My Review - Diamond in the Rough

Diamond In the Rough by Jennifer AlLee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH was a great start to the Charm & Deceit series by Jennifer Allee and Lisa Karon Richardson.

Grant Diamond, professional gambler, has been known to take advantage of every opportunity.  So, when he finds a dead clergyman along the roadside, it’s the perfect chance for him to assume a new identity.  His goal – buy some time and put some distance between him and Carter Forbes, the Pinkerton agent that has been chasing him for a murder he didn’t commit.  When he finds out his arrival in Eureka was expected, and Lily Rose has great expectations for the work he is going to do while there, Grant realizes disappearing is not going to be as easy as he thought.

Lily Rose is excited that Reverend Hubert Crew has finally arrived.  She can’t wait for him to tell the Wiyot Indians of Jesus and build a schoolhouse for the Wiyot kids.  But everyone in Eureka does not share her charity towards the Indians, and her mother clearly does not agree with Lily’s unorthodox behaviors.  But Lily’s interest in the Wiyot Indians cannot be squelched nor can her growing feelings for Rev. Crew. 

Pinkerton, Carter Forbes has his suspicions about Rev. Crew.  And until he can prove his uncertainties one way or another, he decides to stay in Eureka and keep an eye on Crew.  Soon he is working alongside Crew helping him and Lily with the building project and wondering if he misjudged the preacher.  Rev. Crew becomes the least of Forbes’ worries when hostilities over the Wiyot’s reaches fever pitch. 

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH was an enjoyable, fast paced read, filled with characters you immediately connected with.  Lily was a spitfire and Grant Diamond had just the right balance between swagger and vulnerability.  Forbes was a bloodhound determined to bring in his man even though he questioned if he was barking up the wrong tree.  I look forward to the next installment in the Charm and Deceit series.

Book provided for review purposes.




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