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St. Kilda Consulting #3
Innocent as Sin
The New York Times bestelling queen of of romantic suspense―an author hailed as “a cut above”* returns with an exceptional thriller packed with her trademark combination of passion, danger, and intrigue Throwing himself into his painting, Rand McCee wishes the swirls of light and color can erase the memory of his beloved brother’s murder. On a scouting assignment for St. Kilda Consulting, a Manhattan-based, global business that concentrates on the shadow world where governments can’t go, Rand’s twin was shot in cold blood before Rand’s eyes. Finally coming to terms with the fact that he will never be able to find the man responsible―a mysterious figure known as “The Siberian”―Rand just wants to forget. But as he soon learns, the past won’t let him. . . . Helping a rich socialite finance an art exhibition, Arizona banker Kayla Shawn has unwittingly become entangled in a deadly web of lies and deceit involving money laundering. When her employer tries to buy her silence, Kayla knows she’s in way over her head, with only one way Rand. Though their attraction is instant and intense, it’s not enough to overcome their mutual suspicion. Somehow Kayla and Rand must learn to work together to unmask a terrifying enemy before they land in jail―or the grave.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published June 12, 2007
138 people are currently reading
1035 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Lowell
208 books1,921 followersIndividually and with co-author/husband Evan, Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one work of non-fiction. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. Her novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery. After working in contemporary and historical romance, she became an innovator in the genre of romantic suspense.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
February 24, 2012
I don't really know what to say, so maybe it's time for a story.
Once upon a time I was sitting in a café where it was not frowned upon to buy a skim-soy weak decaf latte. I was with an old friend and her latest boyfriend who was wearing black jeans, black doc-martins (with purple laces) and a black t-shirt boldly emblazoned with the Japanese character for "woman". Making an effort at polite conversation while I nearly threw up the god awful flavored coffee I was served we got to discussing books and he mentioned he was reading Beowulf.
"That's an interesting book, I read a translation of it a few years ago." I said. He looked at me like I had just said I stole food from orphans.
"I'm reading it in the original Old English, which is how it should be read!" he firmly stated. Okay...I've done quite a few language courses over the years. I've lost most of it but I can speak enough German to get into trouble, not quite enough to get out of trouble. I can chat a girl up in Spanish. I can speak a smattering of Indonesian. A very little Persian and Arabic. My two best languages are Japanese and of course English, modern English. I resisted the urge to point out that the character on his t-shirt said "woman" and told him I don't really have the time to learn a language that I would only use for a single book.
Naturally he looked down on my lack of sophistication as he sipped his hazelnut flavored mochachino.
So back to Elizabeth Lowell. If you've ever read her books, you know what to expect and she delivers it. There is nothing surprising in this book but it's well written and entertaining. Perhaps the biggest selling point for this book, is that pretentious gits who sit in trendy cafés pretending to read books they don't understand wouldn't be seen dead holding a book by Elizabeth Lowell. With that in mind, maybe I like Elizabeth Lowell....a lot.
Once upon a time I was sitting in a café where it was not frowned upon to buy a skim-soy weak decaf latte. I was with an old friend and her latest boyfriend who was wearing black jeans, black doc-martins (with purple laces) and a black t-shirt boldly emblazoned with the Japanese character for "woman". Making an effort at polite conversation while I nearly threw up the god awful flavored coffee I was served we got to discussing books and he mentioned he was reading Beowulf.
"That's an interesting book, I read a translation of it a few years ago." I said. He looked at me like I had just said I stole food from orphans.
"I'm reading it in the original Old English, which is how it should be read!" he firmly stated. Okay...I've done quite a few language courses over the years. I've lost most of it but I can speak enough German to get into trouble, not quite enough to get out of trouble. I can chat a girl up in Spanish. I can speak a smattering of Indonesian. A very little Persian and Arabic. My two best languages are Japanese and of course English, modern English. I resisted the urge to point out that the character on his t-shirt said "woman" and told him I don't really have the time to learn a language that I would only use for a single book.
