Port Douglas, Australia – The Present

Danielle Hammond didn't expect or want a commission to design a piece of jewelry for gem broker Quinn Everard. His previous comments on her work have shown his poor opinion of her designs, yet here he is, demanding her services. Nor is Quinn above using blackmail to get his way. He knows Danielle is planning Ryan Blackstone’s wedding and threatens to release the location to the news media. That and the spectacular diamond he wants used in the commission sway Danielle’s decision, even when it means living in Quinn’s apartment until she completes the job.

Danielle is divided between the two sides of her family. The socially prominent Blackstone side of her family owns Blackstone Diamonds, and her uncle Howard Blackstone has provided a home for her and her mom. Danielle is illegitimate; her father remains unknown, a man who has never contacted her in any way since her birth. She owes her Blackstone cousins her loyalty, but the Blackstone and the Hammond sides of her family have been feuding for years, placing her in an uncomfortable position.

She accepts Quinn’s ultimatum and finds herself as interested in Quinn as he appears to be in her. They soon engage in a hot sexual fling that becomes much more for Danielle.

One has to admire Danielle for her independence, her drive to succeed at her craft and live by her own terms outside the media spotlight her cousins endure. She has an impeccable but funky fashion sense that makes her a fun heroine with which to share a story. It takes time to warm up to Quinn since his motives and actions often place him in an unflattering light. Because of Danielle’s and Quinn's backgrounds, they are both reserved people showing calm façades to the public that hide two passionate natures. However, they heat up the pages as a couple, and you will be drawn to their tumultuous story.

The fourth book in the Diamonds Down Under series lives up to the promise built in the earlier books. Previous characters return and a few new characters add to your speculations of what is to come. As a part of the series, SATIN & A SCANDALOUS AFFAIR contributes to the drama with an introduction to the long missing son, but the plot remains fresh and fascinating. If you haven't read the series, I highly recommend you start.

VOWS & A VENGEFUL GROOM - RRT Review Issue 53, Volume 2
PRIDE & A PREGNANCY SECRET - RRT Review Issue 54, Volume 1
MISTRESS & A MILLION DOLLARS - RRT Review Issue 55, Volume 2

Robin Lee