Jake Harlowe is a retrieval expert, some sort of PI, and
when his uncle Andrew tells him that a former business
partner, Eli Thompson, might have stolen money from their
previous business endeavour, Jake is on his way to the
Cayman Islands, where Andrew has a new club named
Sapphire. Eli Thompson is also Steph Anderson's former
step-father. Steph is going to the Caymans for a tour for
her business, Ariel's Island Eco-Adventure Tours, and
knowing this, Steph's mother, Shelly, asks her to look
into her ex-husband Eli's business while Steph is in the
vicinity. Steph loves Eli like a father, and while she
knows he's far from perfect, she finds it hard to believe
that he could be that dishonest. While separately on
Eli's trail, Jake and Steph happen to accidentally meet,
sparks fly, and things get more complicated on than
either ever expected!
THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR is this summer's perfect beach read!
Or at least, half of a perfect beach read, as it is the
first of a two-part story. It didn't matter so much that
I would have to wait for part two - and THE SAPPHIRE
AFFAIR does end on a doozie of a cliffhanger - because it
is such an enjoyable read and I know there will be more
of the same coming my way later on this year!
THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR is a romantic suspense where I loved
both main characters, the story is solid, and everything
clicked. Lauren Blakely's descriptions of the Cayman
Islands are a kaleidoscope of vivid colours, little
details captured my attention, and gave me such clear
visuals, it was almost as good as being there. The
characters are as vibrant as the scenery: full of life,
they feel young, and who can resist Eli, who is extremely
charismatic as well as enigmatic. Jake and Steph's
relationship feels authentic: tentative at first; even
though they're furiously attracted to each other,
they're
not entirely sure if the other is really trustworthy, or
has a hidden agenda. The chemistry between Jake and Steph
is palpable, and I don't mean they cannot get their hands
off each other, but real attraction, and that is one of
the reasons why they work well together, literally and
romantically. The writing is smooth as a calm sea, as
light and warm as an island breeze, the dialogues are
witty, and brilliantly simple, and Jake and Steph are a
beautifully matched couple: they act like intelligent
people, don't get into silly arguments. I loved how Ms.
Blakely builds up the suspense, one clue at a time, one
character at a time; the pace is relaxed but never
sluggish, and the attraction between Jake and Steph
simmers, and sizzles in realistic time. Lauren Blakely,
as far as I'm concerned, has cornered the market on
delectable book boyfriends and relatable heroines.
THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR is the best kind of character-driven
romantic suspense to satisfy even the most demanding
reader!
Seduction hotter than stolen jewels in this new series
from the New York Times bestselling author of BIG
ROCK.
Bounty hunter Jake Harlowe knows how to track a criminal. So
when a group of swindled shareholders hire him to trail
their former CEO, Jake expects a quick trip to the Cayman
Islands to close another case. Until a devastatingly
beautiful woman gets in the way.
Steph Anderson is visiting the Caymans for a rock climbing
and dive trip—or so she tells Jake. She’s really trying to
find out whether or not her stepfather embezzled money from
his company. The last thing Steph needs is the distraction
of a sexy, charming man whose kisses drive her wild.
Soon, the pair discover they’re after the same target—and
millions in jewels. While Jake can’t be certain Steph isn’t
working for her stepfather, and Steph can’t be certain Jake
isn’t after the diamonds for himself, they can agree the
heat between them is intense, and neither can deny the
passion for long.
But the morning after, Steph discovers that she just might
have slept with the enemy, and now she’ll have to outwit him
to get everything she needs…