Stories Under Starlight: Book Reviews & Tours: December 2022

STOLEN OBSESSION

Annalisse Series, Book 1

Updated for 2022!

MARLENE M. BELL

Genre: Romantic Mystery
Publisher: Ewephoric Publishing
Date of Publication: March 20, 2018, Revised 2022

Number of Pages: 284

***Scroll down for the giveaway!***

PEOPLE DIE, BUT LEGENDS LIVE ON.

Manhattan antiquities appraiser Annalisse Drury dreams of a quiet life on the family farm among the sheep she loves, when her best friend is murdered. The police assume robbery is the motive because her friend’s expensive bracelet is missing. But the 500-year-old artifact is rumored to carry an ancient curse, one that unleashes evil upon any who dare wear the jewelry created for the Persian royal family—and Annalisse believes her friend is the latest victim.

Weeks later, Annalisse sees a necklace matching the stolen bracelet at a gallery opening. Convinced the necklace is part of the deadly collection, Annalisse begs the gallery’s owner to destroy the piece, but her pleas are ignored— despite the unnatural death that occurs during the opening. With two victims linked to the jewelry, Annalisse is certain she must act.

Desperate to keep the gallery owner safe, Annalisse reluctantly enlists the owner’s son to help—even though she’s afraid he’ll break her heart. Wealthy and devastatingly handsome, with a string of bereft women in his wake, Greek playboy Alec Zavos dismisses Annalisse’s concerns—until his parents are ripped from the Zavos family yacht during their ocean voyage near Crete.

Annalisse and Alec race across two oceans to save his mother, feared dead or kidnapped. As time lapses, the killer switches mode and closes in on the man who’s meant for Annalisse with the lifestyle she wants most.

But when it’s her turn as the hunted, will she choose to save Alec and his mother, or sacrifice everything to save herself?

Hold on for a heart-thumping adventure through exotic lands in this fast moving, romantic suspense mystery by Marlene M Bell.

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Stolen Obsession by Marlene M. Bell follows antiquities appraiser Annalisse Drury as she struggles with the murder of her best friend and an ancient curse that she is determined to prove exists. But, after she is assaulted by her employer, she agrees to go on a trip to Crete with Gen Zavos (her best and richest client) and her handsome son Alec. However, things go from bad to worse on her trip with someone being murdered and the kidnapping of Gen. So, not only does Annalisse have to deal with figuring out who is after the cursed necklace, but working with Alec to find his mom as well. Throughout the story you're wondering who Annalisse can actually trust. They mystery/suspense was great!

I always feel that the best romances are told in both points of views. And thankfully, we get to see the story from both Annalisse and Alec. It's mostly in Annalisse's POV, but you get to see the story unfold through Alec's eyes in some chapters as well. The romance was realistic and not too quick. Annalisse guards her heart from playboy Alec. She is smart and independent and isn't looking for a quick fling. Bell did a great job with the inner conflict of Annalisse fighting her attraction to Alec. It took a while before she decided to be with him physically.

Stolen Obsession was an exciting read from start to finish. I don't think I could have turned the pages fast enough! The mystery, suspense, danger and romance made this one hard to put down. I would have liked to see more chapters in Alec's point of view. I think that would of helped get to know Alec a little better. I would have also loved to know more about her best friend Samantha and the events leading up to her murder. Overall, definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!

4 Stars!

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WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER FOR STOLEN OBSESSION:

Marlene M. Bell is an eclectic mystery writer, artist, photographer, and she raises sheep in beautiful East Texas with her husband, Gregg, three cats and a flock of horned Dorset sheep.

The Annalisse series -- mysteries with a touch of romance -- has received numerous honors including the Independent Press Award for Best Mystery (Spent Identity) and FAPA (Florida Author’s President’s Gold Award) for two other installments, Stolen Obsession and Scattered Legacy. She also penned the first of her children's picture books, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! based on true events from the Bell’s ranch. The simple text and illustrations are a touching tribute of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb.