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Guardian of the Jewel

by LaVerne Clark (Goodreads Author)

4.06 of 5 stars 4.06 · rating details · 18 ratings · 13 reviews

After coming to terms with the brutal death of her husband by unknown thugs half a world away from New Zealand, Amy Hamblin concentrates on bringing up their son alone, struggling to make their dream of an action-adventure tourism venture a success.
When a dark, dangerous-looking man knocks on her door late at night claiming to be a guest, the safe, quiet life she’d create...more

ebook, 97 pages

Published November 2nd 2010 by The Wild Rose Press

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May 05, 2012 Lynne Marshall rated it 4 of 5 stars

LaVerne Clark takes the novella format and still manages to write a full-bodied suspense and convincing romance. I was quickly drawn into the dangerous situation in which Amy and her son Daniel lived. From the outside, their sleepy little B&B may have seen better times, but they were managing just fine until a stranger shows up. A very appealing stranger. As they say - ignorance is bliss, and that is how Amy has plodded on with her life since her husband's disappearance years before. She's t...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Two very different and equally dangerous men have their sights set on Amy.

Ms. Clark did an excellent job setting the tone right from the start. The prologue provided a chilling account of the death of Amy’s husband, and foreshadowed the danger Amy and her son would soon find themselves in. I eagerly dove into the story intent on finding out what would happen to Amy and her son. A year and a half later, Amy’s life was just beginning to feel normal again. Her son’s nightmares about his father’s d...more Two very different and equally dangerous men have their sights set on Amy.

Ms. Clark did an excellent job setting the tone right from the start. The prologue provided a chilling account of the death of Amy’s husband, and foreshadowed the danger Amy and her son would soon find themselves in. I eagerly dove into the story intent on finding out what would happen to Amy and her son. A year and a half later, Amy’s life was just beginning to feel normal again. Her son’s nightmares about his father’s death were less frequent, and she thought she’d put the horror of it all behind her. The contrast between the simple life Amy was trying to lead and the danger I knew was lurking in the shadows was striking and made the tension palpable as I turned each page.

Gabriel and Amy had chemistry to burn. While I usually like the hero and heroine to have more time to get to know each other, Ms. Clark really makes the “love at first sight” connection work. The whole story only spans a couple days and that sort of pacing necessitated an immediate connection. That alone wouldn’t have been satisfying, but I really felt that Gabe and Amy had a genuine connection that would last when the crisis they were facing was over.

I also really liked the way that Gabe treated Daniel, Amy’s son. Relationships are always a bit more complicated when children are involved. Gabe always treated Daniel with respect and made an effort to get to know him without it feeling forced or fake. I particularly enjoyed Gabe consulting Daniel about his burgeoning romance with is mom. Daniel’s response was priceless.

I did have one issue with the story. From the beginning, Amy instinctively knew she and her son might be in danger. Gabe knew for a fact just how precarious the situation was, but didn’t tell Amy until it was too late. I found it difficult to believe that he could find time to talk to Daniel about his relationship with Amy, but couldn’t find time to have a serious discussion with her, especially since she’s a smart, strong woman and could have handled the truth.

Despite this issue, I think Guardian of the Jewel is a really good read. The pacing and tension were excellent and the romance was sizzling. Fans of romantic suspense will definitely want to pick up a copy today.

Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...(less)

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Jan 04, 2011 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary_romance

Fast-paced and full of action, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading GUARDIAN OF THE JEWEL. Great romance and suspense, wonderful characters—the story has a lot going for it.

The novel opens with a chilling scene where we meet the villain known simply as Razor. Thomas Hamblin thought he could outsmart the criminal organization he secretly works for when he stole an extremely valuable blue diamond. He's not as smooth as he thinks he is, though, and pays the ultimate price. Raz...more Fast-paced and full of action, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading GUARDIAN OF THE JEWEL. Great romance and suspense, wonderful characters—the story has a lot going for it.

The novel opens with a chilling scene where we meet the villain known simply as Razor. Thomas Hamblin thought he could outsmart the criminal organization he secretly works for when he stole an extremely valuable blue diamond. He's not as smooth as he thinks he is, though, and pays the ultimate price. Razor is the one to collect.

Fast-forward to a year and a half later -- we're transported to New Zealand, where the main story takes place. Amy Hamblin, Thomas's widow, is struggling to make ends meet and also raise her son, Daniel. She was completely oblivious to the double life that her late husband had led and has no idea that Razor is now watching her, intent on discovering the location of the of the stolen diamond. Razor isn't the only one interested in the gem, though. Gabriel Ryan has also been hired to recover the stolen property—if he can keep his mind on the job and off the pretty hostess.

Ms. Clark does a fantastic job of building the suspense early on and keeping it going throughout the entire book. Razor comes across as a monster—sociopathic and sadistic, to boot. It always seemed like danger was one step around the corner, just out of sight and lurking, waiting to strike.

Juxtaposed to that was this attraction between Gabe and Amy. Normally, I'm not big on the love-at-first-sight theme and prefer the main couple to get to know each other over time. This is one case, though, where the author sold me that there was something THERE between the hero and heroine.

