The Charmers

April 25, 2016
Romantic suspense author Mirabella Matthews, the heroine of this enticing romantic suspense novel from bestseller Adler (One Way or Another), travels to the south of France to take possession of Villa Romantica, bequeathed to her by an aunt who was murdered by a still unknown assailant. On the train, Mirabella befriends Verity Real, who’s escaping her cheating husband. In Antibes, Mirabella survives two attempts on her life unscathed, and she and Verity meet three men: a celebrity billionaire known as the Boss, the source of whose wealth is a complete mystery; Chad Prescott, an international plastic surgeon, who devotes his life to operating on needy children and claims Villa Romantica was willed to him; and Col. Rufus Barrada, the detective who’s investigating the murder attempts on Mirabella. Mirabella doesn’t know which, if any, of the charmers to trust, especially since one might be the person trying to kill her. Adler keeps the frothy plot bubbling all the way to the predictable fairy-tale ending. Agent: Anne Sibbald, Janklow & Nesbit.

Starred review from June 1, 2016

Successful romance author Mirabella Matthews sells her London flat and moves to the French Riviera; the land of sun, riches, and beautiful people. She's inherited a villa from her late Aunt Jolly and can't wait to settle into the home she so fondly remembers from childhood. Jolly was the daughter of a famous French actress and quite the party girl, but she died tragically in the villa under suspicious circumstances. Unbeknownst to Mirabella, the estate has long been the target of a questionable local developer who lusts after its spacious grounds, ideal location, and storied art collection. Could Mirabella be a target of the swarthy billionaire? Might she, too, be in danger? VERDICT With solid writing, compelling and believable characters, fabulous scenery, and enough romance to fill a summer day, this tale of romantic suspense from Adler (Last To Know) makes the perfect beach read. [See Prepub Alert, 12/21/15.]--Susan Clifford Braun, Bainbridge Island, WA

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2016
After the murder of her Aunt Jolly, Mirabella Matthews, a famous crime-fiction author, inherits her aunt's beautiful villa on the coast in the South of France. On her way there, Mirabella befriends a young divorcee, Verity, who has just left her cheating husband, and the two arrive at the villa only to discover that Mirabella's new neighbor, the handsome Chad Prescott, claims Jolly sold the property to him. Another neighbor, who simply goes by Boss, is also showing interest in her house. Could either of these men have had something to do with Aunt Jolly's death? Chapters from the villain's perspective give the reader inside knowledge, but, even so, Mirabella is not a particularly savvy detectiveodd, considering her profession. Still, with a seductive villain, a secret lair, and a glamorous dinner party gone wrong, Charmers has plenty to draw romantic-suspense fans. Scenic depictions of the French Riviera, ocean views, and villa luxury deliver added appeal to those who crave a high-end escape.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)