The Parisian Affair

Rating:
Summary: This affair sparkled in many respects
Review: Allegra Sheridan is trying to make a name for herself as a famous jeweler on the Manhattan scene. She refuses to mass-produce her pieces and her customers have to make appointments to see her. Allegra dreams big with the help and support of Jason, her one employee. Having to face facts and realize her business is close to the brink of bankruptcy, Allegra accepts an outside job offered to her. Hilton Whitehead, famous billionaire wants her to go to Paris to bid on a famous ring for his mistress, being auctioned off, once owned by Princess Karima. Hilton wants Allergra to because she is a gemologist and further, his being on the scene would almost certainly drive the price up. Ramtane Tadjer, a famous jeweler in Paris is interested as well in the emerald ring. Allegra succeeds in placing the winning bid on the ring. Ram tries unsuccessfully to get close to Allegra. Several events ensue that wreck her plans for a peaceful transaction. Allegra's boyfriend Todd Hall tracks her down in Paris. Her friend Sylvie conspired with her temporary landlord Paul to try to steal the ring from her. Allegra and Todd run for their lives. Meanwhile, Jason is in New York, ignoring any loyalty to his employer for a remote chance at love. Any reader would have to doubt almost immediately the character and motives of Princess Karima. Having Hilton Whitehead's money at their disposal, helps get Allegra and Todd safely out of Paris. Details are left vague regarding the story behind the emeralds. Nevertheless it is an exciting adventure.



Rating:
Summary: fine romantic suspense
Review: Billionaire software entrepreneur Hilton Whitehead hires NYC talented design jeweler Allegra Sheridan to travel to Paris to discreetly bid for him on the legendary Princess Karima emerald. Though she would like to say no because she knows that Hilton plans to give the gem as a present to his mistress Kitty, Allegra needs the money so accepts.

In Paris, Allegra wins the bidding. However, buying and holding the gem are two different things. Several people want to possess the Princess Karima because it is rumored to be more than just an emerald. Some individuals are willing to kill to steal the jewel from Allegra.

Though the support cast especially the villains, the heroine's boyfriend, and Hilton comes across for the most part as two dimensionally shallow, fans will root for Allegra and her assistant Jason Clarke to survive a simple task that has turned into a deadly nightmare. Allegra's boyfriend Todd Hall adds a romantic element to a degree, but his role is somewhat limited. Fans will enjoy Allegra's adventure as she struggles to bring back to her client the jewel he purchased through her because others will kill her to steal the Princess Karima.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: Exciting Adventure!
Review: If you like mystery, romance, adventure/espionage, and a storyline that involves precious jewels, then you'll definitely find enjoyment with The Parisian Affair. The plot revolves around Allegra Sheridon, a jewelry designer in NYC who is called upon to bid by-proxy for a multimillionaire on an emerald ring in Paris. What Allegra doesn't know is that the ring she is bidding on has a long history behind it, and that certain people will stop at nothing to have the ring, including murder. Allegra travels to Paris to bid on the famous ring and, from there, is swept up in a variety of adventures and characters. Although the auction goes as planned, the events that follow endanger Allegra's life. Her boyfriend, Todd Hall, travels from NYC to be with her and also involves himself in the adventure. The book was a very quick, and enjoyable read. However, there were drawbacks in the story: 1) Allegra was described as creative, smart, ambitious, etc., and yet once she is in Paris it seems that she lost all of her common sense - her character shifted pretty dramatically 2) the relationship between Todd and Allegra seemed forced and while there was sexual chemistry, there was nothing that made me think they were truly in love and committed - Todd was portrayed as a cad/playboy the entire time; and 3) the ending was rather abrupt. Overall, recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Good adventure
Review: This is a very interesting tale of high society and very precious and rare gems, skillfully woven by a good writer. The details about making jewelry were fascinating, and there are plenty of interesting characters and plot twists to keep the reader intrigued. However, I didn't really sense that much attraction or commitment between Allegra and Todd, and it is this lack that left me feeling vaguely unsatisfied after finishing this book. That said, there is still a lot of exciting adventure in this book, and it is a very good afternoon's read.