Cora Kenborn's Torched Spades is a gripping tale that delves into the complexities of human emotions, ethical boundaries, and the dangerous allure of forbidden attraction. The novel is a compelling mix of romance and suspense, with a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Through the lens of a psychologist and her enigmatic patient, Kenborn explores themes of trust, deception, and the fine line between professional duty and personal desire.

The story centers around the intriguing dynamic between the protagonist, a psychologist with a Ph.D., and Johnny Malone, a self-confessed arsonist who seeks her help to control his destructive urges. From their first encounter, the tension is palpable. Johnny's entrance into her life is marked by a casual yet provocative gesture—flipping a playing card between his fingers, a symbol of the games he plays both with fire and with those around him. This initial interaction sets the tone for their relationship, one that is fraught with unspoken desires and hidden truths.

Kenborn masterfully crafts Johnny Malone as a character who is both charismatic and dangerous. His "lethal dark eyes" and the way he "undresses" the protagonist with them, create an aura of mystery and allure that is hard to resist. Johnny is a man of contradictions; he is both a patient seeking help and a potential threat, a man with no apparent ties to the world, yet deeply entangled in his own secrets. The author skillfully uses these contradictions to build suspense and keep readers guessing about Johnny's true intentions and past.

The protagonist, on the other hand, is portrayed as a strong, intelligent woman who is initially guided by her professional ethics and personal rules. Her internal struggle is a central theme of the novel. She is torn between her duty as a psychologist and her growing attraction to Johnny, which leads her to question her own boundaries. The ethical lines blur as she becomes more involved in Johnny's life, and her determination to uncover the truth about him becomes as much about understanding herself as it is about helping him.

Kenborn's writing is both evocative and engaging, drawing readers into the emotional turmoil of the characters. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the tension and chemistry between the protagonist and Johnny. The author also excels in creating vivid imagery, particularly in scenes involving fire, which serve as a metaphor for the passion and danger that define their relationship. The recurring motif of fire not only symbolizes Johnny's arsonist tendencies but also the consuming nature of their attraction.

One of the strengths of Torched Spades is its exploration of the theme of trust. The protagonist's journey is as much about learning to trust herself as it is about deciding whether to trust Johnny. This theme is intricately woven into the narrative, as the protagonist grapples with her own vulnerabilities and the risks of opening herself up to someone as unpredictable as Johnny. The novel raises important questions about the nature of trust and the extent to which one can truly know another person.

In comparison to similar stories in the romantic suspense genre, such as Sylvia Day's Crossfire series or Jodi Ellen Malpas's This Man trilogy, Torched Spades stands out for its psychological depth and the complexity of its characters. While both Day and Malpas explore themes of passion and redemption, Kenborn adds an additional layer of intrigue by focusing on the psychological aspects of her characters' interactions. This focus on the mind and its intricacies sets Torched Spades apart, offering readers a more nuanced and thought-provoking experience.

Overall, Torched Spades is a captivating read that combines romance, suspense, and psychological drama in a way that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Cora Kenborn has crafted a story that is not only about the fiery attraction between two people but also about the inner battles we all face when confronted with the unknown. The novel's impact lies in its ability to make readers question their own perceptions of right and wrong, and the lengths they would go to for love and understanding.

For those who enjoy stories that challenge the boundaries of love and ethics, Torched Spades is a must-read. It is a testament to Kenborn's skill as a storyteller that she can weave such a complex and engaging narrative, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what she will write next.