Amber Beach (Donovan, Book 1)

Kyle Donovan is missing, so his sister Honor goes to his home in Washington State's San Juan Islands to search for clues. She doesn't know how to work Kyle's boat so she hires Jake Mallory to teach her how and to act as a guide. However, unknown to her, Jake is a dealer in gemstones as is Honor's family. When Kyle disappeared a shipment of amber Jake had entrusted with him disappeared as well.And in that shipment is a panel from the czar's fabled Amber Room that went missing during World War II. The Donovan family claims Kyle never received the shipment and they get Jake barred from doing business in Russia. Jake figures if he stays close to Honor, she'll lead him to Kyle and the stolen amber.However, Jake isn't the only one who wants to find that amber. There are others hot on Jake and Honor's trail, others like the Russian mafiya, Lithuanian separatists and agents of the United States government.Of course, Jake doesn't trust Honor or any of the Donovan clan and, of course, when she finds out who Jake really is, she doesn't trust him either, but there is that old devil attraction between them, but before they can do anything about it they have to get beyond that trust thing, get away from their pursuers and get to the bottom of what happened to Kyle and the missing amber.Though many think of Lowell as a romance writer, she can write action and suspense too and she can do it well, as she proves with this first story about the Donovan clan that I just could not put down.

Honor Donovan, jewelry designer and daughter of the founder of Donovan International, a company dealing in precious metals and gemstones, discovers that her brother Kyle is missing...along with a fortune in amber. Frantic with worry, Honor moves into Kyle's cottage on one of the San Juan Islands, and hires a local fishing guide, Jake Mallory, to help her search the island chain for her brother. Big, bad, hunky Jake is not, of course, a real fishing guide - although he loves to fish. Jake used to work for the Donovan company, brokering amber. He is also somewhat of a soldier of fortune. The Donovan brothers suspect that it is Jake, not Kyle, who has the stolen gems and a priceless Russian antiquity, as well. So it is in Mallory's best interest to find Kyle so that he can prove his innocence.The two are pursued all over the Pacific islands by local cops, the Feds, international operatives and spooky intruders. The chemistry between Honor and Jake is explosive. They are a perfect match and their feelings for each other are as palpable as is their mutual attraction. There is romance and caring here as well as sex. And the dialogue between them is witty, with an edge. Honor is quite intelligent, creative and independent. We also get to meet other members of the Donovan clan - which is one of the most interesting and fun families ever.The dangerous adventures and mishaps never seem to cease. The details about amber and the Russian antiquity, the "Amber Room," are fascinating. The San Juan Islands are so amazing that I am actually planning a vacation there. What more could one ask for in a good book? I highly recommend this as one of Ms. Lowell's best.

Honor Donovan and Jake Mallory set the pages on fire with their fiery personalities and passion but both are afraid to trust and love. It was a great adventure with plenty of action, 'shady' characters and love scenes. Elizabeth Lowell really writes wonderful books, but I have one complaint. The endings to all her stories come so quickly that I feel I'd like to know just a little more, like a short epilogue about the wedding or honeymoon, etc., something so that I don't feel like I'm left hanging. I have read all the Donovan stories in this series that she has written so far and they are all GREAT! I'm looking forward to the last two brothers' (Lawe & Justin) stories. If you like a good romance with lots of action, suspense and steamy love scenes, you'll love this book and all the others in the series.

Amber Beach was the first book by Elizabeth Lowell that I have read. My friend read it and passed on the information to me. In a few words, I can say that Amber Beach knocked me off my feet. After reading this book, I became so entrapped into the story that after I had finished it, I just had to read the other books that she had written. Amber Beach is a thrilling story based upon the Czar's Amber Room that immediately disappeared after World War I. The main characters are Honor Donovan, a sister who is determined to go after her (disappeared but presumed dead) brother. Jake Mallory is a rugged man aborbed by the brillant heat of Amber. His business was kicked out of many countries when he becomes framed of stealing the Amber Room. Jake goes undercover to help Honor Donovan find her brother, Kyle. The sweet part of this book is the fact that a sweet romance developes nicely as the story progresses.This book is passionately intense and has intense passion too! The Donovan family will warm your hearts as you read more and more about them. The Donovan saga continues into Jade Island and Pearl Cove. So do what I did and take my advice. Read Amber Beach and you won't be disappointed.

Amber Beach is my all time favorite from Elizabeth Lowell! Honor and Jake are they most engaging characters ever, and their passion sizzles! I couldn't put it down, I read it all in 1 day! The plot and characters are a stroke of pure genius! Elizabeth Lowell has outdone herself!