Michele Hauf Flawless

Flawless

Michele Hauf

Silhouette Bombshell, Oct 2005, $4.99

ISBN: 0373513763

During a robbery attempt to steal diamonds from jeweler MaryEllen Sommerfield in London, the thief shoots the owner in the head, but she remains alive, surprisingly coherent in spite of the time bomb inside her head, and cooperative with the police. New York based Gemologist Becca Whitmore of the Gotham Roses, travels to London to analyze the diamond and two similar ones, to ascertain why these were the target of the robber.

At the same time Becca evaluates the gems, British MI-6 Agent Aston Dane also investigates the robbery attempt, to learn why these gems are so valuable to someone. He and Becca meet at New Scotland Yard, and both sides reluctantly team up. As they find clues to the value of these diamonds, an attraction between them rises. However, first the case must be resolved, which takes them to Paris, and finally New York in search of who is behind the caper.

The lead couple are a fine pairing of two courageous intelligent protagonists; they, along with the clever use of gemology, turn this action-packed romantic suspense into a gripping thriller that has the audience traveling alongside the heroes. Fans will follow clues to learn what is so special about these diamonds, and search for previous Gotham Roses' tales like THE GOLDEN GIRL by Erica Orloff.

Harriet Klausner