Books & Spoons Review SMOKE AND MIRRORS by Taylor Anne

12/12/2016

Drug deal and Murder: In her fight for justice, Abby Monroe is forced to flee to protect herself and her family, seeking out the only man she's ever fully trusted. Seeing him again threatens not only her safety, but her heart as well.

Injuries and Betrayal: After a close call with death, Graeme Tucker made some changes. No women, no danger. Just him and his beach bar. Until Abby shows up asking for his help and twisting his heart.

Lies and Deception: As Graeme and Abby struggle to stop a gang of ruthless criminals, old flames are rekindled. But all is not as it seems. Will Graeme stand by his word to protect Abby, or does he have a sinister agenda of his own?

A suspense and a passion-filled tale of a woman, who is being sought out by drug dealers, and her running to seek help and protection from a man she had a one wild night with, seven years ago.
The set-up for the story is intriguing, Graeme and Abby having that one night at her cousin's wedding, and neither of them not being able to forget the other, but never seeking each other out either. Abby has visited the small beach town several times since the wedding took place, but never asking after him. Now she is in trouble, and instead of agreeing to go to a temporary police protection, she runs to him for safe keeping.
Graeme did some kind of private security, that also had government contracts before he was injured and bought the bar. He is not interested in going back to that world, several times he says no to Abby, yet his actions say the opposite.
The bond between Abby and Graeme is strong like no time has passed since they last met. The lust filled sensuous moments sear the scenes with them seeking for fulfillment.
The numerous secrets and unexplainable attacks towards both Abby and Graeme bring friction and doubt, the action at the end deliver several abrupt twists in the plot changing everything and bringing the tension, concern, and confusion into the set.
I liked the story, the plot was nothing new, yet there was a fresh take on it. The action mostly comes towards the end of the tale, giving the romance time to grow and develop. I liked Abby and Graeme together, they had charisma and they fit well with each other. I was left with a couple of questions, like why wait seven years if the feelings really were there, and why now, only because of the danger?
The flow and pacing of the story covered up the bit clumsy dialog most of the time. The story is solid, with compelling characters that made me want to know more about them, even the secondary characters had an allure to them that raised an interest towards them.
Dreamy romance and life threatening suspense in an ardent tale
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

BUY LINKS

KOBO