What do you get when you combine the following --- two sunken Spanish galleons, a priceless but cursed necklace, a brilliant, beautiful, engaging young woman, and a proud, handsome and independent man? Romance and betrayal. Betrayal and murder. An evil monomaniac.

Nora Roberts' latest novel, THE REEF, takes readers on a treasure hunt filled with treachery, murder, and fortunes that are won and lost.

Marine archaeologist Tate Beaumont and her scholarly parents dive for buried treasure in pursuit of historical knowledge and the preservation of artifacts for future generations. When Tate's father says he knows the location of at least one of two treasure-laden old Spanish galleons, he decides to search for it. Joining him are Matthew and Buck Lassiter, an uncle and nephew who have bounced around from treasure hunt to treasure hunt for most of their lives.

Matt lost his father in a suspicious accident when they were diving for "Angelique's Curse," a priceless ruby and diamond necklace. Though the official report blamed the death on equipment failure, Matt knew that wasn't what killed his father. Even as an 11 year-old, he knew how to check out diving equipment. And he had checked his father's thoroughly. He only blamed one person --- the expedition's backer, Silas VanDyke, a wealthy man obsessed with the necklace. Matt is determined to settle the score and his desire for vengeance rules every decision he makes.

When Tate and Matthew start working together searching for the galleons, their attraction for each other is as immediate and tangible as the treasure that lies beneath the sea. They sizzle, even beneath the water.

Nora Roberts balances romance and suspense beautifully. There is enough danger to significantly raise the stakes of the novel, and plenty of romance to keep your heart pounding --- and not from the danger. Very few authors can intertwine romance and suspense as well as Roberts. The twists and turns keep you guessing right until the very last page. Romance and suspense fans alike will happily sink into THE REEF.

   --- Reviewed by Jeanny V. House


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