My criticisms of the book are fairly small, and that's a good thing. There are a couple of times where Amy acts like a complete ninny. Most of the time she's sharp and capable, but in one pivotal scene I honestly felt as though she'd taken leave of her senses. I felt as though I was watching a horror movie and the actress is getting up to go investigate a noise—what are you thinking?! The other minor issue is that Gabe keeps telling himself that he's going to tell Amy what's going on and warn her... but he never does. He keeps getting sidetracked. I mean, I get that he was insanely attracted to Amy, and she to him (GREAT chemistry!) but come on... I think a potentially life-threatening situation would keep my mind off of making out for at least twenty or thirty minutes.

Nitpicking aside, GUARDIAN OF THE JEWEL is well worth reading. Fantastic characters and well-paced suspense made for an exciting story. Add on a great hero and heroine with lots of magnetism and I was really pulling for these two to have a Happily Ever After. LaVerne Clark definitely delivered on all counts.

Original review for The Romance Reviews.(less)

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Jun 03, 2011 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story! Being set in NZ was a plus, but the bonus was it was set on the West Coast of the South Island - what better place to have a story, and the setting fits the story so well.

The story flows well and the suspence was well written. I had to stay awake long enough to finish it last night! LaVerne has managed to bring the right blend of suspense and romance to her story and rather than being stilted, the work together extremely well.

The tension between the characters, sex...more

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Jan 08, 2012 John Ling rated it 5 of 5 stars

Guardian of the Jewel is a romantic thriller that's harrowing, exhilarating and sexy. LaVerne Clark brings a deft hand here, and she carves out a propulsive plot that hurtles along with hairpin twists and turns. And, yes, the sex is page-meltingly good!

Amy Hamblin is the perfect heroine -- strong and beautiful. And Gabriel Ryan is the ideal hero -- rugged and intriguing. And together, their chemistry is electric; their courtship uplifting.

Guardian of the Jewel is a definite must for lovers of un...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 03, 2011 Mimi Barbour rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've just finished this lovely story and had to admit to a satisfied sigh at the end. Don’t you just love it when a book meets your expectations and then some? Amy, our heroine was just that – a true heroine. She fought for her child and her lover like a tigress. Gabriel, our hero was as good-looking, strong and manly as any reader of romance books could wish for. And the story held you in thrall until the ending. This was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to more from Ms. Clark.

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Jun 26, 2012 Angela Wilson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Exciting and sexy, thrilling & enticing... loved it!

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Sep 04, 2012 Lani Young rated it 5 of 5 stars

A richly descriptive and beautiful read. Had me captivated - couldnt put it down until I was done two hours later. A hot ( and satisfying) romance with mystery-thriller elements. I liked that the main female lead was a strong, independent character. Ive had this on my Kindle for a while and so glad I finally opened it and started reading. A cut above the "usual" romance novel and the author's gift for language meant that the setting and vibrant beauty of NZ really came through.Off to hunt for mo...more

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May 25, 2012 Darkpool rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: digital-media, i-own-it, fiction, kiwi-connection, blk-challange, gr-author-challenge, read-in-2012

Yikes! meant to write a proper review of this 4 months ago when I read it!! As usual my procrastination skills have been to the fore.

I really enjoyed this book. It's more novella than novel, and theoretically a quick read (although circumstance meant I spun it out over 3 weeks). The setting was charming and I found the characters engaging, with appropriately sinister bad guys.
Well worth the small number of dollars it cost me from Wild Rose Press. I expect I'll be reading more from the author in...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

(pending)

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Jan 08, 2011 Laurie Jenkins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, fiction, romance, suspense

This is an easy-to-read suspense that kept me engrossed to the very end. The chemistry between Gabe and Amy was fine-honed and honest. I also enjoyed the scenic tour of the old ghost town and abandoned mine. More

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Jan 21, 2013 Sharlene rated it 3 of 5 stars

I want more! Its a quick read. Equal parts of adventure & romance set in the beautiful scenery of New Zealand's West Coast. I hope LaVerne writes more like this.

1 like · like · see review

May 31, 2013 Vivek rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jan 23, 2013 Janet Henderson marked it as to-read

Nov 25, 2012 Heather Jensen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Nov 17, 2012 Kiwi Writers added it

Dec 22, 2012 Tracy marked it as watch

Oct 06, 2012 Harlen M. marked it as to-read

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Sep 07, 2012 Amara marked it as not-for-me

Shelves: snowflakes

Aug 14, 2012 Marie marked it as lendink

Aug 14, 2012 Mackenzie Crowne marked it as to-read

Aug 14, 2012 J.M. Stewart marked it as to-read

Aug 12, 2012 Angela marked it as bully-authors

Feb 11, 2013 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: coffee-books-yearly-challenge-2012

Jul 11, 2012 Chris F marked it as to-read

Jul 13, 2012 Angie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: group-read, new-zealand, my-ebooks

May 25, 2012 Marita Hansen marked it as to-read

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About LaVerne Clark

I'm a Kiwi (New Zealander - not the flight-less bird or strange, hairy fruit!) writing stories of romance, fantasy and suspense. I'm a keen reader and love to relax with a good book when I'm not plotting murder and mayhem; or running around after my two children, rescued greyhound and husband. I love to hear from readers or writers alike, so feel free to drop me a line anytime.

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