On Tour with “Uneven Exchange”

When two men eye a woman vacationing in Mexico, your first expectation might be that they are admiring what they see. Not this time. While this particular woman is lovely, the men are looking beyond that.  She has retreated there, attempting to refocus her life off a man she loves.

Unfortunately for Alexandra Callet, she just happens to look identical to the sister of a deadly assassin know as the Magician.  Securely out of reach in Mexico, the assassin has avoided capture.

As soon as the two federal agents see her at the hotel, thoughts come together quickly.  They finally see a way to reach the Magician. An intricate plan is formed.  Before long, Alexandra Callet is on assignment impersonating Daniella.

Alexandra, called Alex, and Jake Taylor are not spies or agents.  They are partners in the Daniel Cole Company. Jake is an architect, Alex an interior designer. Together they have established a successful business.  Beneath the partnership runs something stronger and deeper. Oddly, the strong feelings are what leads Alex to the need for change, because neither is aware the other cares.

Once Alex says yes to the agents, It is so interesting to follow the intense training Alex must go through to copy and become Daniella. From movement to language to voice pitch, not to mention recognizing faces of those she will meet.

That intensity is only beginning. Can she do it? Will it really be enough to fool the brother who knows her well? Is the interior designer able to pull off an assignment that other highly trained agents could not accomplish?

Faith is woven into the plot in a manner that will appeal no matter what the readers beliefs.  It has a positive effect on the story in that it offers strength and peace to the heroine in her oft difficult moments.

While the romance was included in the description, it seemed secondary to the suspense side with the task she was given. That worked out well since situation is what kept me reading. I finished it in less than a day, wanting to see how it would end.  I liked the characters included, just didn’t get to know jake as well as Alex.

Uneven Exchange is a very enjoyable romantic suspense, with unexpected danger and surprising twists. I will look forward to more of Ms Derban’s works.  The book was concise, well written and edited, moving smoothly from scene to scene.  It was a quick read that didn’t bog down.

Perhaps she will continue the story. Will Alex perhaps continue to work as an agent?  Will Rico resolve his relationship? There are surely other characters and other tales that could use the help of Alexandra Callet.

The Tour

We are pleased to be part of Ms. Derban’s  virtual book tour this month.  You can see a list of all her stops along the tour here on iRead Book Tours

Book Description for Uneven Exchange:

Like fire and ice, Alexandra Callet’s life runs hot and cold. At the age of thirty-three, Alexandra owns a stunning home and a successful interior design company. But she is in love with her business partner, Jake Taylor, and he doesn’t even seem to realize she’s a woman. She should be on top of the world, but instead she feels dragged down by the void in her heart. Hoping for answers, she decides a trip to Mexico might soothe her soul.

Jake Taylor only pretends to be a confirmed bachelor. Jake has been entranced by Alexandra’s determination and exotic beauty since the moment they met, but she has no idea how he feels. He considers confessing his love, but fears jeopardizing their friendship and business. He’s caught in a web of pretending he doesn’t care, and doesn’t see a way out of it. Alexandra is recruited for a dangerous mission. Following her trip to Mexico, her resemblance to a member of an assassin’s family leads Alexandra to be recruited by the DEA. Her training leaves her distracted, and her business begins to suffer. Jake notices her sudden change, and feels her slipping both personally and professionally beyond his reach.

Should he finally take the chance…before it’s too late? After all, he has nothing to lose. However, when Alexandra returns to Mexico for her mission, things go terribly wrong. Will she be able find the strength to fight and escape the peaceful haven that has now become her prison?

Or will Jake lose Alexandra forever…

Buy the book:   Amazon   Barnes & Noble
​

Author’s Bio:

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, S.K. Derban moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the second world war. Derban’s mother, born and raised in the United Kingdom, was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. Even after returning to the United States, Derban’s life was filled with a love of the theatre and a passion for British murder mysteries. S.K. Derban has always remained passionate about writing, and is thrilled to finally share her work with others.

Her personal travel and missionary adventures also help to transport readers virtually across the globe. When writing, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life, from her faith in the Lord, to her love and knowledge of the arts. ​

Connect with the author:   Website   Twitter   Facebook

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Alzheimers HQ and Simple Living Ideas