Mckenzie Artifact [Paperback]

Eli McKenzie was poisoned while trying to infiltrate and shut down Spectra's prostitution operation in the barren Chihuahua desert. Then Stella Banks, the private investigator he finds caged in that same compound when he returns to complete the job, becomes the proverbial thorn in his side as he tries to complete his mission. The time line for rescuing the 24 girls currently warehoused there, and for destroying the compound, is stepped up once it becomes known that Spectra's crime boss will be arriving in two days, and that the operation has been infiltrated. Kent's conclusion to the five-part Smithson Group series is more introspective than the previous tales, and the relationship building is on the sketchy side, relying heavily on guilty consciences and earthily graphic descriptions. However, readers who seek fast-paced adventure with high stakes will enjoy this quick read, and librarians take note: the epilogue reads like a teaser for a sequel series. Lynne Welch
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"Smart, funny, exciting, touching and Hot."

Five months ago, SG-5 operative Eli McKenzie was in deep cover in Mexico, infiltrating a Spectra ring that kidnaps young girls and sells them into a life beyond imagining. Not being able to move on the Spectra scum right away was torture for the tough-but-compassionate super spy. But that wasn't the only problem - someone on the inside was slowly poisoning Eli, clouding his judgment and forcing him to make an abrupt trip back to the Smithson Group's headquarters to heal. Now, Eli's ready to return...with a vengeance. It seems his quick departure left a private investigator named Stella Banks in some hot water. Spectra operatives have nabbed the nosy Stella and are awaiting word on how to handle her disposal. Eli knows the only way to save her life and his is to reveal himself to Stella and get her to trust him. Seeing the way Stella takes care of the frightened girls melts Eli's armour, and soon, they find that the best way to survive this brutal assignment is to steal time in each other's arms. It's a bliss Eli's intent on keeping, no matter what he has to do to protect it. Because Eli McKenzie has unfinished business with Spectra - and with the woman who has renewed his heart - and this is one man who always finishes what he starts...