"Missing gold and murder mystery add spice to this unique romance."

Female archaeologist Carter Wessex hopes to solve the mystery of what really happened to a party of soldiers and the gold they were carrying during the Revolutionary War, but her first obstacle is getting permission to dig on Farrell Mountain. The property is owned by wealthy businessman Nick Farrell, who isn't known for welcoming guests. He reluctantly agrees to let Carter work - with the stipulation that he can drop in any time to monitor her progress.

Carter bristles at his arrogance, but the opportunity is too good to pass up, and she finds herself attracted to him despite their verbal sparring. Both Nick and Carter have been hurt in the past and neither of them gives their hearts easily. Do they have the courage to break down their walls and take a chance on love?

I liked the heroine's different occupation and enjoyed the archaeological details of the dig. The sparks between Carter and Nick fly from their first meeting, and their relationship is further complicated by ongoing family issues. Add the mystery of the murdered men and missing gold and you have an entertaining read intertwined with the deeper theme of the healing power of love.

Reviewed by Lenore Howard
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted May 16, 2003

Summary

Carter Wessex is an archaeologist on a mission. She wants to find a fortune in missing gold but she needs permission to dig on Farrell Mountain first. The trouble is, sexy Nick Farrell is renowned for keeping people off his property. When Carter approaches him anyway, sparks fly at their first meeting. The ruthless corporate raider doesn't want his vacation home disturbed by yet another trespasser, even if she's a beautiful one. Things change when he realizes Carter, who is the estranged daughter of another financial tycoon, could be useful to him.

When Nick invites her to come to the mountain and dig, she's suspicious of his change of mind and well aware of his ruthless reputation. But, as she gets to know him, their initial attraction becomes an undeniable passion. As skeletons are unearthed, and the details of the gold's disappearance are gradually unveiled, they embark on a love affair which touches Nick's heart in a special way. He realizes he's falling in love with her but tragically, it's too late. His plotting is revealed before he can stop the events he put in motion and Carter suffers a betrayal so deep, she fears she will not recover.

Can Carter forgive the man she's given her heart to and learn to trust him again? Will the mystery of the gold be solved? As Carter comes to the end of the dig, she finds more than she ever bargained for up on Farrell Mountain.