Naturally he looked down on my lack of sophistication as he sipped his hazelnut flavored mochachino.
So back to Elizabeth Lowell. If you've ever read her books, you know what to expect and she delivers it. There is nothing surprising in this book but it's well written and entertaining. Perhaps the biggest selling point for this book, is that pretentious gits who sit in trendy cafés pretending to read books they don't understand wouldn't be seen dead holding a book by Elizabeth Lowell. With that in mind, maybe I like Elizabeth Lowell....a lot.
May 11, 2011
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
The romance was kind of bland. I’ve read some really amazing romance novels by Elizabeth Lowell, but this definitely wasn’t one of them. The romance between Kayla and Rand happened fast and without the gripping emotions usually found in Lowell’s writing. There were opportunities to build on the characters (Rand’s twin brother’s death, his being a painter, Kayla’s travels, her parents’ deaths) that could have added depth to the romance but that were not capitalized upon.
In some ways, the bad guys of the story were just as compelling as the good guys (or perhaps even more so, since they seemed more believable). I am not sure that this was the intention. I also felt like the perspective shifted between characters so frequently that it was sometimes difficult to keep straight who was thinking what. Some of the chapters were very short. Not quite on the same level as James Patterson short chapters, but enough so that it was slightly bothersome, and I found myself setting the book down constantly at the end of chapters to check Twitter and Facebook and generally not read.
It should be noted that while this book is part of a series, it doesn’t seem necessary to read the books in order.
The romance was kind of bland. I’ve read some really amazing romance novels by Elizabeth Lowell, but this definitely wasn’t one of them. The romance between Kayla and Rand happened fast and without the gripping emotions usually found in Lowell’s writing. There were opportunities to build on the characters (Rand’s twin brother’s death, his being a painter, Kayla’s travels, her parents’ deaths) that could have added depth to the romance but that were not capitalized upon.
In some ways, the bad guys of the story were just as compelling as the good guys (or perhaps even more so, since they seemed more believable). I am not sure that this was the intention. I also felt like the perspective shifted between characters so frequently that it was sometimes difficult to keep straight who was thinking what. Some of the chapters were very short. Not quite on the same level as James Patterson short chapters, but enough so that it was slightly bothersome, and I found myself setting the book down constantly at the end of chapters to check Twitter and Facebook and generally not read.
It should be noted that while this book is part of a series, it doesn’t seem necessary to read the books in order.
October 27, 2024
This was another excellent romantic suspense title in the St. Kilda series by Elizabeth Lowell. It begins in Africa when two twin brothers are spying on an arms sale in order to find evidence against a man they know as the Siberian. When discovered, one of the twins is killed and the surviving twin vows revenge.
Five years later and in Arizona, personal banker Kayla Shaw finds herself involved with a very rich man and his wife. She soon discovers that he might be laundering money and that, since her boss gave her the account, she is probably liable for assisting in the money laundering.
Unknown to her, but not to St Kilda, is that the man she works for is the Siberian now with a cleaned up image and an international passport. He is also planning another attempt to overthrow an African country so that he can capture their oil reserves. St Kilda is determined to stop him. They recruit Rand McCree who has become an artist but has never stopped wanting to find the Siberian and exact his revenge.
Kayla and Rand meet at an art contest arranged by the Siberian's wife. He is immediately attracted to her and determined to protect her. She shares his attraction and definitely needs her help if she is going to stay out of prison for money laundering.
The story was packed with danger for both main characters since the Siberian has lots of evil henchmen in his employ. But St Kilda isn't without its own resources.
I really enjoyed this story which was originally published in 2007. It didn't feel at all dated though some references to Watergate and the 9/11 attack were woven into the plot.
Five years later and in Arizona, personal banker Kayla Shaw finds herself involved with a very rich man and his wife. She soon discovers that he might be laundering money and that, since her boss gave her the account, she is probably liable for assisting in the money laundering.
