This is a fascinating and unusual story for many reasons. For one, it is set against the background of impending nuclear disaster, yet it is not a typical “disaster story”. The focus is firmly on how the affected people deal with the situation, with just enough technical detail to make it believable. The other aspect that sets it apart is the touching cross-cultural love story that is written with sensitivity and a real understanding of the different assumptions both men make about relationships. It is also interesting because there is a lot of technical detail both about robotics and about nuclear reactors – without that taking over or becoming boring.

Derek is a robotics engineer who works for NASA. He is out, proud, doesn’t care what anyone thinks, and doesn’t panic easily. He knows what to do when the latest hurricane hits, and even though he is pretty much cut off from everyone (since he refuses to leave), he takes the situation in stride. After all, he is well prepared. Only – he hadn’t counted on the hurricane doing real damage to a nearby nuclear reactor. When he is asked to bring his latest experimental robot to the site so it can help determine what is going on and how to fix what is wrong, he agrees to go – but only if the dog he found in the chaos around his house can come too. He will help, but only as long as things go his way.

Sambit is an Indian professor of nuclear engineering. He is in the closet for his family’s sake, quiet, withdrawn, wears a suit and tie at almost all times, and values manners. While he knows the theory of nuclear plants quite well, the actual working procedures (like passwords on sensitive computers) tend to surprise him. He doesn’t let that bother him though, and adapts quite quickly. What bothers him far more is having to work with the gruff American. But when he gets to know Derek better he discovers a softer core underneath all the bluster and gradually opens up.

‘Fallout’ is one of those books that made me wonder if the two men would EVER get it. If you like stubborn scientists who are too sexy for their own good, if love developing in a situation that otherwise spells disaster is your thing, and if the idea of two super-intelligent nerds falling for each other is what you’re looking for, you will probably like this novel.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )