Title: Pawn Takes Rook
Series: Checkmate 01
Author: Lex Chase
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Superheroes
Length: Novella (88pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13th March 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: The first time Hogarth Dawson sees superhero Memphis Rook, he comes to Hogarth’s rescue by cracking the heads of two thugs like eggs into a skillet. Hogarth is utterly smitten, but he soon discovers the superhero Power Alliance has ejected Rook for failing to protect a civilian.
Hogarth devises a plan that will reinstate Rook and might even earn Hogarth a place in Power Alliance roster. But what he expects to be a simple few missions rescuing kittens and helping little old ladies cross the street turns into a shocking reality of citywide chases, foiling robberies, and facing his ex. Then Hogarth discovers the beating Rook saved him from wasn’t a chance attack. It’s possible Hogarth is just a pawn in Rook’s game….
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3643
Review: Hogarth (Garth or Ho depending on who says it) is attacked and being beaten when he is rescued by Rook, a superhero who has been kicked out of the Power Alliance for failing to save a civilian, when Garth discovers this, he swears that he will help Rook get his license back and hopefully be admitted himself to the Alliance. Trying to ignore his attraction to Rook, Garth sets out with Rook on missions to rescue innocent citizens, but he gets more than he bargained for when he crosses paths with his ex-lover Captain Chivalry (Darren). Rook knows more about Garth than he should and admitting the truth to Garth opens more questions than it answers.
Superheroes ahoy! This is a cute story that delves into our comic book geek side and draws out our inner sidekick, as we join Garth and Rook at the beginning of their adventure. Garth has wanted desperately to join the Power Alliance as a Kitbasher (technopath) but after two attempts is still hoping, getting the opportunity to help Rook redeem himself, he grabs it with two hands and soon discovers that being a superhero is harder than it seems. Rook discovers something surprising about Garth and eventually tells him the truth. But, before they can delve into it further, Garth’s life is put at risk when a desperate man falls to the way of evil.
I found this story to be fun and amusing, but filled with the wonders of superpowers, danger and secrets being revealed. Garth and Rook make a strange couple who swing between infatuation and annoyance, they have great banter between them and make a great superpower couple, although they do have a few cross words *cringe*. Garth’s ex, Chivalry is a character that is great… watch out for him as he hides firmly in the closet and gives us an excellent twist to the story. This is a wonderful light-hearted story with a way of making the characters come to life so that you can fully appreciate Chivalry’s s-curl and sparkly teeth, Garth’s imaginative techno powers and Rook’s life giving power.
I have to recommend this to those who adore comic book superheroes, superpowers, a secret hidden, a brilliant twist, hot sex, danger, a cool rescue and a great ending.