Unknown to her, but not to St Kilda, is that the man she works for is the Siberian now with a cleaned up image and an international passport. He is also planning another attempt to overthrow an African country so that he can capture their oil reserves. St Kilda is determined to stop him. They recruit Rand McCree who has become an artist but has never stopped wanting to find the Siberian and exact his revenge.
Kayla and Rand meet at an art contest arranged by the Siberian's wife. He is immediately attracted to her and determined to protect her. She shares his attraction and definitely needs her help if she is going to stay out of prison for money laundering.
The story was packed with danger for both main characters since the Siberian has lots of evil henchmen in his employ. But St Kilda isn't without its own resources.
I really enjoyed this story which was originally published in 2007. It didn't feel at all dated though some references to Watergate and the 9/11 attack were woven into the plot.
February 14, 2023
Loved the characters. Good guys vs bad guys and good guys win! Would read more of this series.
August 15, 2011
This was my third pick for vacation novels this year, and while the back cover and the first few lines of the first chapter intrigued me when I first picked it up, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
Innocent as Sin is touted as a suspense novel, and it does open with a whodunit question - who killed the photographer? Unfortunately, from there it delves into the world of international banking with a different protagonist that is hard to get to know, not easy to like, and boring in her hobbies and reaction to threat and intimidation. I had to drag myself through the first three quarters of the book, waiting for the payoff of seeing the bad guy from the very first few lines of the book get his due. In retrospect, I should have put the book down. Unfortunately for me, I was on vacation at the time, and when you're camping and on your last book, it isn't so easy to toss it aside and head to the nearest bookstore or library for something fresh and new!
I found this book to drag a bit. Okay, a lot. I didn't feel compelled by the characters, I rooted for the bad guy at some points because I found the female protagonist so annoyingly boring. I wouldn't recommend it, but hey, you may have a different take; maybe I've just read so many great books this year that mediocre doesn't cut it any more!
Innocent as Sin is touted as a suspense novel, and it does open with a whodunit question - who killed the photographer? Unfortunately, from there it delves into the world of international banking with a different protagonist that is hard to get to know, not easy to like, and boring in her hobbies and reaction to threat and intimidation. I had to drag myself through the first three quarters of the book, waiting for the payoff of seeing the bad guy from the very first few lines of the book get his due. In retrospect, I should have put the book down. Unfortunately for me, I was on vacation at the time, and when you're camping and on your last book, it isn't so easy to toss it aside and head to the nearest bookstore or library for something fresh and new!
I found this book to drag a bit. Okay, a lot. I didn't feel compelled by the characters, I rooted for the bad guy at some points because I found the female protagonist so annoyingly boring. I wouldn't recommend it, but hey, you may have a different take; maybe I've just read so many great books this year that mediocre doesn't cut it any more!
July 29, 2012
The plot about Kayla Shaw who as a private banker, gets maneuvered into doing questionable things for a client who turns out to be a crook, and then has to try to avoid jail from the IRS, or, worse, death as her "client" decides she's a loose end, is a good one.
The story moves quickly, there's plenty of excitement, and, of course, there's the growing attraction between Kayla and Rand, the agent of the mysterious St. Kilda Consulting, who, for his own personal reasons, has a vested interest in helping Kayla - or, more accurately, in nailing her bad guy client who's trying to blackmail Kayla in continuing to make questionable banking transactions on his behalf.
But the book also gives you interesting information about the state of Arizona, where the story mainly takes place. I found the descriptions of the politics, the art, the history and the demographics of Arizona that were sprinkled through the book to be most intriguing, and I have a friend who lives there who confirmed that all of that info was accurate. So that was just an additional layer to the story that kept my interest.
I listened to this as an audio book, and the narrator had a good voice with lots of variety for the various characters. As mentioned this is a fast-moving, exciting story that hits all the key aspects one would expect in a Lowell book.
