Viper Game

Feehan’s 11th GhostWalkers paranormal (after Samurai Game) suffers from the advances of both science and fiction. When the series began in 2003, the notion of genetically enhanced soldiers was reasonably innovative. Now the premise is worn, as is the idea of a biochemical mandate for romance. GhostWalker Wyatt Fontenot swore to avoid all women save his beloved grand-mère. Then Pepper came into his life, alone with the toddler she fiercely protects. Like him, they have enhancements; his are feline, theirs are phylum. Pepper was trained to ensnare men and kill them with her bite. Deemed a reject and slated for execution, she escaped a hidden prison with one of three children. Rescuing the others becomes Wyatt’s priority when he realizes the babies are his and Pepper’s artificially concocted offspring. Feehan tells the reader about Pepper’s strength, but she often reads as a victim who feels ashamed and burdensome. The constant lustiness starts out as erotic but soon grows ho-hum. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Agency. (Feb.)