Against the Odds

Martin’s seventh Raines of Wind Canyon contemporary western (after Against the Sun) sizzles with unbridled passion and nonstop suspense. Sabrina “Rina” Eckhart, a former stockbroker, decides to travel from her home in Houston to West Texas to see an ostensibly valuable mine she inherited from her uncle, and hires private investigator Alex Justice to accompany her on the journey. Danger follows the pair as a series of “accidents” befall her. As fiercely independent Rina reluctantly leans on commitment-wary Alex, the two form a sizzling emotional and physical connection. A subplot involving a serial killer Alex helped put behind bars adds an additional element of mystery. While at times Alex’s superhero-like qualities defy credulity, the fast pace and romantic chemistry never falter. (Jan.)