More Than Gold

Twelve years ago, on the recommendation of CIA agent Jack Temple, Olympic gymnast Morgan Kirkwood executed a daring prison rescue of an American operative during the games at Seoul (and an hour later won a gold medal). Fearing retribution these many years later, Morgan (a former homeless girl who survived the mean streets of Washington, D.C.) has set up an intricate, masterful escape plan. Upon returning home one day, Morgan senses danger and realizes that someone has broken into her house. Inside she finds Jack Temple, who quickly explains that he's there not to threaten her life, but to save it. Moments later, Morgan and Jack escape a barrage of bullets in an episode worthy of James Bond. Though Hailstock (Opposites Attract) has created an interesting back-story for Morgan and many explosive and sexy moments for her and Jack, the book fails to fully engage the reader; and between Morgan's inexplicable skill as a covert operator and a single kiss 12 years in the past, there's demanded too much suspension of belief. (Oct.)