Raw Power

Ashenden’s contemporary series launch introduces yet another paramilitary team that flouts the law for the sake of doing what’s right. Scarred former Marine Jack King will be the latest recruit to join the San Diego–based 11th Hour group, but only if he can prove himself during his first mission, babysitting the socialite daughter of a Massachusetts senator. Callie Hawthorne certainly doesn’t want a 24/7 shadow following her around, particularly since her freedom is already severely curtailed by her controlling father. It doesn’t take long for Jack to realize that Callie’s own family may pose a bigger danger than supposed external threats. Once Callie realizes she has an ally in Jack, she quickly abandons her icy attitude. Ashenden’s efforts to fill in Jack’s tragic backstory make him an attractive alpha hero, but scant time is spent with the rest of the rather generic 11th Hour group, and Callie is pure damsel in distress. Readers are unlikely to be excited about the team’s forthcoming adventures. Agent: Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary. (Mar.)