"Veteran romance writer Gist (
A Bride Most Begrudging) teams with tyro crime writer Bertrand to create a mix of their specialties. Their hybrid is a crime mystery with an irresistibly attractive and oh-so-naïve dog walker named Rylee Monroe. A young adult resident of Charleston whose parents are dead, Rylee is accused of robbing her wealthy dog-owning clients. Aghast at being accused of theft, she pleads her case to her newspaper reporter beau, Logan Woods. Certain that sweet Rylee is innocent, Logan tries to protect her reputation until even he grows suspicious of the mounting evidence against her. Enter in old family ties and unanswered questions regarding Rylee's parents' deaths, and even Rylee is confused as to who's telling the truth. Fans of Gist will appreciate her characteristic genteel manner of presenting the male/female courtship dance. Bertrand's deftness at adding in the crime dimension lends depth to this likable yet predictable story." --
Publishers Weekly
"Gist and Bertrand's collaboration has widespread appeal. The blend of romance and suspense is heartwarming and intriguing, and the Charleston locale is described so vividly that readers will feel as if they are right there. Humor and a touching spiritual message round out this entertaining tale." --Melissa Parcel, Romantic Times Book Reviews
"Although classic mystery writers rarely included romance in their stories, more recent writers blur the genres. In Beguiled, an engaging mystery/romance set in Charleston, a reporter who aspires to write books sees a series of robberies as a chance at a big story and a book contract. He figures a waifish dog walker who works for most of the victimized families is somehow connected to the case--maybe she's even the culprit. As he gets more involved, he starts to fall for her and lose his objectivity. The story, well-written and well-plotted, should please both romance readers and fans of more hard-boiled fare." --Susan Olasky, World Magazine
"J.Mark Bertrand joins popular inspirational fiction writer Deeanne Gist to create this story of romance and suspense in modern-day Charleston. Dog walker Rylee Monroe works in the older, richer part of the city. In one mansion, she has an up close and personal run-in with the so-called 'Robin Hood' thief, who, like the legendary robber of yore, steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Newspaper reporter Logan Woods is determined to catch the Robin Hood thief in action, thus getting some extra street cred to follow his true dream--publishing the great American crime novel. After their paths cross, Rylee and Logan find themselves falling for each other. But there's something about the pattern of the thefts and Rylee's clientele list that seem just a little too coincidental. The impressive debut of this new writing partnership has just the right balance of interesting characters, action, mystery, and of course, love." --Shelley Mosley, Booklist
"Rylee Monroe is a dog walker for the elite pet owners of the Charleston area. When things turn up missing at several of her clients' houses, Rylee becomes a suspect in a burglary case. Logan Woods is a local newspaper reporter put on the story; problem is he's fallen for Rylee and believes in her innocence, almost. There do seem to be quite a few connections between Rylee, the victims, and the items missing. But then Rylee becomes a victim when her car and then her apartment are broken into. So now the only problem is convincing the detective of Rylee's non-involvement--easier said than done. It's only through these trials in Rylee's life that she learns to lean on God and remember that He will never leave her nor forsake her. An awe-inspiring story of mystery, theft, trust, and love that keeps you turning the pages right up to the end in anticipation of answers." --Kelsey Shade, CBA Retailers + Resources
"Set in historic Charleston, S.C., this debut collaboration by Gist and Bertrand follows the life and trials of dog-walker Rylee Monroe. Rylee, an orphan raised by her paternal grandmother, Rylee a young woman who works only for residents of an exclusive neighborhood where she once lived in with her parents and grandparents. Due to tragic and puzzling circumstances, Rylee is left almost penniless and must work long hours to support her grandmother 'Nonie,' now an inhabitant at a local nursing home.
"Known for her good reputation, Rylee is amazed when she is mistaken for the thief the newspapers are calling the 'Robin Hood Burglar.' The incriminating evidence, according to local detective Nate Campbell, is that most of the victims of the crimes are clients of Rylee's. As Rylee and her new reporter friend Logan Woods work together to solve the crimes, they deal with feelings of concern for each other and Logan's skepticism of those helping her.
"A central theme explored in Beguiled involves trusting God to make things right, as well maintaining integrity and honesty. Although it end ups being a good love story, the twists and turns of the excellent plot make it a good read for anyone from young adult to adult." --Beth Anderson, Christian Retailing
"I admit that I was a little scared to start this story; I try to keep any images of stalking or nighttime break-ins far from my mind. Once I started reading, however, I couldn't put it down! The story is action-packed, and the setting of Charleston is perfect. I could picture the grand houses and imagine how spooky they would seem in the late-night hours. Rylee is such a likeable character, and I wanted her to avoid danger and find happiness. Although I sometimes shuddered to think of the danger surrounding the story, I put my wimpy feelings aside, and I am glad I did.
"I am sure not all of you are scaredy-cats like me; some of you probably prefer suspense. If so, I recommend Beguiled. Christian authors Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand have combined their romance and crime-writing talents to create a fun and dramatic tale that is sure to keep you quickly turning pages." --5minutesforbooks.com
