This is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series. The first two are A Sparkle of Silver and A Glitter of Gold . Each book stands alone, although there are a few characters that make appearances in the sequels, you will thoroughly understand the stories if you read them independently. However, if you enjoy great treasure hunting romance novels, you will definitely want to read all three!
A Dazzle of Diamonds is an August 2020 release from Revell Publishers
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, see disclosures for more detail.
About the Book:
Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah’s premier historic venues–until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.
Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot–and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.
To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job–and falling helplessly in love.
My Thoughts:
I gave this book 4 stars
I started off my reading of this book thinking that I might not like it because I’m not a huge fan of fake dating (the pre-equivalent to marriage of convenience) storylines. They seem like the plot of every Hallmark movie out there. However, it became apparent pretty swiftly that although Penelope and Tucker say that the relationship isn’t real, it most definitely is. Their feelings for each other come to the surface immediately and everyone around them can see that there’s something there. It isn’t insta-love either, because the two are lifelong friends, so their relationship feels authentic.
Combine that with letters and diary entries from the past that the two are following in an attempt to find a rumored long-buried treasure, and the adventure heats up as quickly as their romance. And there wouldn’t be a gripping story without some conflict–Penelope has been previously left at the altar and her former fiance shows up, and Tucker needs to figure out how to relate to his parents. The plot is engrossing and the characters are endearing, I stayed up late into the night reading because I wanted to know if they would find the treasure and admit their feelings to each other.
The ending is sweet and satisfying. Liz Johnson’s romantic adventure stories are ones I look forward to each year, and this one does not disappoint.
