Stranded with a Spy (2007) by Merline Lovelace (SRS # 1483)

A very nice book. After everything that Mallory has to endure in her recent past the deception she uncovers about Cutter seems to be a last straw. Mallory is understandably hurt about this but handles things very well considering. The final conflict for Cutter of whether to believe appearances or trust his feelings about Mallory works well for the conclusion of the story. It is especially telling after learning about what Cutter had endured in the past at the hands of someone he cared about. After having just read a few mysteries with a lot of action it was a bit lacking in this department. I believe that was just a reaction from, as I said, just reading two action packed books.    

 

Review by Deborah Wiley on Amazon: 

 The discovery of the disk sets it all in motion....

Mallory Dawes only wants to escape the horrors of the press with a quiet vacation in France. Instead, trouble follows her, but is she completely innocent? Cutter Smith is determined to find out. As an agent for OMEGA, a top secret government intelligence agency, Cutter has a wide variety of resources at his disposal. What will happen when his interest in Mallory turns personal? Will Mallory understand the reason for his deception? …. 

Mallory's plight is one that every woman fears. Sexual harassment is one of the hardest charges to prove, and Mallory is paying the consequences. Her spunkiness despite such horrendous circumstances is admirable. And I'm definitely not sure I would have been nearly as calm as she was after seeing my rental car being washed away, particularly not in a foreign country! Mallory shows she is one cool and collected customer when under fire.  

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Use the talents you have, for the woods would by silent if no birds sang except the best. (from a flip inspiration book-'Thoughts for my daughter')