Monday, March 21, 2011

Review - - Shiver of Fear

Shiver of Fear
By Roxanne St. Claire
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing - Forever
Release Date: March 29, 2011






When I pick up a Roxanne St. Claire book I know I’m about to embark upon a roller coaster ride filled with thrills and chills, romance and intrigue and enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat far into the night. Shiver of Fear, St. Claire’s newest book and the second installment in her Guardian Angelinos series, more than fulfills that promise.

Adopted by a wealthy Boston family, Devyn Sterling has lived the life of a privileged socialite and although she’s been curious about her roots she never could have imagined the true facts of her birth or how many lives would be put in danger by learning those facts.



I’m sorry, Dr. Greenberg. I know you don’t want to meet me, and I really planned to respect that wish, but I told my husband your name and I don’t know if he told anyone else before he was murdered. Just in case he did, I thought it only proper that I be the one to screw up your life…And while I’m here, can we talk about why you gave me up?

Devyn tracks down her birth mother, Dr. Sharon Greenberg, and finding photos of herself from birth to present day in her home, knows that the woman who gave birth to her has never forgotten her. But then she discovers that the renowned scientist is missing in Northern Ireland and in danger. Feeling an undeniable bond with the mother she has never known but who has followed her life so closely, Devyn crosses the ocean to find her and bring her home to safety. 

Former FBI agent, Marc Rossi misses the excitement of field work and is more than happy to accept the Guardian Angelinos’ newest “unofficial” FBI assignment; finding Devyn Sterling in Northern Ireland and convincing her to come home – without letting her know who he is or who he’s working for. Should be a piece of cake for someone with Marc’s experience, but things that should be easy rarely are. It quickly becomes clear that more people than the FBI want Devyn out of Ireland and that she and Marc have  stumbled into the middle of something that could have a devastating world-wide impact.

Then there’s the impact Marc and Devyn have on one another. Marc knows better than to get involved with someone on a job, he’s been there before with devastating consequences, but Devyn is nothing like what he expected. She’s warm, intelligent, funny and sexy and the two of them set off enough fireworks to light up the sky. But with both the bad guys and the good guys after them, and time running out on their search for Devyn’s mother, will they even be able to stay alive long enough to explore the feelings growing between them? And, after being betrayed by her late husband, when Devyn discovers that Marc has been lying to her will she forgive him or will his betrayal send her straight into the arms of her deadliest enemy?

Once again, St. Claire has brought to life a gripping story that kept me reading late into the night.  The action is fast-paced; close enough to real life world events to keep me riveted to the pages, with twists and turns that left me gasping with shock and heartbreaking moments, poignant in their simplicity, that brought tears to my eyes and an ache to my heart.  While the bulk of the story is set in Ireland, the final chapter and epilogue return to Boston to bring together the familiar members of the Angelino-Rossi clan that I've grown to love and help set the stage for the next book in the series (Vivi's story).

I highly recommend Shiver of Fear and Roxanne St. Claire's suspenseful, thrilling and deeply emotional Guardian Angelinos series. 

Note:  While this book stands on its own just fine, for maximum enjoyment (and a clear understanding of the back story) I would strongly encourage you to read the first Guardian Angelinos book, Edge of  Sight, before reading Shiver of Fear

~PJ

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25 comments:

  1. I can't wait to read this. I enjoyed the first book in the series. Gabe is my favorite and I can't wait for his story.

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  2. I always like to read the whole series in order, even if the books can stand alone. They are so much richer when you know "the rest of the story." I have enjoyed her books before and look forward to reading these.

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  3. I will check out Edge of Sight first, but this sounds wonderful.

    marypres@gmail.com

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  4. PJ

    Great review I really need to get the first one and start reading it

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  5. I'm a cover and character name person. Not only does this book have a great eye catching cover but great characters. Add this to your review and this book is now a must read for me. Thank you.

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  6. Jane, I'm looking forward to Gabe's book too!

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  7. Librarypat said, I always like to read the whole series in order, even if the books can stand alone.

    I'm the same way. I always get so annoyed when I start reading a book and discover halfway through that it's in the middle of a series. ;-)

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  8. Marybelle, hope you enjoy the books. They're both terrific!

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  9. Helen, I think you'd really enjoy this series!

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  10. You're welcome, Chris! Hope you enjoy the books. The cover is very atmospheric, isn't it?

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  11. Great review, PJ! This book sounds really good!

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  12. PJ, you know I'm not a big romantic suspense fan. (I'm too much of a wimp.) But I fell in love with Roxanne St. Claire's characters with my first Bullet Catcher book, and she's been an autobuy author ever since. I'm looking forward to Shiver of Fear.

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  13. Thank you for an honest review! I can't tell you how many times I have picked up a book only to find out that it is the 2nd or 3rd in a series and as a reader you really want the whole story, not be starting in the middle! Thanks!

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  14. Trisha, it's a great book and a really terrific series!

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  15. Janga, I join you in wimpdom! I love that St. Claire's stories are character driven without a lot of gratuitous violence. Sure it's there when necessary to the story but it's not usually as hard core as many of the suspense books on the market.

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  16. Glad to help, Dtchycat! That's a pet peeve of mine so I always try to let readers know when the book I'm reviewing is part of a series.

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  17. I can hardly wait for the 29th to get this book ...I love her books!!!

    Donna

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  18. Hi PJ! Sounds really good!! I'll have to put them both on my TBR list! Thanks for all the great recommendations! :-)

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  19. PJ, every time you tell about Roxanne St. Claire's books, I tell myself "I've got to start reading these." *sigh* When are we going to that desert island? LOL

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  20. Donna, it's a great story! Hope you enjoy. Only eight more days!

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  21. Hope you like them, Monica!

    Gannon, you've never read St. Claire? Oh man, we need to change that!

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  22. I just finished reading the first book in the series and would love to have the second---and third, and fourth, etc.

    o2oole (at) verizon.net

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  23. Wow, I can't get enough of this review. Thank you SO much!!! I really appreciate the props, the support, and the enthusiasm for my work!

    xoxo
    Rocki

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  24. I LOVED edge of sight and can't wait for Shiver of Fear. I bought the hardcover of Edge from my book club -- but so far they aren't offering Shiver. Too bad. I usually buy hardcovers of books by authors I love. Easier to re-read! I've gobbled up everything by Ms St Claire!

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  25. I loved Edge of Sight and I loved all of the Bullet Catcher books. So, I was at B&N this week on the first day this book was available for sale. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. I could be generous and say it was borderline stupid I suppose. Silly, poorly written -- seemed thrown together. Very disappointed and it's the last Roxanne St. Claire book I'll read.

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