It is difficult to write a sequel novel, especially if the original was very good. This is the case with Rising Storm. First Instinct was a solidly written novel with very little to complain about. I was anxiously looking forward to reading Rising Storm.

As expected the characters of Conn and Leigh continue to develop. They become even more like real people as the story unfolds. I do take issue with the fact that so much of the beginning of the book revolved around their sexual activities. It just seemed too hot and heavy given the amount of time that passed from the end of the first book to the beginning of the second. Additionally after awhile the sex did not lend anything new to the story.

I did find a few of the story lines needed a more complete beginning or ending. For example, Leigh stumbles on the Buddhist retreat yet knowledge of this retreat for the reader was never developed so it seemed out of place. Another line was Conn's injury. While in Pakistan it seemed as though she might even die from her injury and when she returns to the states she shows virtually no sign of injury.

Again I think Meyer left it open for yet another sequel as she did not finish the story of what happened to Georgia............ Perhaps another entertaining book in the future???????

I have now read everything Meyer has written and overall she is a solid contributor to lesbian fiction.

JLee Meyer continues to establish herself as a talent in the lesbian fiction genre. This is her third published novel and this reader hopes she continues writing for a very long time.

In this sequel to `First Instinct,' she takes the reader back to the lives of Conn Stryker and Leigh Grove as they continue to battle against the proverbial bad guys. Of course, these fellows (and one lady) aren't playing games and are willing to do anything to catch their quarry. In the process, Conn and Leigh meet a gang of women who are almost like a military contingent of Amazons. These women are both helpful and harmful to the protagonists, but ultimately know where their loyalties lie.

With many unexpected twists and turns, the story is exciting. The reader is constantly surprised with every turn of the page. We already know the characters, but she develops them even further in this continuation of their story.

Cheers to Meyer for a great book - and great wishes for many future publications.

This was a solid sequel to First Instinct. I only have a few issues with the story.
1. It seems both Conn and Leigh got 'hot and heavy' fairly quickly and I think that more romantic tension could have played well.
2. The 'mysticism' of Leigh at the Buddist retreat was a tough pill to swallow as well as how the terrorists played into the group that had tried to kill Leigh and Conn in First Instinct. That part of the story didn't really come into focus.
3. And, on a technical note, we never do find out about the extent of Conn's injury. She should have at least been using a cane if she was shot in the thigh.
Overall, JLee tells a good story, and though this one may have been somewhat rushed, I enjoyed it.