Twelfth Sun

by Mae Clair

The hunky young PhD knows all about seduction, but what does he know about love? Reagan Cassidy is settled in her life. She has a thriving interior design firm, an upscale condo, two cats, and a goldfish. As a favor to her uncle, she agrees to team up with his marine archeologist friend to validate and retrieve a nineteenth-century journal, reputedly that of a passenger aboard the doomed schooner Twelfth Sun. Finding a hunky twenty-five-year-old coming out of the shower in her hotel room wasn’t part of the deal, but it’s hard to complain… Dr. Elijah Cross is cocky and he knows it. He enjoys trading barbs with the lovely Reagan. Barbs, and some innuendo. He can tell she’d rather get back home to her business than stick around for the extended treasure hunt they’ve been talked into, but he’s fine with the situation. At least, until the “clues” start getting personal. Reagan finds Dr. Gorgeous is as skilled in matters of the heart as he is behind the lectern. Throw in a series of clues which mean more to Elijah than he’ll explain, several odd-ball competitors out to win the journal, a saboteur, and a lavish seaside mansion, and Reagan has enough trouble keeping her head straight, let alone her heart. Younger man, older woman, nautical riddles and romance. 72,000 Words

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Contemporary Romance, Adventure, Suspense, Contemporary

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

A member of the International Thriller Writers, Mae Clair is also a founding member and contributor to the award-winning writing blog, Story Empire. Her preferred genre is mystery/suspense, though she flavors her plots with elements of urban legend and folklore.

Mae is married to to her high school sweetheart, lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail, and cats. Sign-up for her newsletter at https://maeclair.com/newsletter

You an also discover more about Mae on her website and blog at MaeClair.com

Finally, follow Mae on BookBub for more bookish recommendations and reviews: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mae-c...

Reviews

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story about a 35-year old woman who is sent on a quest by her beloved uncle to track down an old manuscript about a shipwreck. Her uncle also enlists the help of a 25-year old PhD who turns out to be some kind of a Marine Archeologist boy wonder. At his young age he is already a widely respected expert on shipwrecks and many other things marine related. He is also devilishly handsome and an unabashed flirt.

Even though this book was set in the Northeast U.S., for me it seemed more like an English murder mystery. I kept expecting Agatha Christie to appear somewhere. The book was very well written, humorous at times and very romantic but also mysterious and suspenseful.

I love younger man/older woman romances and this was one of the best. The only reason I didn't give "Twelfth Sun" a full five stars was, like most good English mysteries I've read, the reader can sometimes get lost in all the characters and action going on. I did a little bit, but still loved this story.

[Loni Aycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want to give any plot points away... not even one... but I must tell you that if you enjoy love stories with a twist, or want to go on a wild treasure hunt with riddles to solve that seem impossible, or tag along with a drop-dead man who is way smarter than the average person and has enough charm and wit to keep you laughing and melting for more... then you'll want-no need-to read this book!

I've never read a story about nautical folklore or how seamen linked the ocean to the night's sky and its stars. Whether this was all made-up or part fiction/part truth, I don't know. But I do know that Mrs. Clair's writing was so descriptive, so believable, that it all could have been the truth... every ounce of it.

I loved the riddles that drove this story and how the clues and their underlying meanings brought more out of the characters in order to view their past, their hopes and dreams. The chemistry between Reagan and Elijah was unmistakable and I loved how Mrs. Clair made Reagan older than Elijah. Usually that's not the case in most of the stories I've read, and I liked seeing the flip side of the relationship. The give and take, the uncertainty of being involved with a younger man and trying to decipher if he was really in it for the long-haul or just in it for a quick conquest or fling.

Mrs. Clair writes beautifully. Several times I stopped and reread a line or two in awe as it flowed like lyrical music or melted my heart like butter. As an author myself, I strive to have as much talent creativeness as she does. Without hesitation, I'll read anything she writes and I know I'll be enjoying her tales for a long time coming. So if you enjoy romance, mystery, treasure hunting and a bit of history with charming characters... the Twelfth Sun is what you should be reading… like NOW!

