Rachelle McCalla

A friend (MH) sent me this title in a box of books. I did not read book 1 in the subseries, so this can be read as a stand alone. (Another reviewer did mention that you might understand the relationships more if you read the subseries in order.)

The plot covers diamond smuggling, murder, investigations by the Coast Guard and FBI, undercover work, family legacies, and a few other subjects.

For me, Love Inspired Suspense romances work best when the two main characters have some sort of previous relationship to build on. I feel in the page limit of Love Inspired Suspense, it is hard to do justice to both developing a full fledged romance and doing the suspense aspect well. Heath and Tracie don't have a prior relationship and so to me, in the real world, I'd wonder if their love for each other would stand the test of time.

I do like that the author gave Tracie skills and allowed her to (at least partially) rescue herself instead of the plot being her waiting for Heath to show up and take down the bad guys.… (mais)

When insurgents attack the royal motorcade carrying Princess Isabelle of Lydia and her family, her bodyguard (Levi Granaldo) must keep her safe. Levi and Isabelle escape through underground catacombs and dungeons beneath the buildings in the city. They eventually get to the airport and fly to New York City where Levi's friends/co-workers at Sanctuary International may be able to help the Princess. But danger still seems to be following them...

I liked heroine Isabelle. She listened to hero/bodyguard Levi's instructions, she was no TSTL heroine. She was gutsy and practical. She cared for her country and her family (who she was worried about since she was unsure if they survived the motorcade attack and could also be in hiding.) I also liked Levi. He did a pretty good job as a bodyguard. I liked the storyline...with the bad guys who were trying to take over the throne. Levi and Isabelle made a nice couple.

Enjoyable read with suspense, royalty, romance, and interesting locations.… (mais)