Review: Silently Loved by Annie Lee

At the start of August, I reviewed Annie Lee's excellent debut novel, Keeping Grace Alive. Now I've just had the awesome privilege of reviewing her second novel, Silently Loved, which is to be released on September 23rd.

Silently Loved is also a romantic suspense tale, but with a few differences.

It follows Hailey, a rich Bostonian who takes control of her own fate and secretly flees to Florida in order to escape her controlling, abusive husband. Helped by her best friend Reese, she adopts an alias, moves into a small rental property located on a farm, and finds a job as a sign language teacher at a local school. With this, she aims to start the kind of life that her husband would never let her lead, and the last thing she wants or expects is to have another man in it. But soon her attentions are drawn towards the owner of the farm – a rugged cowboy type – and there's something different about him that makes this story particularly unique.

Now I bet you're wondering what that is, but sorry folks... I'm not telling! It's simply too good and too much to give away at this point. I will express, however, that I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I did with those in Keeping Grace Alive. Although they are just as warmhearted in Silently Loved, there was a distance that I felt I couldn't break through at times. Still, there is something about the way Annie writes that makes me want to read on, and gets me excited to find out how all the built up suspense will come to a head. The ending is pretty explosive, so I really wasn't let down there.

Altogether, I enjoyed Silently Loved. I'd say that if you're a fan of cowboys, drama, animals and fleeting romances with a bit of a difference, then this is a book you'll not want to miss out on!

Rating: 4 / 5



Keep track of Annie Lee, and her novels Keeping Grace Alive & Silently Loved at annieleenovelist.com and tobiasbooks.com.

Silently Loved comes out 23rd September 2011.
Keeping Grace Alive is out now – purchase a copy here.

Review: Keeping Grace Alive by Annie Lee

For the past five years, accomplished hit man Jessie Conners has been secretly in love with Gracie Talbot, stepdaughter of his boss, Rudy Talbot. Rudy is head of America’s largest crime ring and due to Gracie’s perceived meddling in Rudy’s business and political affairs, Rudy wants her dead. As usual, Rudy turns to his number one hit man, Jessie, to make the kill.

Jessie and Gracie met during a chance encounter five years ago and Jessie has yet to tell Gracie he has feelings for her. Jessie is faced with the gut wrenching decision to either assassinate the woman he loves to keep himself and his crew in Rudy’s good graces or to attempt to save Gracie, thereby risking everything and ensuring that he, Gracie, and his crew would spend the rest of their lives running from Rudy and his mercenaries. (via amazon.com)

Keeping Grace Alive is truly an excellent book. So good, in fact, that I managed to finish it in just two days – a reading accomplishment which doesn't happen with me very often! The characters are well developed and believable, and Annie takes the reader through each event clearly with wonderful description so we really feel as if we're in the midst of all the action. And there is plenty of action of every kind to be had!

This is a beautiful romantic tale of two people, Jessie and Gracie, who essentially fall in love at first sight. Jessie endeavours to rescue Gracie from her dangerous and manipulative step father, Rudy, and enlists the help of his friends and fellow hit men to get the task done, so they can all start a new life far away and hidden. These friends are excellent – especially one called Bubba who I found completely endearing. Mix in some great action scenes and some beautiful locations, and you have a gripping story which keeps you guessing at every turn.

Overall, an exciting romantic suspense novel many will enjoy. Highly recommended!

Rating: 4.5 / 5

If you would like to know more about Annie Lee and purchase a copy of Keeping Grace Alive, visit her webpage: annieleenovelist.com.