Review: Beneath the Surface by M.J. Fredrick

Posted September 12, 2009 by Casee in Reviews | 1 Comment

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Casee‘s review of Beneath the Surface by M.J. Fredrick.

In retrospect, perhaps archaeologist Mallory Reeves shouldn’t have delivered the divorce papers to her estranged husband mere weeks before her marriage to another man. She knew seeing Adrian again would stir up memories, but she didn’t expect so many of them to be good, not after the mess they both made three years ago.

She also didn’t expect to want to stay at the dig site on the Yucatan Peninsula. But the lure of the ancient ship and, yes, her sexy ex provide more of a draw than the white picket fence she thought she wanted.

Marine archaeologist Adrian Reeves has good reason to trust no one. His former partner—and former best friend—made off with his last archaeological find. And his wife left him, frustrated by his obsession for professional revenge.

Now both Mallory and his nemesis have returned, and it can’t be an accident that they’ve turned up in the middle of the most important excavation of his career. Seeing her again unearths old pain—and rekindles never-forgotten desire. Now he has to decide if he can trust Mallory again. More importantly, if he can trust himself with her.

I’m not usually one for archaeology plots. It was the reunion aspect that drew me in. I love reunion stories. Honestly, after reading the first line of the blurb, I couldn’t resist, archaeology or no.

In retrospect, perhaps archaeologist Mallory Reeves shouldn’t have delivered the divorce papers to her estranged husband mere weeks before her marriage to another man.

Since the dig that was the death knell to their marriage, Mallory has changed her career direction. Instead of going on digs, Mallory teaches. After the ups and downs of her marriage, Mallory is looking for stable. Which is what she hopes to get when she marries her fiancee. She just has to get her ex-husband to sign the papers.

Adrian Reeves never really thought that Mallory would divorce him. Even if he had never admitted it to himself, deep down he had always planned on reuniting with her. He promised himself that he wouldn’t do that until he restored his professional reputation, something that was ruined when an artifact he brought up from the ocean was stolen. He knows exactly who stole it. Unfortunately, the archaeology world doesn’t believe Adrian is anything more than a fortune hunter.

When Adrian and Mallory reunite, it’s not as easy to part. Mallory is drawn to the site Adrian is excavating. It proves too much to pass up, so Mallory goes on a dive, reminding her how much she loved her job. And Adrian doesn’t want to let Mallory go.

Unfortunately for both Adrian and Mallory, someone wants them both dead. But not before they get what they came for. The very artifact that Adrian is looking for. Suddenly, the career that seemed so important to Adrian pales in comparison to having a life without Adrian.

This book was a fast read. I can’t say I loved it, but I can’t say I hated it either. The plot was good, the characters were good. That’s what it was: good.

3.5 out of 5.

This book is available from Samhain Publishing. You can buy here in e-format.


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