Book Review: THE SPICE KING by Elizabeth Camden

ABOUT THE BOOK

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

MY THOUGHTS

THE SPICE KING by Elizabeth Camden is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I am glad she’s got a hefty back catalogue I can read because this book had me riveted.

The story is filled with political machinations, intrigue and betrayal, much of it within the bounds of agriculture and food manufacturing. The historical accounts are richly detailed and woven beautifully throughout the story. Camden did an excellent job in unfolding this story arc. It was a most satisfying read.

Two of the main players in this book – and our romantic couple –are the wealthy and powerful Gray Delacroix and the guileless Annabelle Larkin. They are such diverse characters with an ocean of experience between them, and yet, they are perfectly suited.

Annabelle’s determination and spiritedness arouses something in the weary and lonely Gray that he is eager to pursue. There are absolutely no sexually explicit scenes in this book – they barely touch each other – yet they are incredibly romantic and their love rings true.

I highly recommend The Spice King.

I am delighted to know that the next book in this series has already been announced. It will feature Gray’s sister Caroline along with security agent Nathaniel Trask. I am ready!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.

http://elizabethcamden.com/