One of the early Dirk and Steele novels (published in 2008), THE LAST TWILIGHT brings together Dr. Rikki Kinn and Amiri in the Congo, where multiple factions fight for medical miracles, sometimes trampling human rights far and wide. Rikki knows what it is to be held at the mercy of merciless tormentors, so she has difficulty trusting anyone. Amiri, the cheetah shapeshifter, has also experiences a loss of freedom, so he understands her trust issues. However, he has other reasons not to want to get close. His father's voice echoes in his mind as it has for years, causing him to doubt his every step. Now, there's no room for doubt as he, Rikki, and assorted companions, foes, and dangerously neutral individuals thrust into their path try to survive.

I love the Dirk and Steele series, and I adore this book, not only for Rikki and Amiri's relationship, or more details about Rictor, but also the depth of Rikki's response to Eddie. The only thing that annoys me is when the artist of the cover didn't read the book. The cover is beautiful and powerful and lovely, but there are a few very important elements that the artist should have considered or been told to consider in his or her artwork development. So, enjoy the beautiful art, then put a book cover on it to enjoy the beautiful book!

Book Summary

Duty called Dr. Rikki Kinn to the Congo. One of the world's top virus hunters working for the CDC, she is on a mission to investigate a deadly new plague. But there are those determined to stop her—at any price. Shape-shifter Amiri was born in this land of untamed splendor. Here he woke with the sun and raced as the cheetah . . . until he was kidnapped and subjected to terrible experiments by the evil Consortium. Now his colleagues and brothers in Dirk & Steele want him to return to Africa to face his nightmares. For a good woman has been targeted for death—a beautiful healer who holds the fate of millions in her hands, whose destiny is intertwined with his—and whose need leaves Amiri vulnerable, threatening his heart, his passion . . . and his soul.