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is what it seems at the estate of Eric Southern when the eccentric collector invites a group of buyers to compete against each other in a treasure hunt for the coveted journal of a legendary sea captain. Interior designer, Reagan Cassidy, and young PhD, Elijah Cross, are a team, both hoping to secure the journal for Reagan's uncle, who is also Elijah's long-time friend and mentor.

Though Reagan is ten years older than Elijah, attraction blooms upon their first meeting, which is one of the cutest, funniest hero/heroine introductions I have read, rife with misunderstanding and unintentional nudity. Unfortunately, they can't afford to give into their attraction. The treasure hunt is too important, and too challenging for them to split their focus between the hunt and a budding romance.

But as the treasure hunt challenges grow more difficult, one of the competitors turns devious. Danger ramps up for Reagan and Elijah, and they struggle more and more to keep their attraction in check. The treasure hunt clues become personal for Elijah, and suddenly nothing is what it seems.

From the fascinating clues to the maritime history to the wonderfully-drawn setting to the sweet romance between Reagan and Elijah, Twelfth Sun kept me flying through the pages.

The treasure-hunt aspect of the plot reminded me of one of my favorite movies of all time, Clue. Strong, quirky secondary characters abounded. Everyone was after the same goal. They all had to stay in a beach-front mansion at the behest of their host, who is mysteriously absent during the treasure hunt...or is he?

I loved everything about this book. I hope Mae Clair has more romantic mysteries up her sleeve, because I've made her an autobuy author.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, hands down, I loved this book! Twelfth Sun by Mae Clair is just one of those books that is pure escape pleasure! Reagan Cassidy was only doing her uncle a favor when she agreed to represent him in a bidding war for a valuable nineteenth century journal written by a man lost at sea when the ship he was on was lost at sea. Her uncle’s friend, Elijah Cross, a marine archeologist, will meet up with her to authenticate the journal. Easy in, easy out, home with the journal, right? Not quite…Reagan arrives the night before, driving through a rainstorm, soaked, tired and looking forward to a relaxing bath, instead, she opens the bathroom to her room to a very hot, very naked younger man…and I’m hooked from there, because there was no way this wasn’t going to get better and I was right, but no way am I ruining this by telling what happened! Fast forward to the next morning, when she has to meet the old archeologist, wait for it, … wait for it, … the hot, naked guy enters the café and heads straight for her, still all hot, but dressed, and guess who he is, yep, Dr. Elijah Cross, the well-known, well-respected authority she was to work with! To make matters worse, he is ten years her junior at only twenty-five! It seems he is a genius, but his attitude is that of a cocky young man, who is thoroughly enjoying Reagan’s discomfort! Can they work together? Can she get the sight of him gloriously naked out of her mind? If not for her promise to her uncle, she would have run home as fast as she could!

The story only gets better when the reclusive and eccentric Eric Sothern, seller of the journal changes the rules on the bidding and turns it into a scavenger hunt, filled with mysterious clues and unexpected danger for Reagan and Elijah. Meanwhile, their attraction is off the charts, but Reagan is all hung up on the older woman/younger man thing, while Elijah is all hung up on getting Reagan into bed! Will they live long enough to see who wins? As the game progresses, even friends become suspect and can’t be trusted as it becomes clear there is more afoot than meets the eyes. Is anyone who they say they are? Is the journal real? Will Elijah wear down Reagan’s resistance with his boyish charm and computer-like brain?

Mae Clair has written a delightful romance complete with mystery, intrigue and danger! Did I mention humor? The banter between all of the characters is priceless, from the uppity representative for Mr. Sothern to Elijah’s best friend, also competing for the journal! Reagan is completely believable, her conflict was almost painfully real. Elijah is a breath of fresh air, funny and full of himself one minute, serious and obviously brilliant and analytical the next, then sweetly insecure when his real personality unfolds. Ms. Clair has definitely left the driving of this plot in the capable hands of her characters who charmed me from page one and not once did I want the story to move at a different pace, it was perfect! I swear, from this day forward, I will NEVER think of grape soda without thinking of Twelfth Sun!