The story moves quickly, there's plenty of excitement, and, of course, there's the growing attraction between Kayla and Rand, the agent of the mysterious St. Kilda Consulting, who, for his own personal reasons, has a vested interest in helping Kayla - or, more accurately, in nailing her bad guy client who's trying to blackmail Kayla in continuing to make questionable banking transactions on his behalf.
But the book also gives you interesting information about the state of Arizona, where the story mainly takes place. I found the descriptions of the politics, the art, the history and the demographics of Arizona that were sprinkled through the book to be most intriguing, and I have a friend who lives there who confirmed that all of that info was accurate. So that was just an additional layer to the story that kept my interest.
I listened to this as an audio book, and the narrator had a good voice with lots of variety for the various characters. As mentioned this is a fast-moving, exciting story that hits all the key aspects one would expect in a Lowell book.
March 4, 2017
Kayla Shaw is a private banker who somehow gets trapped in a world of money laundering, arms running and blackmail. Rand Mcree, an artist whose twin brother was killed by "the Siberian" (the very same man blackmailing Kayla) goes to work for St. Kilda Consulting in order to bring the guy down. He's got a mission of revenge and once he gets to know Kayla, it becomes about protecting her too.
For sheer suspense and action, this is a 4-star plot. It's a riveting story with plenty of action to keep you reading. The romance is VERY secondary except for the fact that Rand's love for Kayla really motivates him toward the end of the book. Otherwise, it's primarily a suspense plot. But I feel like I need to subtract .5 stars because much of the banking information and even the action scenes became confusing at times and I would have to re-read in order to follow what was happening or to understand banking... And I really don't understand banking. With better explanations, I might have been able to follow that part of it a bit better. This really is a great story though!
And on a side note. I love Elizabeth Lowell's heroines. They're tough (with just the right degree of vulnerability) and sarcastic, but they don't come across as rude, bitchy or socially clueless. They still manage to be strong and likeable without that tough as nails, invulnerable attitude.
For sheer suspense and action, this is a 4-star plot. It's a riveting story with plenty of action to keep you reading. The romance is VERY secondary except for the fact that Rand's love for Kayla really motivates him toward the end of the book. Otherwise, it's primarily a suspense plot. But I feel like I need to subtract .5 stars because much of the banking information and even the action scenes became confusing at times and I would have to re-read in order to follow what was happening or to understand banking... And I really don't understand banking. With better explanations, I might have been able to follow that part of it a bit better. This really is a great story though!
And on a side note. I love Elizabeth Lowell's heroines. They're tough (with just the right degree of vulnerability) and sarcastic, but they don't come across as rude, bitchy or socially clueless. They still manage to be strong and likeable without that tough as nails, invulnerable attitude.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2008
Elizabeth Lowell's thriller Innocent as Sin continues her recent series of books featuring St. Kilda Consulting--her latest plot device for having studly, competent heroes run around with whip-smart, brave heroines, while things and people get shot at and other things explode and pasts get angsted over and crosses and double-crosses happen and oh yeah there's passionate smooching and sex, too.
In short, pretty much the perfect thing to read when you're sick. ;)
This installment has the studly competent hero embodied by Rand McCree, whose obligatory angsted-over-past is the death of his twin brother Reed five years before. The heroine is Kayla Shaw, a private banker set up to take the fall for laundered funds by her gun-running employer--who, of course, is the same person who caused the death of Rand's brother. Kayla throws her lot in with Rand, and they both throw in with St. Kilda to take the bad guy down.
Nothing terribly new or unusual here, not even for Elizabeth Lowell, but a well-executed and diverting read nonetheless. Three stars.
In short, pretty much the perfect thing to read when you're sick. ;)
This installment has the studly competent hero embodied by Rand McCree, whose obligatory angsted-over-past is the death of his twin brother Reed five years before. The heroine is Kayla Shaw, a private banker set up to take the fall for laundered funds by her gun-running employer--who, of course, is the same person who caused the death of Rand's brother. Kayla throws her lot in with Rand, and they both throw in with St. Kilda to take the bad guy down.
Nothing terribly new or unusual here, not even for Elizabeth Lowell, but a well-executed and diverting read nonetheless. Three stars.
