Her invention could save thousands of lives…if she can survive long enough to share it.
Jacqui’s research could lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and she’s determined to ensure the technology goes to the company with the best shot at creating life-saving products, not just the highest bidder. When her lab is broken into, she realizes her partner is desperate to get his hands on her research and the money it’ll bring. Jacqui goes into hiding, planning to lie low until she can find a buyer who lives up to her expectations.
Reid’s life is all about protecting his daughter, but when she leaves for a month to visit her mother, he finds himself at loose ends. The pretty new manager at the ice cream shop seems like a good diversion, but he soon realizes there’s more to Jacqui than doling out scoops of rocky road. When he senses danger, he’s tempted to step away—he won’t allow any threat to come near his daughter—but how can he turn his back on a woman in danger, one he’s coming to care for?
Jacqui’s former partner is closing in and getting more desperate by the day. He’ll stop at nothing to get the payout he feels he deserves.
Join Jacqui and Reid as they navigate this pulse-pounding, faith-filled adventure into the high-stakes world of medical research, innovation, and greed.
Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball-and-chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.
In book three of the Coventry Saga Series, main character Jacqui is a genius. She's developed technology that could lead to the creation of life saving products. While her scientific mind is phenomenal, her social and communication skills are not as strong.
Reid meets Jacqui while she is temporarily managing an ice cream parlor. While Reid's young daughter is out of state with her mother, he finds helping Jacqui with the business aspects of her company just the distraction he needs.
While I enjoyed many aspects of the novel, I didn't love the bickering and mistrust that was frequent between the two main characters. Overall, a good suspense novel and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review. Betrayal of Genius is book #3 of the Coventry Saga series by Robin Patchen. Not having read the first books in this series, I discovered there are references to past events from the previous stories, but they did not keep me from understanding or enjoying this book as a stand-alone, although I would suggest reading the first two books before Betrayal of Genius. A classic inspirational romantic suspense, Robin Patchen incorporates many important themes into this story. I found the emphasis on parental love very encouraging, especially while reading the book during Father’s Day weekend. More than once the author reminds the reader that to a child love is spelled T-I-M-E, as evidenced by how much time Reid devoted to his daughter. On the flip side Jacqui’s father loved her with all his heart, but was lacking in the amount of time that he had spent with her as she was growing up. Another relevant theme is that of forgiveness, especially when betrayed by someone close to us and in whom we trust. Jacqui experienced this betrayal with Don Burgess, her ex-partner, and Reid experienced betrayal when he was abandoned by his wife Denise. Both Jacqui and Reid had to come to the point where they needed to willingly forgive those who had trespassed against them in order to move forward with the Lord and in their relationship with each other. A third theme was that of using our talents to honor our Creator. Jacqui’s talent was in the area of scientific research and inventing and her desire throughout the story was to use her neuron invention to better the lives of others. Reid used his business acumen to assist Jacqui in promoting her product, which she had no idea how to do. Our talents are to be used to glorify God and at the same time they help meet the needs of others around us. Betrayal of Genius is a well-balanced blend of romance and suspense, with enough twists and surprises to keep the reader engaged. I truly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading the other books in the Coventry Saga series.
Another fabulous romantic suspense novel from Robin Patchen! This one is the 3rd in the Coventry saga. While you don't need to read book 2 at all before this one, I would recommend reading book 1, Glimmer in the Darkness, before this one. While this story line can stand alone and you're given enough history to enjoy the story without the background from book 1, having the background in the first book is helpful to understanding a bit more about Reid Cote, who is a main character in this novel. I, for one, was glad to learn more of Reid's story and see what happened next! This book follows Jacqui Beal, a scientist who is hiding in Coventry waiting for the police to close the case on the wreckage of her lab, and Reid Cote, a single father who is a bit lost when his daughter goes to visit her mother for a few weeks. He opts to help Jacqui with some business items as her science-y brain doesn't compute the business element and they find themselves caught up in the struggles that Jacqui had been hiding from. And in the meantime, sparks fly between them.
One thing I really appreciated about this particular novel was how the characters' blind spots were so obvious to the other person and brought about the "plank in their own eye" theme as they discovered things about themselves by what irritated them about the other person. It felt very true to life in that manner and I was grateful to see characters mature enough to learn from those instances. In addition to the likable characters and more realistic romance elements, there was also a solid faith thread as they both leaned on their faith, sought forgiveness and learned to better trust God with those things they were holding close. The suspense was on point and the story line was interesting, including the scientific element. If you enjoy a good, clean, faith-filled romantic suspense novel, this is one I'd highly recommend!
Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
3.5 stars "Jacqueline Beal froze in the doorway of her lab and stared at the wreckage of her life's work."
Who would do this? Perhaps, the better question would be "why"? Surely her grief-stricken business partner would not have resorted to this kind of reckless backlash; and then again, she had disappointed him with her decision not to immediately sell her ingenious invention. Was there some gain in destroying it? Reluctantly, Jacqui decides to leave Boston in order to quietly reconstruct her life somewhere else for awhile. . . . and it just so happened to be in a little out of the way place called Coventry, New Hampshire.
Reid Cote and his young daughter Ella had enjoyed getting to know the nice lady in the ice cream shop, he just never dreamed that Jacqui Beal might play a role in his personal life. While his daughter visits his ex-wife for an extended stay, what began as curiosity about Jacqui swiftly grows into something entirely different. The more Reid discovers underneath the surface of the woman who is obviously a brilliant research scientist, the more he wants to know . . . . except that it appears Jacqui and her research have danger following them around like an unwanted guest. Can he risk getting involved . . . not if he wants to ensure Ella's safety. . . .and the last thing he needs is a romantic complication.
But Reid could pray, and pray he did, "I pray a hedge of protection around Jacqui, her home, her company, her employees, her invention. You have good plans for all of it and we believe You will bring those things to pass". Clearly Reid and Jacqui have embarked on an adventure of faith.
Enjoy this fast paced romantic suspense which draws out the best and the worst of two imperfect souls who sincerely want to lean on the God they love.
I love a good mystery and a budding romance and I especially love when believable characters can work through their issues in a mature manner. We have all been conditioned to think and act a certain way but when we can see our own reflection in others and choose to grow from the experience it is an inspirational and great example to follow. Good stories with realistic/interesting characters and suspenseful plots that also convey positive messages are my favorite reads. This one certainly fills the bill.
The writing is excellent, clean-cut and well-paced. I was drawn into the story and the emotions of each persona. The attraction between Reid and Jacqui is convincing and tastefully handled. I much prefer some sexual tension than a full- blown intimate expose when I read – their thoughts, words and actions are what matter most in a developing relationship.
Lastly, the message of faith is gently handled. For me, faith in God is also letting go of one’s ego and all of its conditioning. “Letting go and letting God” means trusting and believing for the best outcome regardless of the circumstances. Both Reid and Jacqui are put to the test.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read that keeps you guessing at the outcome up till the end. I would love to read more about where things go from here in the lives of these same characters...I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Robin Patchen doesn’t disappoint in Betrayal of Genius, Book 3 in the Coventry Saga series. Meet Jacqui Beal, researcher/scientist who is on the cusp of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. She has fled to Coventry, managing the ice cream shop after she discovers her lab has been broken into and destroyed. She suspects her partner, Don, friend of the family and a grandfather figure as the culprit. Don is in crisis following the death of his wife from cancer. He blames Jacqui to some degree as he intended to convince her to sell her research to a foreign company for financial gain which he believed would’ve enabled better treatment options for his wife. Reid frequents the ice cream shop to get his mind off his 6 yr daughter, Ella, who is visiting her mother in CA. Ella was kidnapped the year before and this is the first time they’ve been separated since her return. As Reid begins spending time with Jacqui and together they embark on a search for the truth behind the breaking and the resulting trail of deception, murder and lies. Along the way their faith and growing relationship are tested as they each learn to recognize and accept their individual weaknesses and shortcomings. A powerful story of learning to trust, grow in faith and see victory over greed and evil. This book is by far my favorite in this series! I received an ARC courtesy of the author and this review expresses my own thoughts.
Every time I read a romantic suspense book by Robin Patchen I think that it is her best yet, and Betrayal of Genius is no exception. Jacqueline (Jacqui) Beal has developed an artificial neuron. The possibilities for medical use are many, everything from treating heart failure to Alzheimer's to helping paraplegics. She wants to find just the right company to sell the patent license to, but there are complications, not the least of which is betrayal by one of her most trusted friends and former business partner. Reid Cote finds himself falling for Jacqui, but there are too many complications, the greatest of which is fending off his ex-wife's attempts to increase the time his little girl is away from him. How can he focus on that and help Jacqui cope with her problems? In fleshing out this plot, Patchen addresses trusting God with the hard things, the things that matter most. At times trust and faith must go beyond Christian platitudes. Sometimes we must take a stand and remain steadfast. Jacqui and Reid's stores give Patchen the perfect opportunity to remind us of this.
As always it has been an extreme pleasure to spend time within a Robin Patchen novel. I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of Betrayal of Genius from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
This is true Romantic Suspense…. with the emphasis on suspense and a faith filled dose of romance.
Medical research …. Inventions that can save lives …. Patents to keep things honest. All sounds good, right? Well, not if it falls into the wrong hands. Greed has no conscience. Pain justifies just about anything it touches. Deception is as old as Adam and Eve. There’s always an enemy ready to pounce.
This a a real Who Done It. And the big question is: Who Really Done It? I learned a long time ago to watch for clues. Here the Heroine, Jacqui had her life turned upside down. She’s invented a neuron that, if developed properly, will save and improve lives …. from mental to physical disorders. Ahhhh, but how will that affect or impact Big Pharma? Diseases cured means money lost in medicine. She walks into her office one day and finds it destroyed. Thankfully, she hid her work and the culprits didn’t get their hands on it. But where to now? What to do? She has to wait for insurance money to replace all that expensive equipment.
That’s the easy part though …. she also has to get away. As the police told her, the attack looked personal. Her life probably is in danger. She flees to to a place far enough away to be safely hidden but close enough to get back to her workplace if necessary. And who would even think she’d take a job running an ice cream store? Pretty genius move, right? And Jacqui is a genius. She’s also one to never give up.
In her new job, she meets a single dad and his young daughter, Reid and Ella Cote. Reid has skills and talents that Jacqui lacks. He’s has the business and sales abilities needed to promote Jackie’s invention to reputable businesses, laboratories and medical personnel.
Reid is attracted to Jacqui but has been burned badly by love before. He’s drawn to Jacqui but tries to convince himself that he’ll keep it casual and friendly. But, that just may be easier said than done. And yes, this is a standalone, but if you read ‘Glimmer in the Darkness’, you met Reid and little Ella there.
So, if you like a good Who Done It, a good faith filled hero and heroine, a good romance along with a healthy dose of suspense, you’ll want to read Betrayal of Genius. It will be interesting to find out Who Really Done It. As you read, always remember…. if God is for us, who can be against us? 😇
I was provided an advance copy of this book and am leaving my personal thoughts and opinions. This author is one to never disappoint me. I’ve enjoyed several of her books.
Suspenseful, action packed and a side of romance. What’s not to love. A key theme of this story is trusting God with the critical things of life and how we say we trust him but then we try to manage all the details. I love how this story shows God working through Jacqui and Reid’s life and guiding them each step of the way. But that doesn’t mean their lives are without trouble. In fact just the opposite. Jacqui realizes both her invention and her life is in danger and by extension Reid when he tries to help her. And while they begin to realize Jacqui’s former partner is involved, there seems to be more unknown enemies. Can they protect the invention and protect themselves while running from unknown enemy or will evil win? Get a copy and prepare to be pulled into their story.
Jacqui is the brilliant inventor of a device that could help a lot of people--or hurt a corporation's business. Her very life is in danger, and she thinks she knows who it is. But like with other of this author's novels, the villain always has complex motives, and that's what I like best about this writer.
