Assessment:
Plot/Idea: With relatable moments this addition to the Accidentally Undercover series travels to Spain and includes plenty of culture and language. The pace of the plot coupled with a mix of romance and mystery will keep the reader engaged and guessing who is truly sincere.
Prose: Merrill's prose is smoothly crafted and nicely evocative. The author has worked overtime to ensure readers can decode the native language of the characters. Details and descriptions between the sheets are succinct yet engrossing and tasteful.
Originality: Being part of a series, this addition allows the reader to travel and experience the culture of Spain through setting and language. Well-researched, the author has created an authentic setting and included real-world situations creating a valuable addition to any adult LGBTQ collection.
Character/Execution: Randall Sutter is an effective protagonist as he sets out for a second act following the demise of his band. Throughout, the individuals Randall encounters and becomes embroiled with, are relatable yet enigmatic; readers will eagerly turn the pages to learn who they can truly trust.
Date Submitted: April 01, 2024
This polished entry in the multi-author Accidentally Undercover series is powered by both romance and suspense as Randall begins to feel a deep attraction to Alonso while trying to understand why separatists are arguing in the school parking lot. The tense, well-described milieu ups the stakes as Randall soon learns that Alonso is a soldier working undercover as a custodian and also the brother of Cecilia’s fiance, whose family owns a winery in Catalonia. As the attraction builds, Randall learns that Alonso is working to identify potential terrorists with connections to the school seeking Catalonian independence. The romance pulses with both levity and intrigue, providing a respite from the danger from those involved in the quest for Catalonian independence while leaving Randall wondering whom he can trust in a country where he is still learning the language.
As the pace intensifies along with the peril to both Alonso and Randall, Randall’s authenticity shines through as he becomes immersed in Catalonian culture, made inviting and fascinating by Merrill, and thrives in his role as a music teacher. Readers will be cheering for Randall to find his happily ever after with Alonso, especially when Randall risks his life for one of his students who was kidnapped, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
Takeaway: A rocker-turned-teacher in Spain gets caught up in romance and tense political unrest.
Comparable Titles: Sarina Bowen’s Roommate, Elle Keaton’s Conspiracy Theory.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A