Change of Heart pits a beautiful Russian agent, Valeria, against an American agent, Joshua, against the backdrop of an attempted return to power by the Communist Party. Using the power play as a ruse, the former Colonel of the KGB tries to get vengeance on Josh by getting rid of him.

Josh makes the trip from Baltimore to a spot just off the Russian coast to rescue a woman who does not think she needs rescuing. She was once a major player in the plans of the aforementioned Colonel, and she is once again at center stage for his latest plan of domination. Unbeknownst to him, however, she has her own plans and does not intend to let anyone thwart those plans, including some American hotshot.

Just to make it interesting, sexual attraction grows between the two, and it is very well written. The heightened state of danger they are in adds to the adrenalin rush of their physical pull toward each other, and author Jack Allen does a great job of capturing that. Particularly compelling is Valeria when she thinks of the fact that she may die soon and she will regret not taking Josh to her bed, despite how much she loves Yuri.

Josh has the fate of the world and a possible new Cold War on his hands. His decisions of who to kill and why may make all the difference.

Change of Heart is a good old-fashioned spy thriller. Plenty of intrigue and suspense heightens a taut and sinewy plot. The settings are well-drawn to the point of sensuality. The dialogue is crisp and original, and the sexual tension between Valeria and Josh is palpable. The secondary characters are also fleshed out very well.

If you like spy novels this one is for you.