Secrets and Lies

An edge of the seat tale, as a lethal gang murder and leave mayhem, while in pursuit of an intangible dream for a customer.

Sebastian Cane, recovery specialist has made a career out of parting people’s possessions for money. This time it seems he has encountered far more than his usual get in and out job. He encounters Katelyn Lyda, a beautiful botanical chemist holding a gun, one that’s pointed at him.

After witnessing her uncle’s vicious murder, Katelyn’s not taking any chances on any strangers she meets. A battle of wits end when they become partners as they search for the Cinchona, a sixteenth century manuscript. Kat wants it to help the Amazonian Indians, Sebastian for the $500,000 he’s been promised on delivery.

On the run from the gang his employer has sent to make sure he delivers, they find themselves wanted for murder by the local police and chased through jungles and towns. The passion that begins to build between them becomes harder to ignore while spending so much time together. After all, what do a thief and a brilliant scientist have in common other than earth shattering sex?

With a hero like Sebastian, trained to ruthlessly ignore any indulgences like caring or falling in love, the conflict that ensues almost tears him apart. Katelyn is tough only when it’s necessary, brought up with love especially from her uncle. She has never met such an annoying yet captivating man before. They are not the usual run of the mill characters, but very intriguing. The mood and tone is dark as they take on the task of protecting and returning the manuscript to the rightful owners.

This reviewer found Ms Montgomery’s story intriguing. The hero was interestingly flawed and very complex, as we follow his story. He fights his inner demons and the growing attraction to the heroine, with a gripping intensity.

SECRETS AND LIES is a fast paced and sexy book, with some great action scenes that the author has brought to life with style. Diverse characters abound, none are what would be called ordinary. The clash of culture, different needs, violence and passion combine magnificently to grip the reader into their journey in the story.

The theme stayed consistent and the story was easy to follow throughout with some intriguing South American scenery, which brought the settings to life. There were surprises around every corner as the plot played out. The motivation of the main characters was clear and refreshing as they dodged bullets and a sadistic murderer. The descriptive prose was an added bonus as in ‘the man was entirely constructed of sinewy muscle and lean sybaritic flesh.’ A turn of phrase with words that this reader had not seen strung together before.

January 2007