Lovers and Liars by Sally Beauman was originally published in 1995. Open Road Integrated Media has released this book in digital format. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgally and the publisher. This the Retro Romance book of the month read.Gini Hunter and Pascal Lamartine, as well as two others receive a rather disturbing parcel. Closely following that event, Gini, a reporter finds herself assigned a case with Pascal, a journalist photographer.
The case? To dig into John and Lise Hawthorne's marriage. Why?
John was once considered a promising presidential candidate. His beautiful wife, Lise, commanded the media's attention like Jackie Kennedy once did. But, then John accepted a position in London, puzzling many. Now rumors have begun to circulate that there is trouble in the marriage and not only that, John is perhaps involved in some rather kinky sex practices.
To complicate matters, Gini and Pascal share a history. Gini was a teenager when she met Pascal. He was under the impression she was older and the two began a torrid affair. Once Gini's world famous journalist father got wind of it, he intervened and it has now been twelve years since Gini and Pascal have seen each other.
Gini has focused on her career, while Pascal's took a nose dive and his marriage crumbled.
They attempt to work together as mature adults and leave the past behind them. That turns out to be easier said than done.
As their investigation heats up, other disturbing facts come to light, such as John's tour in Vietnam and his possible involvement in war atrocities. Also, Gini finds herself walking on eggshells around her former step-mother, whom she maintains a close relationship with, because Mary is close friends with the Hawthorne's.
Gini also find herself the victim of prank phone calls, break ins and other disturbing occurrences that are absolutely linked to the case she is working on.
First of all, let me warn you that this is a lengthy book, weighing in at over 700 pages.
This style of writing in contemporary and romantic suspense is not often attempted these days.
The story twist and turns and little by little facts are revealed that take us into the lurid world of John and Lise Hawthorne. Gini's relationship with her father also becomes intertwined in the case.
Shadowy figures emerge that may or may not be trustworthy. Gini becomes a pawn in the head games of John Hawthorne, his father, her father, her boss, and even to some extent Pascal.
The story was typical of the time period it was written in. The sexual perversions of politicians and the twisty plot lines, the locations, the job challenges for a female reporter, and the way men regarded career women.
While the book was interesting and I did want to know what was going to happen next, and was curious where all this would lead, I must confess to finding it hard to stay focused at times. The book was just over long. I think it could have been edited down a couple of hundred pages and we would never know the pages were missing.
The chemistry between Pascal and Gini was lukewarm. Pascal's marriage was of zero interest to me, since it didn't have a darn thing to do with the story line. Too many years had passed and Pascal and Gini were very different people. There were a few sparks here and there, but I got very aggravated at Pascal when he tried to manipulate Gini, even if he was trying to protect her.
I liked the book, but I didn't love it. I do recommend it to those who enjoy romantic suspense, even if the style is a bit outdated. I have never, to my knowledge, read anything by this author. I did select a couple of her other books, that were not as long, to try out. They sound interesting. So, although I had a few issues with the book, I am still interested in seeing what else the author has written and giving it a try.
Overall this one gets a C+.