The hero and love interest appears in the first of the series, and so while this third book is a stand-alone, you may wish to read these in order. A solid romantic suspense, not a techno-thriller. Four and a half stars, a good beach read.
I’m loving Robin’s new series. The books keep getting better and better. The hero, Reid is just a regular guy who steps into a most irregular role when he is attracted to Jacqui, the temporary manager of his daughter’s favorite ice cream shop. Jacqui is actually a scientist with a new invention that could change the medical world, and that people would kill to get their hands on. Mutual attraction draws them together, but soon danger lurks around every corner. Will they be drawn together, or will they be pulled apart by circumstances? This book rests on the foundations of love, faith and friendship as Reid and Jacqui navigate through difficulties, danger, and misunderstandings. They are written in a way that pulls you into their lives. Their flaws and their strengths are written in a way that make them real and relatable. You have to read this series.
What a thriller. Robin Patchen is becoming one of my favorite authors. I love the way she weaves Faith in God into her books. The characters are always facing situations where it is going to take God to help them out in order to stay alive. Her characters always seem to be real people with character weaknesses and not some contrived person that’s never afraid. If you like Christian suspense then you will like these books.
I'm really enjoying the series and liked this one even better than the last. The suspense was well done and kept me guessing til the end. I especially enjoyed the interaction and tension between the two main characters. Life and relationships are messy. The author portrayed the dynamics well without too much, too easy. Looking forward to the next.
This was a very well written book with a great story line and wonderfully developed characters. I really enjoyed reading this book - I couldn't put it down! This is a clean book - no cussing or inappropriate content - and the mystery behind who is responsible for the threats on Jacquie's life will keep you guessing until the end. I definitely recommend this book!
*I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review
An invention that could do a lot of good for people is created by Jacqui. Her partner is Don who now has only 10% of the invention. Jacqui's lab gets broken into and equipment is damaged. Then she is away from her home and someone sets it on fire and her house sitter is killed. Jacqui wants to partner with a company that will use her invention for the good of people. Some person or persons want to steal her product and will not stop. A romantic suspense that has a thriller feel to it.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters of Jacqui and Reid through this novel. I loved that the characters were definitely not perfect, but they still trusted God and it didn't sound fake, preachy or forced.
What really is the difference between trusting God to guide our steps, and doing what we THINK is right, and looks right on the outside, but may not be God's best answer? Jacqui will have to figure this out fairly quickly if she wants to stay alive with her dream....
Robin always tells a story with gripping characters, a consistent plotline, and no foul language or descriptive love scenes. Yet it's fair to say there is romance. There is suspense. And in this one, if you like medical or scientific drama, you are going to love it. (You can nerd out a bit) She is my favorite Christian writer by far.
Generally speaking, my reviews focus on the hero and heroine, but I think Ella needs to be spotlighted. She is the six-year-old daughter of the hero. His entire life has been focused on her since his wife abandoned both of them to become an actress only a few months after Ella was born. Ella has a supporting role in the story but she holds the key to almost every move Reid makes. She is such an endearing child that one has to question how her mother ever came to the place of leaving her to go off to seek fame and fortune. Then there is the heroine of the story who never set out to earn fame and fortune, but focused on using her intelligence and talents to save lives with her inventions. She knew her strengths and weaknesses and sought to join forces with those who had skills and talents that complemented hers. Unlike her business partner who wanted nothing whatsoever to do with faith, Reid had a strong faith. He just had to be reminded at times to rely on his faith when he was not able to fix everything himself. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Betrayal of Genius, Book 3 in the Coventry Saga is a great continuation of this series. Robin Patchen is an excellent writer and really has her characters come to life. What a great plot, too, that the world can relate to during this time in our lives. Part mystery/part suspense/a hint of romance, this book has it all. While I don’t always guess the right suspect, this book in particular kept me in the dark until the end which I loved. It kept the pages turning and made it more suspenseful. I loved the spiritual truths woven throughout the book naturally as well. And having Reid and Ella come back made me feel like I was visiting family while reading this one.