December 10, 2021
Back at St kilda's consulting. Really good action storyline. As someone who works in financial services I found the banking aspect pretty interesting but that might not be everyone's cup of tea - I'm a dork. Less emphasis on the heat and romance but I was okay with that.
February 1, 2010
An engrossing read
November 4, 2019
St Kilda Consulting, Joe and Grace Faroe, money laundering, and an innocent banker caught in the middle of a bad man. Excellent read.
October 15, 2024
Kayla Shaw is a private banker for an Arizona bank. She handles money transfers, deposits, and withdrawals for very wealthy clients. Banking is a way to pay the bills, not Kayla’s life’s work. For several months, she has been the banker for Elena and Andre Bertone, assigned by her supervisor Steve Foley. Foley and Bertone see her as pliable, manipulatable, and expendable.
Rand McCree is now a painter and formerly an operative for St. Kilda Consulting, an organization that works on the fringes where governments cannot. When Rand and his twin Reed were taking surveillance photos of Bertone, an illegal arms dealer called the Siberian, Rand was murdered by Bertone. Kayla and Rand cross paths when St. Kilda needs him to confirm that Bertone is, in fact, the Siberian. Threats, intimidation, and millions of dollars to be laundered, lead to a high stakes game of life and death.
Romantic suspense allows the tension with the security that things will work out in the end. Lowell creates likable characters that readers will enjoy spending time with, and very unlikable characters that readers will loath. The conclusion is predictable, but the getting there provides the entertainment with growing respect and love along the way. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Catherine Coulter’s FBI suspense thrillers; Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters; Danielle Steel – Betrayal; Cindy Gerard – Take No Prisoners.
Pace: Fast-paced; Intensifying
Character: Strong women; strong men; intelligent and resourceful; nasty bad guys; good, appealing secondary cast
Identities: Caucasian
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing style: Evocative; Engaging; Banter
Tone: Steamy; Suspenseful
Mood: Secure shivers
Frame: Camgeria (West Africa); Phoenix AZ; Seattle; Contemporary and 5 years earlier
Themes: Entrapment; Revenge; Race against time
Red flags/Trigger warning: Moderate rough language; kidnapping
Rand McCree is now a painter and formerly an operative for St. Kilda Consulting, an organization that works on the fringes where governments cannot. When Rand and his twin Reed were taking surveillance photos of Bertone, an illegal arms dealer called the Siberian, Rand was murdered by Bertone. Kayla and Rand cross paths when St. Kilda needs him to confirm that Bertone is, in fact, the Siberian. Threats, intimidation, and millions of dollars to be laundered, lead to a high stakes game of life and death.
Romantic suspense allows the tension with the security that things will work out in the end. Lowell creates likable characters that readers will enjoy spending time with, and very unlikable characters that readers will loath. The conclusion is predictable, but the getting there provides the entertainment with growing respect and love along the way. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Catherine Coulter’s FBI suspense thrillers; Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters; Danielle Steel – Betrayal; Cindy Gerard – Take No Prisoners.
Pace: Fast-paced; Intensifying
Character: Strong women; strong men; intelligent and resourceful; nasty bad guys; good, appealing secondary cast
Identities: Caucasian
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing style: Evocative; Engaging; Banter
Tone: Steamy; Suspenseful
Mood: Secure shivers
Frame: Camgeria (West Africa); Phoenix AZ; Seattle; Contemporary and 5 years earlier
Themes: Entrapment; Revenge; Race against time
Red flags/Trigger warning: Moderate rough language; kidnapping
December 31, 2018
Continuing with the characters from the last book, the not quite secret agency has added the now pregnant former judge and her son to the team. The "research/political" focus of this book is gunrunning, money laundering and oil.
Still some heavy breathing and such strong sexual attraction that right in the middle of running for her life the "heroine" has to stop and lust over a man she met the day before. Lowell did limit herself to one sex scene interspersed with juvenile pillow talk.
