Book Review: Innocent as Sin by Elizabeth Lowell

Innocent as Sin
Author: Elizabeth Lowell
Series: St Kilda (Book 3)
Publication: Avon; Reprint edition (October 13, 2009)

Description: The New York Times bestelling queen of of romantic suspense—an author hailed as “a cut above”* returns with an exceptional thriller packed with her trademark combination of passion, danger, and intrigue

Throwing himself into his painting, Rand McCee wishes the swirls of light and color can erase the memory of his beloved brother’s murder. On a scouting assignment for St. Kilda Consulting, a Manhattan-based, global business that concentrates on the shadow world where governments can’t go, Rand’s twin was shot in cold blood before Rand’s eyes.

Finally coming to terms with the fact that he will never be able to find the man responsible—a mysterious figure known as “The Siberian”—Rand just wants to forget. But as he soon learns, the past won’t let him. . . .

Helping a rich socialite finance an art exhibition, Arizona banker Kayla Shawn has unwittingly become entangled in a deadly web of lies and deceit involving money laundering. When her employer tries to buy her silence, Kayla knows she’s in way over her head, with only one way out: Rand.

Though their attraction is instant and intense, it’s not enough to overcome their mutual suspicion. Somehow Kayla and Rand must learn to work together to unmask a terrifying enemy before they land in jail—or the grave.

My Thoughts: This was another excellent romantic suspense title in the St. Kilda series by Elizabeth Lowell. It begins in Africa when two twin brothers are spying on an arms sale in order to find evidence against a man they know as the Siberian. When discovered, one of the twins is killed and the surviving twin vows revenge.

Five years later and in Arizona, personal banker Kayla Shaw finds herself involved with a very rich man and his wife. She soon discovers that he might be laundering money and that, since her boss gave her the account, she is probably liable for assisting in the money laundering. 

Unknown to her, but not to St Kilda, is that the man she works for is the Siberian now with a cleaned up image and an international passport. He is also planning another attempt to overthrow an African country so that he can capture their oil reserves. St Kilda is determined to stop him. They recruit Rand McCree who has become an artist but has never stopped wanting to find the Siberian and exact his revenge. 

Kayla and Rand meet at an art contest arranged by the Siberian's wife. He is immediately attracted to her and determined to protect her. She shares his attraction and definitely needs her help if she is going to stay out of prison for money laundering. 

The story was packed with danger for both main characters since the Siberian has lots of evil henchmen in his employ. But St Kilda isn't without its own resources. 

I really enjoyed this story which was originally published in 2007. It didn't feel at all dated though some references to Watergate and the 9/11 attack were woven into the plot. 

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.