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!