BOOK REVIEW- Secrets and Lies (The Oklahoma Brands #3) by Maggie Shayne **

     

When former Secret Service agent Alex Stone is asked to impersonate a foreign dignitary who wears a full beard and is rarely seen without his sunglasses, it's not a problem. But getting someone to impersonate the man's new bride, a beauty the world adores, is a little bit harder. Melusine Brand looks astoundingly like the pampered princess. She's also a rough and tumble Oklahoma Tom boy with colorful language. Besides, she'll never agree.Only, she does. Alex has to tutor her to survive the glitzy world he's used to. But when things take a turn and they're on the run in the wilderness with killers on their heels, it's Mel's turn to school him. Depending on each other to stay alive, these two opposites find a love that's stronger than either of them could have imagined...and hope they can live long enough to claim it.  AMAZON LINK    

5 STARS

I love this Brand family. And I forgot how much until I started reading this book. 
One really good thing about this book is that it's a good stand alone story.  Even if it's your first book in the series it's easy to read.

Having read several books in the series, I remember outrageous Melusine (Mel) and her equally outrageous mother, Vidalia.  Not only are their names unique but so are they.  You DON'T want to get on the wrong side of these women.  But love and loyalty to their family is off the charts.  Like Melusine says in the story her role in the family has been as a protector.  So she's not a sit back, sit on your hands type of woman. 

The friction between Mel and Alex was well written and often funny.  Alex, (Mr. Buttoned Down Polished City guy) vs. Mel, (In Your Face Tell It Like It Is Country Girl) offers plenty of "good times" for the reader.  Alex trying to help transform Mel into the soft, gentle princess adds even more.  Alex and Mel interact like they hate each other but will they continue to do so?

But it's not all fun and games because there is some real danger out there and the action starts to really take off. I'm not going to say much more about that because why spoil it for other readers? 

We get a closer look at Mel's sister, Selene and their cousin Wes.  Both turn out to be a big help when help is needed. 

Great end to the story after a big twist or two.

There is a quick look into another Brand story.  This one features Cara and is called "A Mommy for Christmas."  And yes, I will be looking into that one and more Brand stories.