Genre: contemporary romance / romantic suspense
Cover: I prefer my one, with a view of the Ocean
Liz Palmer runs a diving business in the quiet tranquillity of a Caribbean Island. Tranquil, that is, until a routine trip over the reef reveals the body of her newest employee – diver Jerry Sharpe. But when his brother, Jonas, shows up asking questions, Liz can’t see how she can help. She barely knew Jerry.
Then someone breaks into Liz’s apartment, intent on her murder. Liz realises that she is already more involved in Jonas’s quest to unravel Jerry’s murky past than she wanted to be. And now Jonas and Liz will be drawn into a dangerous criminal underworld that could cost them both their lives...
When Liz Palmer was a young student in college, she became pregnant. The father, a law student, suddenly did not love her anymore, and when his wealthy family threatens her, she flees the country to make a new life for herself in the Caribbean. Somehow they convinced her that her own family would not want her either. So now her daughter is 10, and is living with her parents as she goes to a good school in Boston. Liz lives for the holidays, when her daughter is home with her. For the rest of the year, she is working very hard to make her small diving business a success.
But when she finds latest employee dead on the bottom of the sea, her life is turned upside down. Jonas Sharpe, a very successful corporate lawyer, is convinced that Liz knew more about his brother Jerry than she thinks she does. He also doesn’t believe that they were not lovers. He is determined to get to the bottom of it all, especially when the local police can find no leads.
Liz doesn’t want to get involved, but when someone breaks into her home and almost kills her, she has no choice but to let Jonas stay with her as protection, and show him around the island, meeting his brothers’ acquaintances. She needs this situation solved before her daughter comes home in a few weeks.
A mysterious key on her key ring leads them to a safety deposit box in Acapulco, and a lot of money. And when Liz is contacted to take over Jerry’s illegal diving job, things become more and more dangerous, especially when Jonas steps in and does not follow the plan.
Another Nora Roberts oldie I enjoyed. Yes, Jonas sure has the irritating hero habit of the 80’s of not listening to the heroine saying no, and grabbing her whenever he wants, but he grew on me. He could not understand why she did not jump in his arms either, or wanted to marry him and give up her own life and business to become his arm candy. He sure had to change his way of thinking. So yes I rooted for Liz of course. She was totally independent and always thinking of her daughter’s future first.
The mystery was kind of predictable, and the bad guy obvious from the first time he appeared on the page. Still, I enjoyed the story and the adventure.
7 stars.
© 2014 Reviews by Aurian
Awwww old school :)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYes, very old school. But I think she writes more books than I can read to catch up with her. Still, I will keep trying to read one a month.
VerwijderenI think parts of it would bother me but if it didn't bother you too much I think I can handle it. Oh and that cover... LOL
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI don't like pushy men very much Melissa, but luckily he did not cross the line.
VerwijderenI had another book by the author at christmas, can't wait to go back to the author! I don't think I've read this one though.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhich one did you read Melliane?
VerwijderenRead this one too. They are nice little books, easily read, though sometimes a bit outdated, yes.
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