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SECRET AGENDA - Rochelle Alers Harlequin Kimani/Arabesque May 2009 |
SYNOPSIS: On paper, Vivienne Neal had a lifestyle most people would envy. Only she knows what a sham her marriage really was. So when her politician husband is killed in a hit-and-run accident, she moves to Florida and takes a job as a personal assistant to Diego Cole-Thomas, a powerful CEO with an intimidating reputation.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE |4| Susan Plummer
REVIEW: SECRET AGENDA is the thirteenth novel in the Hideaway Series by author Rochelle Alers and while thirteen is sometimes seen as an unlucky number, SECRET AGENDA is a fortunate find for readers. The novel has it all; a mysterious death, a gorgeous couple, a hot romance, and an exotic location. What more can a reader ask for? A happy ending -- it’s got that too.
The plot is as intricate as it is entertaining and begins with Vivienne Neal, wife of U.S. Congressman Sean Gregory, who is plans to end their sham of a marriage until his death in a hit and run accident forestalls a potentially scandalous divorce. Unfortunately her problems are far from over as the people who wanted her husband dead plan to silence her too. Attempting to put some normalcy back in her life; Vivienne takes a position with prominent Florida CEO, Diego Cole-Thomas. Diego wants an assistant to organize his life but his beautiful, sharp tongued assistant turns it upside down. It isn’t long before their professional relationship becomes very personal. Vivienne loves being with Diego but once again feels like she’s only a trophy. Diego’s agenda becomes two-fold when he discovers the plot to harm Vivienne. Not only does he have to keep Vivienne safe but he also has to convince her, his interest is not about appearances but about love.
The story begins with an early introduction to the main characters and immediately Diego’s hard façade begins to crumble. Initially he is portrayed as tyrannical and difficult to get along with. However, it wasn’t long before much like Vivienne, I started to fall in love with Diego too. The build up and tidbits of information surrounding Vivienne husband’s death, keep the element of suspense present.
Vivienne is the perfect woman all women want to hate but can’t because of her warm and genuine personality. Diego does not make a good first impression but eventually his more relaxed side comes out as he interacts with Vivienne. The plot is well developed around these central characters although sub-characters play their part in enhancing the story.
Florida is a perfect location for this hot romance. The easy, natural rhythm of Vivienne and Diego’s dialogue is entertaining, especially their occasional sparring. Character build up also helps to bring them to life.
SECRET AGENDA is a really solid novel. Ms. Alers usually delivers great story lines and well thought out plots and SECRET AGENDA is no exception.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 30th May 2009