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Rating: 
Summary: A Good Mystery, A Great Hero
Review: Adrianne Lee brings her usual skill at juggling a big group of suspects to this mystery, which features a good plotline and an even better hero. Shy toymaker Mac Coy had traded places with his detective twin brother to investigate the industrial espionage in his toy company. As the book opens, Mac learns his brother has been murdered. Grief-stricken, Mac decides there's only one way he can get to the bottom of it, and for that, he needs the help of Tia Larken, his brother's fiancee, a woman he's always wished was his own.Coy Toys provides a big cast of characters to keep the true villain's identity a secret until the end, and unlike "The Runaway Bride," which kept all the suspects at a distance until the final third, Lee does a good job characterizing them all. It really is impossible to know who it is. The story did move a little too fast for me, with emotions and suspicions that are discussed at great length, but come across as skimmed over because we're already moving on to something new. I couldn't help wishing it was paced so that some of those details could sink in more. Still, if I wound up loving the book, it was because of the uniqueness of the hero and how much I cared about the romance. Mac is just so perfectly human, a wonderful change in a genre where every man is superman. Tia's subplot was a little familiar, but Mac was refreshing and sympathetic the whole way through. With insecurities and imperfections, he's just a man, but he's also a great romantic lead. Even if the book had been terrible, I probably would have recommended it on the strength of him alone. Fortunately, Lee provides a satisfying story to go along with her characters. "The Best-Kept Secret" (and her original title was most definitely better) is certainly worth investigating.
Rating:
Summary: Solid story telling wrapped in a very sweet ending.
Review: I want one of these bears for myself! They sound wonderful. Tia and Mac are both people I'd love to meet and to have as friends. Best Kept Secret will touch your heart in many ways. Add to that a really intriguing bit of suspense that leaves you wondering in a big way. It's cleverly done, and definitely emotionally satisfying in the end. You couldn't help but love this man and this woman. You'll find a part of you in each one of them. Great going, Adrianne! -Lee Emory
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