Review: Secrets and Lies by Stacey Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery

Title: Secrets and Lies

Author: Stacey Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery

Year published: 2006

Category: Adult fiction (thriller)

Pages: 384 pages

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Location: (my 2023 Google Reading map): Peru

Summary: She just witnessed her uncle’s murder, she’s running for her life, and now Dr. Katelyn Lyda is face-to-face with a breathtaking man who could be her salvation. Tall, sexy, his eyes full of mysterious promises, he seems to have the answer she needs.

It’s too bad Sebastian Caine is one of the bad guys . . .

A “recovery specialist” skilled at separating prized possessions from their owners, Sebastian is after an ancient relic. But he reconsiders the job when he finds himself staring at the wrong end of a gun. The beautiful lady with her finger on the trigger seems to have everything he needs—and not just the artifact. Sebastian’s conscience has never bothered him before—but then he has never wanted any woman more.

With her life in jeopardy, Kat wonders how far she can trust Sebastian Caine . . . how long she can resist him . . . and dare she fall in love?

Review: I thought it would be fun to read a book by Stacey Abrams, but think it's really odd that the author is listed as "Stacey Abrams writing as Selena Montgomery." List one or the other, but why list both?

This book is ok. I like that it took place in Peru and that she included some cultural, botanical, and historical information about the country. But, that's not enough. I didn't get pulled into the story until about half way through; it moved too slowly for me.

In addition, it made me realize that I don't know why thrillers/mysteries feel the need to have a romance. Why can't the main characters just do their jobs? Why do they have to be attracted to each other, get distracted by each other, etc?!

In theory I should have been really into this mystery/thriller. The main object is an old valuable manuscript, which the characters are trying to figure out through most of the novel. But, I found I didn't care all that much about what it contained. Turns out it's about homeopathic medicine and living longer. Snooze.

Challenges for which this counts: 

• Bookish Books
• Literary Escapes--Peru
• Popsugar--song lyric as a title