Diamond in the Rough

Title: DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

Authors: Jennifer AlLee and Lisa Karon Richardson

Publisher: Whitaker House

May 2013

ISBN: 978-1603747424

Genre: Historical

A man masquerading as a missionary…

A beguiling woman who buys his bluff…

And the detective who just might make him lay all his cards on the table…

Grant Diamond is a professional gambler on the run from his past. When he comes across a wagon wreck, the chance to escape his pursuers is too good a gamble to pass up, and he assumes the identity of the dead wagon driver. His plan takes an unexpected turn when local heiress Lily Rose mistakes him for the missionary she had asked to come work with the Wiyot Indians. Seeing Eureka as a promising place to lay low, Grant plays along. Before he knows it, he's bluffing his way through sermons and building an Indian school. But with a Pinkerton on his trail and a rancher rousing fresh hatred against the Indians, Grant fears the new life he's built may soon crumple like a house of cards.

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is a great co-authored book. I was thoroughly captivated by this tale of a fugitive on the run, the clumsy lady who can't manage hoop skirts without them being a lethal weapon of mass destruction, and a pinkerton agent who is on a manhunt. I couldn't help but fall in love with both Grant and the Pinkerton. Lily was charming but tended to act first and think later which made for some interesting moments. 

If you are looking for a fun historical with plenty of twists, turns, and laugh-out-loud moments, then DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is the book to choose.  Its the first book in the authors' Charm & Deceit series. I can't wait to read the others if they are as fun as this book. Don't miss DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. Great book. 255 pages. $12.99. 5 stars.