Title: Private Party
Author: Jami Alden
First published January 1, 2007
304 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780758219862 (ISBN10: 0758219865)
Rating: 3.82
Overview
Julie Driscoll’s wedding day turned out to be a disaster when she caught her husband cheating on her on their wedding reception. With no groom, Julie is determined to have a wedding night with someone.
Her husband’s charming and irresistible best friend, Ryan Matthews, seems like the perfect candidate. Ryan is everything her husband wasn’t and his rugged physique is enough to make any woman weak in the knees.
Ryan can’t resist Julie’s beauty and agrees to fulfill her desires. He takes her to his luxurious resort and promises to make her feel good.
Julie is convinced that all Ryan wants is a fling, but Ryan wants much more than that. Can he convince Julie that he’s the one for her?
About the Author
When I was thirteen years old, I read my first romance novel, The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss, and I was immediately hooked. I spent the following month reading everything she had written.
From there, I discovered other authors such as Judith McNaught, Johanna Lindsey, and Catherine Coulter, and continued to devour their books filled with strong alpha males and the women who tamed them. My love for the genre continued, and even in high school, I managed to read romance novels without sacrificing my straight-A grades.
Although I dreamed of becoming a romance novelist, it took me a while to pursue that dream. After graduating from Stanford with a degree in English Literature, I worked a variety of administrative jobs before finding my way into marketing.
It wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but at least I was able to write for web sites and software brochures. Unfortunately, phrases like “her loins melted like hot wax” didn’t quite fit in.
During my time as a receptionist, I attempted my first novel – a melodramatic western historical that reads like a bad Elizabeth Lowell rip off. It’s still sitting on my hard drive, unfinished.
In 2001, I was laid off from my marketing job, which turned out to be a stroke of luck. I decided to take writing seriously and pursue my dream of becoming a novelist.
Luckily, my husband, a socially well-adjusted alpha male, was supportive and became my patron of the arts.
Four years later, I sold my first book and now I’m living the dream of getting paid to write romance. Although I don’t live in a cabin in the mountains, I reside in a rural-ish town near San Francisco with my husband, sons, and two dogs who are always willing to listen to my dialogue and help me work out plot points.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy running, reading, yoga, and watching Food Network and reality TV.
Editoral Review
Jami Alden’s Private Party is a gripping crime thriller that has kept readers on the edge of their seats since it was first published on January 1, 2007. Alden is a popular author in the romance and suspense genres, and Private Party is one of her most popular works.
The novel is a classic example of the crime thriller genre, complete with complex characters, fast-paced action, and a plot full of twists and turns. The story follows the character of Ava Manchester, a successful event planner with a dark secret.
When one of her clients is found murdered at a private party she has organized, Ava becomes the prime suspect. She must clear her name and find the real killer, all while navigating the dangerous world of high society events and dodging the advances of a handsome but mysterious detective.
Alden’s writing is top-notch, with a style that is both engaging and easy to read. The pacing of the story is excellent, with just the right amount of tension and excitement to keep readers hooked.
The character development is also impressive, with each of the main characters having their own distinct personality and backstory that helps to flesh them out and make them believable. One of the standout features of Private Party is its setting.
The novel takes place in the glamorous world of high-society events, where the rich and famous rub shoulders with each other. Alden’s descriptions of the lavish parties and luxurious settings are vivid and immersive, transporting readers right into the heart of this fascinating world.
In terms of criticism, there is very little to fault with Private Party. Some readers might find that the plot is a little predictable in places, but this is a minor issue that is more than made up for by the gripping storyline and engaging characters.
Overall, Private Party is an excellent crime thriller that is sure to delight fans of the genre. It is well-written, engrossing, and full of unexpected twists and turns.
Whether you are a fan of Jami Alden’s other work or just looking for a great new read, Private Party comes highly recommended.
Rating: 4.5 stars.