I do find that when Lowell's political views and mine are not drastically different, I enjoy her books more. In this book she clearly states that wars are about making some people rich, and who cares if poor people die in them.
Still some heavy breathing and such strong sexual attraction that right in the middle of running for her life the "heroine" has to stop and lust over a man she met the day before. Lowell did limit herself to one sex scene interspersed with juvenile pillow talk.
I do find that when Lowell's political views and mine are not drastically different, I enjoy her books more. In this book she clearly states that wars are about making some people rich, and who cares if poor people die in them.
November 12, 2025
I'll keep it a buck 50 with you. I went into this book not expecting much. I got it for free while I was on vacation in the Outer Banks. Since I didn't bring any books with me, I decided to just cave and read it. Little did I know, that this book would actually be really engaging.
They always say don't judge a book by its cover, and while I generally believe that to be false (I always judge a book based on the cover), I can say that I'm truly humbled since my expectations were so low. I would recommend anyone to read this book as I quite enjoyed it!
They always say don't judge a book by its cover, and while I generally believe that to be false (I always judge a book based on the cover), I can say that I'm truly humbled since my expectations were so low. I would recommend anyone to read this book as I quite enjoyed it!
September 26, 2019
The action made this story worth reading for me, but I hated the romance between Rand and Kayla. They had zero chemistry, way too much insta-love, and made commitments to each other that just felt false considering how little they knew each other.
It would have been so much better if we had been treated to a "slow burn" sort of relationship--a growing awareness, building desire, meaningful moments.
It would have been so much better if we had been treated to a "slow burn" sort of relationship--a growing awareness, building desire, meaningful moments.
July 22, 2022
This was a mediocre story with a protagonist, Kayla Shaw, who was hard for me to like.
Money laundering, a rich, powerful man, who killed adversaries on a whim, and a romance that read like a teen novel all together did not appeal to me.
Money laundering, a rich, powerful man, who killed adversaries on a whim, and a romance that read like a teen novel all together did not appeal to me.
September 7, 2022
I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5 if I could. I really enjoyed the authors other books and I like her style of writing, but it was a bit hard to keep up with all the banking jargon and everything happening in one weekend
December 19, 2022
The Kilda series was almost as good as the Rarities but maybe since I read the Rarities books first I like them a little better. This is still a great series. Always entertaining to read another book by this author who is one of my all time favorites, especially in the romance genre.
July 4, 2024
4.5 stars c2007
Just a bit overrated .. because this should have a 4 star rating overall :)
The banking background was interesting.
The reference to 9/11/01 was good.
Loved that Joe Faroe and family were seen again in this tale.
Just a bit overrated .. because this should have a 4 star rating overall :)
The banking background was interesting.
The reference to 9/11/01 was good.
Loved that Joe Faroe and family were seen again in this tale.
June 29, 2017
It has an interesting story, but I'm not into romance mixed in with my bad guys.
April 16, 2018
Week 26 of the 2018 Reading Challenge: A Book with a Text Only Cover. Elizabeth Lowell is always a good solid read but with a little too much romance for me to really love them.
July 2, 2018
I enjoyed this as I do most of E. Lowell's action/romances. I liked the 2nd St. Kilda Consulting book better though - about the Judge and her son.
December 30, 2018
Good book. Always enjoy the St Kilda series.
July 23, 2020
Easy and entertaining read.
September 23, 2020
A typical, entertaining blow-‘em sky high suspense novel.
May 9, 2021
This was excellent. I don't even know how this was on my book shelf. It was engaging enough to stay up too late! Will read the 1st 2!
May 20, 2021
Very good
May 18, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. As always there is romance, action and a touch of humour to lighten it up. My 2nd read after a few years and still as good as the first time.
June 10, 2022
Will this book change your life? Probably not. Is it a nice, fun read? Yes.
May 18, 2023
This was not as juicy (read explicitly sexy) as the previous novels were though it tied in well with all the other facets of St. Kilda Consulting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews