Hiding Places by Ellen Parker

By: Unknown on Monday, July 21, 2014

Title:  Hiding Places
Author:  Ellen Parker
Published:  June 9/14 by Crimson Romance
Length:  183pgs
Format:   ecopy
Genre:  romantic suspense
Shelf:  review
Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Mona Smith’s plans to finish her culinary education are on hold and replaced with the need to economize and work hard. A warning from her brother -- a local drug kingpin intends to collect money she doesn’t have -- prompts her to flee Minneapolis with only the possessions she can fit into a backpack. At the airport baggage claim she begs a ride with a stranger, willing to risk time with an outsider over the drug dealer’s certain reputation.

Yesterday, Linc Dray was rejected by the final prospect on his list. Unless he’s legally married within thirteen days, he can’t inherit his grandfather’s farm. Years of work and dreams, including expanding a tiny apple orchard to commercial size, will be lost. When Mona sprints into his life pleading for protection and transportation, he hesitates. Is she a clever con artist or the solution to his dilemma?

Mona sees how Linc’s location and occupation offer her advantages … if only they didn’t come with a marriage proposal. A public marriage, he insists, for legalities and show. She requests two days to consider the deal.

The budding trust between Mona and Linc is tested when a renter on the farm is murdered. The obvious clues point to Linc. Can they prove the real killer framed him? And what are they going to do about the inconvenient emotions invading the marriage of convenience?

My Review:

Parker tells a tail that is light and entertaining with a good dose of ‘what will happen next.’ She draws you in with a believable yet unimaginable tale wrapped up in a solid yet inviting package. Her insightful yet fluid descriptions paint a vivid picture of the story, while adding to the action and forward pace.

The characters in this novel were quite the intriguing pair. Individually, they were your average man & woman. Sure they had some intriguing issues, but nothing to make them unreachable or unattainable. Together, however, they make quite the explosive pair. Getting to know them as they get to know each other gives you an intimate look at the ins and outs of their lives. The supporting cast is also perfect for the story. They give you further insight into the main characters, while also adding to the story.

This was a great introduction to Parker’s work. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others, or to pick up another one of her novels.

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