Below Deck-Dorien Kelly

Below Deck
Dorien Kelly
Harlequin Mediterranean Nights, Nov 2007, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373389650

Apparently agents of the Chinese government assassinated human rights activist Wei Chan leaving his wife of three years Mei Lin Wang as a single parent raising their baby boy alone. To escape the fate of her spouse, Mei Lin obtains work as a massage therapist on board the Alexandra’s Dream luxury liner that is cruising the Mediterranean. Although she wants to continue her husband’s work, she knows her priority is their son who she sneaks on board planning to depart once she reaches France.

Months pass with her hiding her child from on leave Mossad agent Gideon Dayan, who is the ship’s security officer as he recovers from injuries suffered in the line of duty; his lover died in that same terrorist bombing. He knows Mei Lin is hiding something, but not sure what. He plans to learn the truth even as they fall in love. However, she has a child to raise, a mission to continue, and ultimately vengeance for her husband’s murder; Gideon does not seem to make her list; neither knows that those who killed her spouse plan to complete the job.

The key to this terrific romantic suspense is the lead couple playing cat and mouse while a serene cruise occurs; Mei Lin tries to remain one step ahead of Gideon who knows she is pulling some sort of stunt, but not sure what it is. Both are survivors of terrorism that took away a loved one from each so each is wary. Fans will wonder if they have healed enough to take another chance on love with one another.

Harriet Klausner