Midnight in Ruby Bayou

If you are keeping up with the formula, the next Donovan sibling who needs to be (begrudgingly) paired with an unwilling (but incredibly attractive) partner is Faith Donovan. While she is not the last Donovan sibling to have a story line (we have yet to meet the male set of twins, Lawe and Justin), Faith is the last sibling readers have actually met thus far. Faith is the jewelry maker in the family. She takes the contraband gems and turns them into works of art. And yes, the FBI is still trying to catch the Donovans as they smuggle precious gems. This time, it's rubies. What complicates Faith's story is that she has an ex-fiance who won't take goodbye as for good.
Faith's unwilling, but incredibly attractive, partner is Donovan show more employee, Owen Walker, a good ole southern boy who knows his way around the Bayou. He's been tasked with sticking close to Faith while she delivers a priceless ruby necklace to her best friend's future father-in-law. Of course, thieves are hot on her tail. The rubies are theirs and they want them back, but there is a problem. They are mafia...Of course, the FBI isn't far behind. Of course, Walker has to save Faith's life a few times. The Lowell formula is hard at work, "I'm wildly attracted to you but for personal reasons I can't allow myself to get involved with you..." show less

Elizabeth Lowell books are obviously fairly formulaic but I still find them to be an enjoyable quick read. I think her books are at their best when they are part of a series so she has a chance to develop the characters and story a bit more. I especially like her series that deal with rare artifacts. This series is one of hers that I think works the best.

I really enjoyed this one, though the sub-plot involving Tiga was a little ... disturbing. The interaction between Faith and Walker was very amusing, and the development of the relationship pretty good. I did find her relationship with her ex to be a stretch - I don't think anyone growing up in such a good family would end up with someone like him.

Anyway, a good continuation of the Donovan series, with at least a few scenes with everyone from the earlier books for continuity.

It lacks the tinge of misogyny in some of Lowell's westerns and her medieval trilogy. That's great, but unfortunately much of the heat seems to have gone with it. There's no real obstacle between Faith and Walker.

Midnight in Ruby Bayou by Elizabeth Lowell
#4 Donovan series
Narrated by Robin Rowan
3-1/2*

Owen Walker, family friend and new employee of the Donovans, is assigned the task of being Faith Donovan's bodyguard and protector of an extremely valuable ruby necklace as she travels to a trade show in South Carolina, followed by the wedding of her best friend in a mansion along swampland in the Low Country where Owen himself grew up. The unique jewelry pieces she designs are well received, but unfortunately they have also drawn the attention of members of a Russian mob, as well as the F.B.I.

Good chemistry, complex plot, good mystery surrounding an old southern family thrown in.

Love love love this book. It's the perfect mix of mystery and romance!

I'm really liking her books. This one is no exception.