I truly loved this book. It’s a great story for all readers – it will capture the attention of the younger readers while older, more conservative readers will find the storyline, adventure, and suspense intriguing and page turning. This is a book we could talk about around the dinner table because of the topic and the wonderful way it was written.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.
Excellent read!!! Filled with suspense. A page turner. Have loved all of Robin's books and this is no exception. A heartwarming story even though betrayal and lies abound. Will Jacqui's and Reid's faith in God be enough for them to conquer the trials that they must face to survive and protect the people they love? Was well written with good character development. Highly recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary, honest review!
Robin Patchen did it again!! I couldn't wait for Reed and Ella's story and here it is!! But this book should come with a warning: once you start reading, you won't be able to stop! Actionpacked, suspense-filled, faith-energizer romance. Jacqui needs help for her awesome lifesaving invention and who better suited than Reed!! But Reed also needs some "Aha . . ." moments of his own. I absolutely love how Robin brings her characters to life! Awesome job yet again Robin!!
Robin has done it again. Jacque and Reid find each other and then face so much danger. There faith is the only thing that can get them through. I love both these characters. They are both so strong yet have so many fears to face. I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jacqui Beal has developed a medical device that can make medical history. However, her lab has been totally and deliberately destroyed. The main suspect is her former partner but she is reluctant to face facts. While helping a friend out, she meets Reid and his young daughter, but when Reid agrees to help her with marketing, he and his daughter become targets as well. When Jacqui refuses to sell the patent to a less than reputable company, more events begin to happen including murder and arson--but who is responsible and what will it take for life to return to a semblance of normal--and will Jacqui and Reid survive as the situation takes a very ominous and dangerous turn.
This is a fascinating, fast-moving, story which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. While it portrays evil, the book is cleanly written and is thought-provoking. I received an ARC; the opinions are entirely mine. Ms. Patchen is an incredible author and I look forward to her next book.
Betrayal of Genius by Robin Patchen is a Christian suspense that is third in the Coventry Saga series. It can definitely be read as a stand alone and doesn't require having read the other novels in the series first although they would provide some background alluded to in this book.
The story is unique, being set in the world of medical research, with a strong Christian theme throughout. The struggles faced are realistic for the circumstances and at times, very emotional, as the main character wrestles with decisions.
Not wanting to provide any spoilers, I'll leave this final thought:. This was an excellent Christian romantic suspense novel, well written, with a twist at the end that was unexpected. I'm definitely looking forward to the next in this series.
I was given an advanced copy of this book with no expectations attached. This review is entirely my objective opinion.
I'm a big fan of everything Robin Patchen, and this book does not disappoint. It brings back Reid and Ella from Patchen's book "Glimmer in the Darkness," but you don't have to read that one first. This one reads just fine as a stand-alone. From Coventry, New Hampshire, to Boston, Massachusettes, the action is swift, and the characters on the move. And even though I have a knack for figuring out the who-done-it in a story, I totally missed this one! How fun is that? I love it when I can't pinpoint the bad guy. If you like romantic suspense with an inspirational thread - watch for it! It releases later this summer.
Another great book by Robin Patchen. Great continuation of this series. I love all of Robin's books and it makes me want to visit Coventry. I enjoyed reading a continuation of Reid & Ella's lives. Very well written and good Christian suspense.
Robin Patchen is a talented, imaginative writer that I enjoy very much. This mystery is complicated with several suspects. Betrayal by a "grandfather" figure is devastating for Jacqui. When the police don't believe her conclusion that he is responsible she sets out to find the truth with the help of Reid. It's a roller-coaster of a ride to the end. For me, there is nothing better than an excellent mystery. Well done!!! I received an ARC. This is my voluntary review.
Another great story in the Coventry saga series. Jacqui, a genius scientist, has developed a life changing neuron. It’s worth millions and it seems someone is trying to take it from her. She temporarily moves from Boston to Coventry to hide. It’s there that she meets Reid. They connect and all kinds of things start happening. I highly recommend this book!