers guessing until the very end. While little headway is made in identifying the shooter, there are elements at play that leaves a bad taste in Calder’s mouth; his worst fear being that somehow he is the reason behind the shocking and unfortunate deaths of so many people. This twist adds flair to the mystery elements that only an author like Ms. Brown can bring to her stories, and that remains one reason why I always come back for more where her books are concerned.

As things escalate on all fronts, Calder finds himself unable to turn away from Elle, the woman who makes him feel alive and also at peace at the same time. It takes an extraordinary writer to be able to juggle an atrocious event such as a mass shooting, with the heroine facing an immeasurable loss which also results in her coming face to face with the man who undoes her, a bond that is heartfelt and poignant at its very core.

The sensuality between Calder and Elle is once again, classic Ms. Brown. Elle, the beautifully tender and strong heroine who brings Calder to his very knees, and Calder who is just effortlessly carnal in ways that pushes all your buttons. With a searing touch here, and a scorching glance there, Ms. Brown is often able to bring to life imagery of the kind that even the most hardcore erotica is unable to pull off. The earthy sexuality that resonates through the pages warmed the heart of the romantic deep in me, while the killer who remained at large left chills creeping up and down my spine.

Needless to say, I loved everything about the novel, from Calder in whose past lies the key to mystery that unfolds in the story to Elle who was undoubtedly the star of the story. Readers won’t remain untouched by all that she is – good-hearted to the very core, resilient in a way few of us can only ever hope to be, and elegant without even trying to be.

Recommended for everyone who loves a good romantic suspense. There are few authors who can compete with Ms. Brown in pulling one off!

Final Verdict: Out of Nowhere is a compelling and emotionally charged romantic suspense with a masterfully executed whodunit plot, carving into stone Ms. Brown’s reputation as a master storyteller.

Favorite Quotes

He eased his mouth down to hers, giving her time to protest, praying she wouldn’t. He tried a different slant, and this time her lips were more pliant. Their tongues touched. When his slid into her mouth, she gave a purr of permission.
He lowered his hands from her face to her waist, drawing her against him as he had when he’d embraced her the night before. This time, however, as though her form had been sculptured onto him, adjustments were unnecessary. On contact, they fit together so familiarly and perfectly, they breathed sighs into each other’s mouths.
He deepened the kiss, slipped one hand under the roomy sweatshirt, and splayed it over her bottom, lifting her against him until he filled the notch of her thighs. Filled it well.

Under her baggy sweatshirt was skin like warm satin. A scanty, lacy, see-through bra. The stuff of wet dreams, but bothersome as hell when trying to get his mouth around her nipple, already raised.
He would have been fine with the couch, the wall, the floor, but, still glued together, they’d somehow stumbled their way into her bedroom.
Clothing had been an aggravation, but she did manage to wiggle out of her leggings and underwear. He’d unbuttoned his shirt but didn’t waste precious time taking it off. Within a second of levering himself above her, he’d gotten his belt unbuckled, his zipper down, his slacks shoved past his hips.
She’d been wet, but tight, and had felt so good when he’d pushed into her that he’d shuddered and said… something. Hadn’t he? Maybe.
He’d pressed into her until he couldn’t press any farther, then began thrusting. He’d braced himself on his hands, arms straight, back arched. Her hands clutching his ass insistently. It had been hard and fast and vigorous, breath-stealing and heart-pounding, and then they came.
Jesus, it had been amazing.

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