Missing The Crown Jewel
(Chandler County)
Valerie J Clarizio
After a devastating divorce, Peyton Crown is finally surfacing from a dark hole of despair. She finds herself hoping for a new life with Mason ‘Storm’ Starr, her brother’s best friend.
Storm’s intent is simple: hide in the quiet confines of his best friend’s family horse ranch in Kentucky. The perfect place to sort out his life after walking away from the Army, and fight his internal demons. His solitude is interrupted by his buddy’s little sister. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and he willing surrenders the battle.
The Crown family begins receiving threats, just weeks before the Kentucky Derby. The overprotective men in Peyton’s life vow to keep 24/7 tabs on her and the family’s prize horse—Prince Bourbonville—a hopeful for the next Triple Crown. Circumstances arise that threaten to keep Peyton and Prince away from the derby, but Storm and her brother Coach are determined they’ll attend, no matter the sacrifice.
4 Stars
Missing the Crown Jewel, is a story of family, friendship and love. Although this was my first time reading Valerie J. Clarizio's work I wasn't disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed this story. The story line is a great blend of romance, intrigue and suspense.
I found Payton and Mason's characters to both be quite endearing. This pair are quite complex yet vulnerable, and have pasts that have both defined them and still haunt them.
The story is well written, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Chandler County series, and look forward to reading more of this series, and this author's work in the future.
I would recommend Missing the Crown Jewel to anyone who enjoys a romantic suspense, small town romance, or contemporary romance.
