Aphrodite's Stand

A newlywed falls into a web of amorous intrigue and danger when she visits her new husband's homeland in this novel.Dr. Andra Williams prepares for her wedding to Jayson Theonopilus with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. Although they come from different backgrounds--Andra is African-American and Jayson is Greek--she loves her fiance and believes God brought them together. Despite her happiness, she is plagued by uncertainty and nightmares. After the wedding, the couple travel to Jayson's native Greece. His father, Georigios, is charming, but his brother, Stefano, is rude and dismissive. Stefano is opposed to Jayson's marriage and his plans to enter the ministry. The family's olive groves are not producing enough crops and he is worried the business may collapse. Wary of seeking outside help, Stefano wants Jayson to stay in Greece and help the family, even if it means leaving Andra. His animosity toward Andra also masks a deep passion for her, and he calls her Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. As the Theonopiluses struggle to save their olive groves, they face a crisis when Andra is abducted. A divided family must save her before she becomes a serial killer's next victim. The latest romantic suspense tale from Scott (Walk upon the Wings of the Wind, 2014, etc.) combines a sprawling family saga with the pulse-pounding intensity of a thriller. The author is particularly adept at creating strong and nuanced characters. The large cast is anchored by Andra and Jayson. The opening chapters effectively establish their love and unwavering bond in the face of racial prejudice. Their families are well-developed, especially Stefano and Andra's sister, Racine, whose concern for her sibling is rooted in a tragic event from her own past. Scott successfully balances two central narratives throughout the tale, the Theonopilus family's effort to save its olive groves and Andra's mysterious abduction. Although the story has enough twists and turns to rival any soap opera, engaging characters and a well-paced narrative keep the book from becoming too overwrought. A well-constructed, if melodramatic, romantic suspense thriller.

COPYRIGHT(2018) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. (Online Review)

Starred review from May 15, 2018
This book is recommended by BlueInk Review, a fee-based review service devoted exclusively to self-published books. Booklist is happy to partner with BlueInk to bring you the best self-published titles for adults and youth. Stars reflect the decisions of BlueInk reviewers and editors.Twists and turns abound in this smart, engaging romance that mixes in international intrigue. Dr. Andra Theonopilus has taken a leave of absence from her job in internal medicine to meet the wealthy Greek family of her new husband, Jayson. She feels nothing but dread?dark suspicions that are confirmed when she's faced with Jayson's brooding, imposing brother, Stefano, who makes it clear he doesn't approve of their interracial union. But soon Andra discovers that she and Stefano are inexplicably attracted to one another. When Andra is kidnapped by a serial killer, it's a race against time to save her life. Maintaining a steady pace, Scott deftly introduces a host of compelling, multilayered characters with their own distinct personalities and secrets. But it's the plot that really shines. There's no shortage of jaw-dropping surprises, and the tension, both romantic and action based, ebbs and flows perfectly. Throughout the story, Scott is never afraid to face issues of race and prejudice head-on, with intelligent social commentary adding another layer to the story. Dangerous, provocative, and unpredictable, Aphrodite's Stand is an excellent read for fans of romantic suspense.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)