A young tour director and a handsome spy in pursuit of a murderer, smugglers, terrorists, and a dead man’s secret.
Humorous Romantic Suspense - First Novel in Tour Director Extraordinaire series
Tour director Harriet Ruby is a young, well balanced, smart, and hardworking over-achiever. So far her life has been good but predictable and ordinary. Her biggest problem is that she does not have any real problems and is much too trusting.
Directing her first solo tour in Europe, she and her group get lost in the souk, the old walled marketplace, in Tangier. There, one of her tourists becomes ill and needs a doctor. Harriet can't find her way out. When a handsome and mysterious stranger, Will Talbot, pronounces the tourist dead and offers to help her smuggle the body out of Morocco.
Harriet's once-predictable life turns upside down and will never be the same. Their fast-paced romantic romp through exotic foreign lands takes them in hot pursuit of murderers, smugglers, international terrorists, and a dead man’s secret.
Excerpt
Unable to orient myself, I closed my eyes again and snuggled closer to the other body. If I was suffering from hallucinations, so what? The person beside me turned over. Strong arms wrapped around me. Mmm.
Then Will kissed me again. I knew it was Will. I recognized the lingering scent of his musky aftershave spiced with a smidgen of salt from the ocean water, the firmness of his lips, the muscled chest and slightly coarse hair. Everything I’d fantasized about all day. This time I was breathing, so I responded with enthusiasm.
Nice. Really nice.
Finally, he eased us apart and sat up beside me. He placed his hand on my shoulder and gave me a little shake. “Come on, Harriet, open your eyes. I know you’re in there.”
With reluctance, I did as I was told and smiled up at him. “How’d you know I was awake?”
In the subdued light, his teeth flashed as he smiled. “Well, let’s see. You stuck your tongue down my throat and nearly chewed my lip off. That’s a pretty sure sign.”
“Sorry,” I said, not sorry at all. “I was dreaming.”
“About what?”
“I’ll never tell.” I adjusted the covers around me, my face burning. Considering the fantasies I was having, I must be feeling a lot better. “How, ah, did I get like this?”
He knew exactly what I meant. “I had to warm you up.”
I propped myself up on my elbows, making sure the blanket was tucked around my chest.
“Warm me up for what?” My imagination shifted into overdrive, running away with me. It must have shown on my face. Maybe it was the way I was panting, not to mention the drooling.
He laughed as he climbed over me, got off the bunk, and stood up. I was disappointed to see he was wearing an ill-fitting pair of trousers that looked too short for him. Only his chest was bare.
“Not warmed up for what you’re thinking. I mean warmed up as in not dying. You know, to prevent hypothermia. Any other kind of warming you up might be a little awkward right now.” He indicated our surroundings with a lift of his chin.
Professional Reviews
You Gotta Read
Review by YOU GOTTA READ
08/19/09 By Brynna C.
Rating: You Gotta Read
When tour guide Harriet Ruby tries to round up her tourists in a Moroccan market, she returns to find one of her charges violently ill. He dies shortly after. Clearly a damsel in distress she accepts the help of Will Talbot, who turns out to be a Europol agent. He insists they smuggle Archie's body out of the country by pretending he just isn't feeling well, but when Harriet almost dies trying to rescue Archie's prosthetic leg out of the water, they realize there is more to the unexpected death than either of them could know.
I found All for a dead man's leg hilariously funny at times. The author literally had me in tears with laughter, but balances this with a constant impending sense of doom, eventually bringing the couple together. A great story, and one you've gotta read.
Nightime Romance Reviews
Review on NIGHT TIME ROMANCE REVIEWS
06/21/09 By Estefanie Larranaga
Rating: 5 Stars
R. Ann Siracusa managed to keep me smiling throughout "All For A Dead Man's Leg," and had me from the beginning with this line: "Mez Harri Boobies." I just couldn't love Harriet and Will more because no matter the danger they were in, both managed to do some major banter and flirting.
This is a genuine gem. It kept me in awe with each new chapter. From the middle to the end there's plenty of action packed scenes. Harriet is determined to save a friend of Will's whether he helps her or not. Here's to Harriet and Will for rescuing the good and catching the bad guys. I definitely enjoyed the talks between Will and Harriet. Cute nickname Will has for Harriet.
"All For A Dead Man's Leg" is an amazing romantic comedy with well written action scenes mixed in, well written characters and storyline that is well thought out. It's hard to find great humor novel. Ms. Siracusa sure knew how to work this into an A+ charming tale. I definitely recommend this top choice of the week! I don't know how much more I can say, but that I love "All For A Dead Man's Leg" and give it a rating of 5 stars!
The Romance Studio
Review on THE ROMANCE STUDIO
04/08/09 By Theresa Joseph
Rating: Recommended
This is an hilarious romp filled with amusing escapades and quirky characters. Harriet Ruby is just so entertaining and I can relate to her disaster prone accidents. Will is a bit of an enigma. But who doesn't love a tall dark and handsome operative with a provocative past? The secondary sightseers and spies are engaging and the dialogue is straight forward and witty. The plot twists are good and the varying pace enjoyable. I liked that every time I thought the adventure was close to over something else popped up. This author has a great comedic touch and I can only hope to see a series staring this appealing couple. I found this to be a quick page turner that kept me laughing out loud and I will happily recommend it.
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