From a parallel universe, Breachers are shapeshifters who've fostered human legends and myths, from Bigfoot to fire-breathing dragons. Pulled from their own universe by a freak celestial anomaly, they're plopped down in our world, without the possibility of ever going home. Most adapt, making the choice to live secretly among humans as humans themselves. But there are some Breachers who can't handle life as humans. They go berserk, becoming blood-thirty murderers that need to be put down before the rank and file of humanity discover what they really are. Enter the secret “no name” government organization tasked with putting these rogues down.

Although he may not prefer his solitary existence, professional kick boxer Arik Hawthorne has settled into a comfortable niche that suits his need for secrecy while allowing him to work off the pent up energy that's basic to his “fiery” nature. But when he's partnered with Army Lt. Corinth Marya to hunt down the rogue Breacher killing humans in a small New Mexico town, all bets are off. The beautiful Marya calls to him like no other female – human or Breacher – ever has, but by loving her he risks everything, including his own life.

Yes! After a disappointing book one in the series, Linda Mooney's Breacher series begins to shine with the release of book two – Hawthorne and Marya. Although the opening pages somewhat mirror the beginning of book one, this second installment offers one of the most original story lines and unique paranormal villains in the invisible dirt-manipulating tzealdo that I've ever come across in my reading. And the emotional angst I was missing in Holt and McKenna? It found its way into Hawthorne and Marya.

Despite their biological differences, putting these two intriguing individuals together works well. I really enjoyed the way their relationship progresses. From Hawthorne's initial reticence to commit to Marya and her instinctive fear of his scaly, fire-breathing form, love is much more likely to happen between these two with all the stumbling blocks Ms. Mooney puts in their way. And I can’t forget to mention the sizzling hot passion between them! These two veritably burn up the sheets!

Yet, there's still something about this series that keeps it from reaching its true potential. It's not Ms. Mooney's writing, nor is it her plotting or characterizations. It's the setting. It took me awhile to finally realize that this series feels unsuited to a modern time frame and atmosphere. In my humble opinion, had Ms. Mooney written this series with a steampunk setting, it would have been a phenomenal read.