Do I recommend this book? Oh, yes! But only if you enjoy a few chuckles, a few nail-biting moments, some sigh-worthy moments and an ending that you never saw coming! Can you say “Go Cougars?”

Publication Date: July 24, 2013
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
ASIN: B00E5DNH9O
Number of Pages: 215
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Mystery
Age Recommendation: Adult/Great Summer Reading!
My Rating: 5 stars
Available from: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.

[CCAM&GZM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because Twelfth Sun is all about symbols and clues, I'll start by saying that the purpose of a ship can be not only to transport people from one place to another, but to bring them together in a more personal way. And if in some case the same fate becomes hostile, even sunken, the ship tends to fulfill her destiny. Yet, the Twelfth Sun will provide the opportunity, but the final decision will belong to the lovers.

What was supposed to be a simple purchase, fulminatory starts with one of the most embarrassing possible events and the way in which those involved deal with this issue will only put fuel on the fire. And since I mentioned the fire, we could say that this event is the spark that ignites the passion blaze between the main characters. A passion that gave them the chance to see the opportunity, the possibility of a true love or the "risk" of an “unapproved, clandestine” love, but also the occasion to weigh and turn on all faces the pros and cons of such a relationship. Although most of the cons are directly related to preconceptions, a lack of communication – induced by the fear to accept a painful truth - will cause more emotions. A bit frustrating for Elijah and Reagan because they probably did not know that such a romance must have a HEA, we, the knowing readers, still can "enjoy" their insecurity and their verbal confrontations as witty as funny they are. And when the waters start to settle between them (pun intended) we have enough other reasons to like the further story.

To give you some idea, I would say that Twelfth Sun is a good story with some touches of Fool's Gold (2008) and one of Agatha Christie’s mysteries. Humor is an important element even if the stake is serious and deadly danger lurks even if the one who staged the competition seemed to have full control. Regarding the real interest hidden behind this mise en scene, it might seem a bit forced, however I accept that it is possible.

The main characters are adorable in their seriousness and/or their giddiness. I liked that the author has managed to catch and create a palpable Elijah whose features are well defined and feed Reagan’s anxieties, but at the same time highlighting that the differences between them are unimportant in the end.

Each of the secondary characters brings something extra to the story: a hint of impishness, a professional and personal potential rival, a cold or dismissive front, but also danger. These secondary characters whose role in the treasure hunt seems to change from one page to another, allow the story to gain a more pronounced suspense nuance, as it develops. In fact, this is another thing that I liked: the romance does not capture the story, but blends nicely with the artifact recovery.

Benefiting from the pleasant style of the author, with a sustained pace without dead moments, a thrilling plot and the way in which the author draws the readers in the clue solving game, Twelfth Sun, in its role of light vessel for Reagan and Elijah, is certainly a very nice reading.

by CCAM
http://www.mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/...

