Alaina Claiborne (A British Agent Novel)

HISTORICAL:  Alaina Claiborne lived an idyllic life... until murder and tragedy shattered it forever.  Now grown, Alaina remembers nothing of the fateful night her parents and her young soul mater were taken away, only the terrible ache that remains.  Recently her nightmares have returned, however, and someone seems determined to stop her from ever remembering again.

Tristan Sheffield has made his career as a spy for the British Government.  There is one case that has never been closed - one that Tristan is determined to unravel.  His quest leads him to Alaina.  He is willing to do whatever it takes to find the truth, but falling in love was not in his plans.  

Together Alaina and Tristan must follow the trail from England to the colonies, from safety to dangers that may kill them both.  Going back is not an option once the villains are aware of their quest.

What a lovely love story of a mystery!  Ms. McClintock succeeds in masterfully weaving both genres meticulously together until mystery lovers are sold on romance and romance lovers love the mystery!  The twists and turns that lead the protagonists to unravel the 10-year-old murders are both surprising and exciting.  One is never quite able to guess the culprits while turning the pages of discoveries.  Alaina and Tristan’s love unfolds in much the same way, starting as friends, then slowly and believably developing into an undying love the reader cheers for.  Alaina’s choices stretch believability at times and go against the character written, as does some of the plot turns (two kidnappings with miraculous escapes long before the climatic reveal?)  Still, this is one to grab fast, curl up cozy and savor deliciously!

TJ Mackay