Sizzling Sunset

Royal Command #5

by Sarah Stuart

Michael Marsh escaped backstreet poverty and has enjoyed over forty years of showbiz success, but still his life is dogged by The Spy, a faceless journalist intent on bringing down the Diamond Superstar and seeing him jailed. Michael has been accused of incest with his eldest daughter, Lisette, and murdering his first wife, Elspeth. Now, his youngest daughter, Greta, is in trouble, again, and Michael’s second wife, Evie, begins to doubt him... Can the Marsh women withstand yet more scandal and find everlasting love?

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2020

About the author

Sarah Stuart is the multi-award-winning author of the sizzling Royal Command Family Saga, Christian Richard and Maria trilogy, and DCI Gerald Croft Thrillers.

She is a Readers' Favorite reviewer, and her passions are theatre, music, history, travel. and wildlife. 100% of her royalties are donated to animal charities worldwide.

Reviews

[Jan Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read the other four books in the Royal Command Family Saga, you are going to appreciate the way Ms. Stuart wraps this story up. This segment of the story focuses on Greta Marsh, the teenaged daughter of the Diamond Superstar, Michael Marsh. Greta, because she is his daughter, has been targeted numerous times including being kidnapped and taken into a sex trafficking ring. In this book, we see young Greta longing for some sort of normalcy. She wants to date but the private detective Michael hired nixes every possible suitor. When Greta takes a risk and meets a man she's met through theater at his home, she almost becomes a victim of rape. From there, things unfold rapidly for young Greta. And when Michael and Greta's stepmother go on an extensive concert tour in the U.S., little do they know the young boy and his sister whom they rescue will be Greta's true love. What I like most about this story is the way it comes in a full circle. What I mean by that is in the beginning, book one, Michael is poor and has a dream of making it big on stage. Elspeth, born of money and heritage, falls hopelessly in love with Michael and of course, his dreams come true. In this book, Greta falls in love with a boy who has nothing, just as her mother had done. Another thing I loved about this story segment is that the royal jewels from the diary of Margaret Tudor which was passed down through generations, were woven into Greta's wedding bouquet. A perfect ending to a high drama saga. The Spy (a tabloid reporter) has wreaked havoc on the March family for years and he is finally brought to light in this book with a satisfying conclusion. I do highly recommend reading the books in sequential order to keep the characters and incidents clear. Otherwise, you might be a little confused. Ms. Stuart has a talent for pulling out all the stops in her storytelling.

[Shmuel Yaccoby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A notable family suspense

One scene moves to another one, with terrific dialogues, like in a good TV series. I haven’t read the previous books, so I could use my imagination to build up the main characters and the unfolding plotline free of judgment. I like that each chapter told from a different character's point of view. Refreshing and elegant way to make those characters round. I could easily follow their thoughts and goals.

One thing that I missed having is some description of the characters’ looks, though the author made it easier for me to imagine through their actions and reactions. Overall, a family drama with everything needed to make this a pleasure read and great escapism.

[David Boiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling drama in this novella…

I haven’t read the other books in this series but now plan to. This reads more as a family saga, driven by drama and interesting characters, instead of a romance novel. That, to me, makes it that much more interesting. The author concentrates less on fluff and more on intrigue and real family relationships. The pace is upbeat, and the story flies by while never dragging or slow. Engaging and fresh, if you are interested in family sagas, with a bit of romance thrown in, this is a book for you.

[Sarah Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling Sunset is a new release. These are two of the 5-star reviews published on Amazon, which I'm sure are a more flattering, but I trust accurate, opinions than I could write.

Insecurities in the Marsh family rise to the surface as Michael’s past indiscretions come back to haunt him. Relationships are at breaking point as scandalmongering by The Spy, who is intent on bringing the Diamond Superstar down, brings the focus back on Michael and Lisette’s incestuous affair, and the accusation that Michael murdered his first wife, Elspeth. Is it any wonder his second wife, Evie, is having doubts? Sizzling Sunset is anything but dull! Beautifully written with a very engaging style, this is another peek into the unconventional family life of a superstar.

The fifth book in the Royal Command Family Saga does more than resolve issues from the first four in unguessable ways, it’s a gripping story in its own right. Fast-paced with lots of action, it takes readers back to America and introduces new characters! Having lived in the USA, I can vouch for their authenticity. If you read it first, and you could, I guarantee you’ll be back for the others. Highly recommended.