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

What an amazing story! I struggled to put it down and from the first chapter to the last it kept my interest. It was fast paced, well written with enough suspense to keep you guessing till the end. Filled with intrigue and romance we get to know the characters and the story of the Twelve Sun. A ship that has sunk 200 years ago, with a missing Journal that came to light and was on the market to the highest bidder. This caused a few interesting characters to immerse, bidding for the Journal. For each it held a different meaning, and with the mysterious Billionaire, Mr Sothern who engineered the whole event, the story had a great plot. When a treasure hunt was introduced to the characters it made the playing field even and much more interesting. The clues were well planned and it kept me wondering, each unique in its own right. It did send the characters around, all over the little town of Serenity Harbor. Together, with the characters I was trying to figure it out with them as the story unfolds. Keeping you on the edge for the duration of the book.
Each character had their own persona making them believable, some were lovable and some not. Every one had a story that you can relate too.
Personally I liked Elijah Cross. There was just something about this young man that stood out from the rest. A humbleness that sets him apart from the others. As a Doctor in Marine archaeology, he never became arrogant, or even flaunt his genius around. He was almost plain in his dealings, which made him approachable and lovable from the start. Not to mention that he was also very handsome and had a real romantic soul that knew how to soften Reagan's heart.
The relationship between Reagan and Elijah were explosive from the first page. Causing many sensual scenes as the two tried to work together. In the beginning, the age difference was a huge stumble block and they had a few hurdles to overcome.
Older woman, a business owner, meeting younger man, genius in his field, both were ready to commit but could not say it. However, with Elijah's constant attention the attraction could not be denied between them and soon every barrier fell as they work together to get the journal for her uncle.
Other characters played their supporting roles excellent and a few kept you guessing if they were friend or foe, until all was revealed.
It is a story about reunion and healing, and I think the author did a wonderful work creating and delivering this story to make it an amazing story.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Main protagonists: Regan Cassidy – ”At thirty-five, with a flourishing interior design business, upscale condo, two cats and a goldfish, she didn’t need a man to complicate her life.” But, as she says, Life had a way of defining and establishing priorities. She was glad hers had included taking
a chance on a treasure hunt spun around the search for an obscure journal.
Dr. Elijah Cross, far younger and sexier than she’d anticipated - he was only twenty-five. Owner of a doctorate in marine archeology.
Mission – to find Rook’s journal. He survived at sea for forty-five days before he was picked up by a cutter out of Gloucester. And be able to verify the authenticity of the journal and assure it came from the Twelfth Sun clipper.
Conflict - Elijah, playful and teasing she could control. Elijah, serious and romantic meant trouble. Sometimes life was cruel. Sometimes life dealt a thirty-five-year-old woman an impossible hand.
Twelfth Sun, a story full of mystery and romance, kept me glued to the pages. Having already read all the author’s published books I knew I was in for a great adventure trip. I was right. There were moments when I felt I was in the middle of an action movie, so suggestive was the description and thrilling the action.
From the witty dialogue that moves the story ahead and the atmosphere of danger and suspense, to the chemistry between the protagonists and the unexpected twists in the plot, the book offers readers sveral hours of pure delight. The intricate plotting weaving history, folklore, mystery and romance in the edge of your seat story is worth five stars. Twelfth Sun is a novel I thoroughly enjoyed and I highly recommend to fans of romantic mystery. As well as Eclipse Lake, Solstice Island and Myth and Magic, all novels of this gifted author, Mae Clair.

[Laura Lee Nutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelfth Sun is one of those books that appeals to a wide audience. Not only was it a great romance, it was also a fun mystery, and a heartwarming tale about family and forgiveness.

I loved how Clair made both Elijah and Reagan characters with complex inner lives and pasts that touch the heart even while their initial clash of personalities and amusing moments entertain. The characters were well drawn, likable, and more than deserved their happy endings.

Clair, like her luscious writing in Weathering Rock, has such a knack for descriptions and details that I felt, saw, tasted, smelled everything. Though she’s not an archaeologist or obsessed with the sea or ships, Clair obviously did her research. Her details are exquisite and believable.

All in all, Twelfth Sun wonderfully combined fun, danger, sensuous romance, and heartwarming inner triumphs. The story can appeal to romance and mystery fans, as well as those who just like a good story no matter the genre.

I highly recommend it.

[Joanne Wadsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a romantic suspense, and this story provided all the intrigue and mystery I adore in such books. I highly recommend Twelfth Sun if you love this genre like me. The hero had some gorgeous quirks and fun dialogue. I certainly have to try grape soda now.

[Szinna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A történet izgalmas volt egy darabig, míg ki nem derült, hogy miért kellett ez az egész. Akkor erősen felvontam a szemöldököm, most komolyan? A főhősök között én nem éreztem az érzelmeket. Bár a könyvnek vannak erősségei, de gyengeségei is rendesen.

[Rachael Orman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Reagan Cassidy is on sent on a trip for her uncle, who is more like her father and she would do anything for. She is to meet up with her uncle's friend Elijah Cross... Doctor Cross. The night before she is to meet her uncle's friend, she checks into a hotel only to fine a naked, super sexy, younger man in her room... Or is it? He's quirky, fast witted and doesn't take her serious as she threatens him with a....lamp? She finally realizes that this man isn't in her room, but she is in his!

In the morning she is shocked to realize that the naked man was actually the man she was to meet, which only puts them on even worse ground than they would've initially been. Elijah doesn't have great people skills. Over the years he has developed the knack for having a very off-the-cuff type attitude with quick lashbacks when people get too close. We get to follow as they are put into an odd situation that turns into more than a meeting and purchasing of a book for her uncle. The entire book keeps throwing surprise after surprise with an interesting twist at the very end, which you know I can't tell you.

While i found the story a bit boring at times because there is quite a bit about nautical things and history of ships, it actually fit into the book as it is what Elijah does and what the book they are seeking is about. I however, am not interested in such things. This is the book that MANY MANY other books try to be. There is a sweet romantic story that is slowly developing and how a real relationship develops, sure it is only over a little over a week, but still the feelings feel genuine and sincere. Plus, with the situations they are thrown in, it makes sense for feelings to develop on a faster scale.

I really enjoyed the story and the few love scenes that were thrown in were written in a classically way so as to not be offending. The technical skill of the writer was excellent as well, it was clear the writer takes her time to develop the scenes and characters in very thorough way. The scavenger hunt in the book was quite complex and thought provoking, where most books focus on the romance, this was more about the mystery.

[Venice Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book some time ago, and though I had so many personal challenges which kept me distracted, I couldn’t let any more time go by without leaving a review of one of my favorite reads from 2013. It was an ultimate pleasure to just sit back and let Mae Clair expertly draw me into to this tale full of romance and mystery. I remember the characters still— how I fell big-time and immediately in love with Clair’s young, charismatic, and sexy Dr. Elijah Cross (great name, too, BTW!). Her heroine, Reagan, was witty, likeable and though often weak-kneed, was no pushover to Elijah’s witty and heated come ons. A great couple! The dialogue between them came across real, witty—with just the right amount of spice.

I wanted to leave this marker for any others who might come upon this book and wonder if it’s a worthy read. It is—it’s wonderful! And I agree with the other five- star reviews here touting Mae Clair’s excellent skills to serve up a great mix of romance, mystery and folklore. She blesses us with two fully developed characters—two lovers you can’t help but enjoy their journey to, then celebrate their arrival to finding --true love. There is also a collection of fully-fleshed out secondary supporting characters to enjoy. But, there’s also the story! The plotting is clever and keeps you engaged. Mae Clair knows her craft, that’s for sure! She’s a gifted story teller, and knows how to bring her story and characters to life. This author’s work will be an automatic purchase. Can’t wait to see what treat she serves up next!

[Gemma Brocato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelfth Sun was an intriguing and entertaining read for a number of reasons and I would highly recommend checking it out. Dr. Elijah Cross is a brilliant, but somewhat cocky marine archeologist who has agreed to team with Reagan Cassidy to authenticate and retrieve an important journal for Reagan's uncle. When Reagan arrives at the designated spot to meet Cross, she stumbles into his room by accident as he is stepping out of the shower. From that scene on, you hope that this couple will end up together. In spite of their age difference (Reagan has 10 years on Elijah) they are perfect for each other.
When they attempt to retrieve the journal, the rules are changed and now they must compete in a game of wits against four other contenders for the book. Elijah might be exceedingly intelligent, but it is Reagan's logical, common sense approach to solving the clues that makes the hunt entertaining and exciting. Throw in some behind the scenes shenanigans by the other participants and some seemingly unsolvable clues and you will find yourself on the edge of your seat waiting for the next development.
Reagan and Elijah's partnership evolves during the course of the hunt, and their growing attraction and affection for each other is the type of happily-ever-after story that makes me love the Romance genre. Mae Clair's writing style and voice tell a spell-binding story that you'll want to read more than once.

[Kourtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Clair has a knack for creating characters you enjoy hanging out with. You find yourself giggling, laughing and groaning at their shenanigans.

Cassidy and Elijah are not just gifted with amazing names and the looks to match. They are interesting characters and their chemistry is undeniable from page one. Well except for Cassidy. She's happy to deny it for a while. And it adds to their sexual tension.

Ms. Clair makes the setting come to life. I felt like I was on the beach in this quaint New England town. And slurping grape soda at the Soda Shack.

This fun, fast read is a nice blend of romance and treasure hunt with a dash of mystery.

The riddles of the treasure hunt were well crafted. And I wasn't able to unlock them on my own.

The romance and the treasure hunt move along at a good pace and I kept coming back to the story, finishing the book in 3 days.


Great work Ms. Clair! I'll definitely keep an eye out for your next book.

[Bibi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I so wanted to love this being that the older woman/younger man trope is a favourite of mine. It wasn't meant to be I suppose.

*Major Spoilers*

35-year-old woman goes on a trip (as a favour to her Uncle) to secure an artefact.
Meets 25 yr old super smart handsome male while on said trip.
Both need to work as a team to solve a mystery, in order to secure said artefact.
They spend 5 days solving one puzzle a day and are in love by day 3
An adversary intent on scuttling their plan emerges
Hero reconnects with long-lost family member
Danger! Adversary not averse to physically hurting any (i.e H & h) and everyone
Hero prevails
Heroine secures artefact
They live happily ever after.

I was so bored and gladly skimmed my way to the last word.

[Emma Meade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved trying to figure out the clues with Elijah and Reagan. At times, this book felt like a wickedly enjoyable old school murder mystery, despite nothing so sinister going on. I kept thinking of Cluedo :). The descriptions of the beach and boardwalk brought me right back to the summer I spent time in Rehoboth Beach. I could almost taste the hotdogs and fries, hear the seagulls screeching right above my head and smell the Atlantic. The romance between Reagan and Elijah was refreshing. I adored Elijah's flirtatious nature. A fun, summery read.

[D.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a hot geek hero, and Dr. Elijah Cross does not disappoint. Being a bit more on the *ahem* mature side myself, I also love that this smart and sexy young Ph.D. is paired with older heroine Reagan Cassidy. How refreshing!

Rounding out the story is a maritime mystery featuring a cast of 'Clue' worthy characters, balancing the romance with action and adventure. The side characters are just as engaging and fun as the romantic pair. I loved the plot twists as much as I loved the delicious anticipation of will they/won't they/oh-for-the-love-just-get-ON-with-it!

Definitely recommend!

[Christina Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Mae Clair's new novel, Twelfth Sun. She gave me all the things I want in a romance novel and more. Between the history and the mystery, I was hooked from page one. As for Dr. Elijah Cross...well, sexy and intelligent is a combination that will get me every time. I adored him. He's going on my list of favorite heroes, and Mae Clair is now on my list of favorite authors. I especially liked her vivid descriptions. She made it easy for me to visualize the scenes, which added immensely to my enjoyment of the book. If you want an entertaining read, Twelfth Sun is it.

[Dakota Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nanee's Review: upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com

Action, intrigue, and sexy fun....Reagan and Elijah when they first met were funny, him with his sexy grin and charm and her with her snippy attitude and not take shit from anybody glare. The cast of characters were all intriguing during their scavenger hunt a lot of mysterious things start happening, this books keeps you on your toes that for sure. I loved Elijah he's so sexy and smart and oh so devilish and sometimes immature and oh so drool worthy....very unique book, great characters...4

[Christy Olesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary romance has a surprising, twisting plot with history, mystery and romance. And a treasure hunt! It kept me guessing and entertained. The cast of characters is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie ensemble. The beach side location makes this a great summer read. The hero and heroine are not your usual romance couple, and their romance is genuine and sensual. An all around enjoyable story, well crafted.

[andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Couple didn't have much chemistry imo, the two stars were for the treasure hunt.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me forever to finish. Started off great but as you can tell I really struggled to finish it. Not at all believable and it lacked pace for me. It dragged......

[Charlotte Wiebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

probably more of a 3 and 1/2 stars but fun treasure hunt.

[Bibliophile at large · Rating 1 out of 5]

started off ok but for me, it went downhill at 50%

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and love story — absolutely loved this one!

[Megha · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Rosario]

Regan Cassidy has agreed to help out her uncle by attending an auction and bidding for a volume he's been after for a while: a journal written by someone who was on a ship that was mysteriously lost at sea. She's to meet up with a professional contact of her uncle's, a marine archaeologist who's going to authenticate the journal. And it was their first meeting that put me off. Basically, Reagan is exactly the kind of heroine that really annoys me. The book opens with her mistakenly going into the wrong hotel room. She manages to come in right at the moment when the occupant (no points if you guess that it's the very marine archeologist she's meant to meet up with) is coming out of the bathroom naked. She flips. Fair enough. But then once they sort out the misunderstanding, she acts like a twit. She's all mortified and becomes really weirdly aggressive and formal with him, even in their further interactions when it becomes clear who Eli is. She treats him as if he's done something horribly wrong and offensive to her, when he did nothing of the kind (other than make some mild jokes when she was invading his room and accusing him of being a sexual predator). Seriously, woman, get over yourself.

The problem with this is that although the storyline was potentially intriguing (I loved the idea of the shipwreck and the mysterious log) and the hero seemed fine, Regan continued to be a complete ninny. I couldn't face spending more time with her, so I bailed.

MY GRADE: A DNF.

[Elisabeth Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

All right, I admit one of my guilty pleasures in books is the "older woman, younger man" scenario, especially when the younger man is well-educated and accomplished. I also love books with history and mystery elements. "Twelfth Sun" had all of those things and more and I enjoyed every page!
Reagan is asked by her uncle to meet with Elijah, a marine archaeologist. Elijah is supposed to authenticate a marine journal that is for sale and then Reagan will purchase it on her uncle's behalf. When they arrive at the home of the person who owns the journal, they discover other parties who are also expecting to buy it. Imagine their surprise when they find out the owner has come up with a competition - each team has a certain amount of time each day to solve a cryptic clue. At the end of the week, whoever has solved all the clues wins the journal.
Although the ending was incredibly unrealistic, even for fiction, this book was still a lot of fun. Fast-paced, lots of action, characters with a lot of depth and a sweet love story all equal me reading more by this author!!!

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was a nice surprise! I wasn't expecting the whodunit or treasure hunt, but I liked it. I didn't realize I was already near the end once I checked my progress.

It was supposed to be a straightforward transaction for Reagan, but somehow she and Elijah was dragged into something much bigger than just a journal. Honestly, I should've seen it, but I rarely have these things right. Even in the cop shows my mom (and inadvertently, I as well) likes to watch, I never figure out who the culprit is.

This was a good ride, lol, the poetry and symbolism, Reagan and Elijah going around figuring out clues so as to acquire the journal - all quite fun!

[Staci Troilo]

I love a steamy romance, particularly when the plot is intricate and the story is character-driven. Mae Clair delivers on all counts. TWELFTH SUN has everything you could possibly want in a story. The hero is as hunky as they come, plus he's a genius. The heroine is plucky and smart in her own right, and the two of them together make an unconventional yet marvelous pair. Throw in a mystery, a secret history, and an unexpected villain, and you've got a winner.

And that's exactly what TWELFTH SUN offers.

Not many stories keep me guessing until the end, but this one carried me along to the last. A fast-paced and delicious read, I highly recommend it.