Loved this book! Full of twists and turns, adventure, romance, mystery... so many elements that easily worked well together. Definitely surpassed my expectation with a few surprises. Intriguing setting with equally intriguing characters and plot. I'm a new fan of this author! ( )

Alaina Claiborne by MK McClintock
Book #1: British Agent Novel Series
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:

Alaina Claiborne is my first MK McClintock read and I have to say, I am quite taken with this author. This read has all of the things I love in an historical: a brave, determined and well-ahead-of-her time heroine, a wonderful setting, an excellent plot and, a hero who is just as good as he is bad. Here’s the skinny:

Alaina: Though she seemingly has the perfect life, Alaina is haunted by a past she just can’t quite remember. All she really remembers is being thrown from the carriage, a voice and, her best friend and parents dying. For ten years Alaina has tried to move beyond that most awful night and has found solace in her home and horses. All is right in Alaina’s world until her long-lost best friend’s family home is bought and a handsome stranger moves in.

Tristan Sheffield: Though he is a peer of the realm, Tristan often eschews (that was a big word for me ) his title in order to work for the government as a sort of spy. Tristan and his crew (read: friends) are very good at gathering information, taking down criminals and, remaining in the shadows. It doesn’t do a spy any good to be known to any and all.

The Plot: From the moment this book opens you know there is something smelly in the state of Denmark. Alaina’s calm and mostly peaceful life is on the verge of being upended as she begins to remember the horrible night that claimed her parent’s lives. Tristan and Alaina figure out quickly they are not only after the same result – figuring out what happened to her family – but are extremely attracted to one another. With their common goal as a unifying force, the two embark on a harrowing journey that involves a fake marriage, a trip across the ocean, multiple injuries and, Alaina kidnapped on more than one occasion. With every step closer to the truth, Alaina and Tristan understand that they cannot be without one another and no matter the cost, they will fight for the truth and each other. As the plot reaches its climax, things get awfully dicey, the big bads are revealed and Alaina has a few surprises of her own for Tristan.

The Bottom Line: I really enjoyed this read and was taken in by it instantly. Alaina is definitely a lady but she is also strong, cunning, clever and, determined to solve the mystery of her family. She faces a great many hard truths and bears up under each new revelation and does what has to be done in order to achieve justice. Alaina is quite the surprise on several occasions and I found myself rooting for her more and more as the plot unfolded. Tristan is dashing and daring, strong and sexy and, totally willing to give up the life he has known for years in order to be with Alaina. I like how Tristan and Alaina work so well together and truly become a partnership; they are so good together and their relationship really does enhance the overall read. The mystery and the suspense are just right for this read and with the supporting cast of characters, this is a well-rounded read. ( )