Review: Excellent Historical Romance with Suspense!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 6, 2014
I am extremely picky about my romance novels, which is why I don't often read them. But I'm still a hopeless romantic and if you give me a brimming love affair that's done right, I'm happy to get lost in one once in a while.  Jennie Ruesch's Cloaked in Danger called to me once I saw the beautiful cover and read the synopsis! A historical suspense romance can usually be a really exciting book that keeps me turning the pages, especially if the character is cavorting in mansions in London and playing in the dirt in Egypt. I never mind trying something new and once I attended her book launch party and heard more about her book, I was sold on reading it. Jennie has a lot of energy and is one classy and fun lady!Her book was a refreshing new romance for me, just how I like them. Well-written, set in a historical place, and if they have a little mystery, or a woman who is figuring out what deals men are hiding, then I'm reading with delight. Jennie accomplished this for me with her cast of characters, her independent and adventurous protagonist Aria and her foe Adam, who eventually turns his pursuit of her into passion. This is the kind of period romance suspense that you'll read all in one sitting. Her dialogue is amazing. I feel it fit the period better than many romances I've tried and her writing is really funny too during the more adventurous parts, yet I could feel the emotion of her characters during the dramatic parts.She writes her female lead exactly as I like them, spunky and with no fear when determined to find something out, yet how they always hold their fears and insecurities so close to the vest that eventually it all comes a halt. The underlying father, daughter relationship and how he changed her by not wanting to change her, gave the novel depth. In addition, when she deals with a very harsh life event, I like how at the end Jennie shows that Adam will support her through her healing process.I also like a romance that allows for sexual tension or romance to evolve between characters, but that doesn't completely over-do it. I can imagine for myself if I want to and I think many times it comes off too corny if you try to write sex scenes for a mainstream audience. I enjoyed how Jennie created attraction between them, but showed how they could stand on their own as well.Her writing, again, is very good and her plot doesn't drag.  Though set historically, the book feels very modern. This is a romance for the new woman, not the one wearing frilly lace (though she might enjoy it too I suppose). She is a new Regency romance voice, not one stuck in the 80s. The author's energy shines through in her book as she keeps it moving. Personally, I enjoy any book with adventures that surround archaeology as well, so that was a huge plus for me. I would definitely read more of Jennie's books!I was given a copy in return for my honest opinion. See more at [...]