With escalating danger interwoven into a compelling romance, A PAWN FOR MALICE intrigues and kept me eager for more details. Cynthia Roberts scatters clever clues throughout the story, and I found myself continuously changing my mind as to what I thought might happen next and which person would be responsible. I always like when an author can keep my attention, and Ms. Roberts had me captivated from the interesting start of the story to its nerve-racking conclusion.

After putting a bad situation in her past and trying to make her future brighter, Jessica Wilton thinks her life is on the right track once again. She is surrounded by people who really care about her, and a new job position working in her chosen career is rewarding. Though Jessica had not considered getting involved with anyone at the moment, coming in contact with Senator Bryan Gallagher has her thoughts gradually changing. Then the unthinkable occurs when she is suddenly abducted.

Although Bryan is currently a senator in New York, he was previously a police detective and even served as a marine. With Jessica kidnapped and no concrete evidence pointing to those responsible for her being taken, he plans to use what he learned during his prior duties in order to get her back safely. The time he has spent with her makes him care deeply about her welfare, and he is determined that nothing will take her away from him. Now Bryan just has to find proof of which possible suspect on a growing list actually took Jessica and perhaps uncover a motive.

The story begins with background related to what has recently shaped the life of the Jessica, and it let me know she can be feisty and does not let someone get the best of her. I admired her spunk and cheered her on when she had a bold comeback. As she tries to make the days ahead better, I hoped her decisions would end up giving her some happiness. Her Aunt Florence is a delight, and I really enjoyed the conversations these two shared. While there are some very good people in the story, there are also several whom I despised from the instant they were met as their cruel behavior was all too apparent.

As the story progresses, Cynthia Roberts takes Jessica and Bryan on journey filled with dangerous exploits and unexpected threats. The path to them finding joy together is often treacherous, and I really liked how the more perilous scenes kept me engrossed. When their emotions became engaged during a particular situation, so did my own. There are certainly several surprises learned along the way, and I never knew what truths would be exposed by turning the page. A PAWN FOR MALICE is entertaining because of heartfelt emotions and lots of jeopardy.

A Pawn for Malice by Cynthia Roberts is a suspenseful thriller romance about a young woman named Jessica Wilton. She is a woman who has suffered a lot in her life and been through a lot but this latest, the death of her husband, has set the bar for her to change a lot of things in her life and one of them is going to be leaving the town that she was living in. There’s just one person that she has to avoid who will do whatever it takes to keep her there whether she likes it or not and that person is her father-in-law. But Jessica has allies and one is her formidable Aunt Florence who wishes that she had been the one to raise Jessica when her parents passed away. But now Jessica is going to live with her and to start a new life. This new life includes a new job working for the handsome Senator that she met briefly once while with her Aunt. What Jessica doesn’t know is that she will be a pawn used in a deadly game that can go wrong in so many ways if she’s not careful.
I have to say that this is the first book I’ve ever read by Cynthia Roberts but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a huge fan of suspense thrillers and this book did not disappoint. It keeps you engaged with the suspense and the romance adds just the right amount of where it’s not too much for those who aren’t interested in a lot of it. Jessica is a good strong character and she really gets some serious backbone when she gets away to live with her Aunt. She’s had it rough but I like that she listens to her Aunt and doesn’t seal off her heart because of what she’s been through.
This book moves at a really decent pace and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. I love that there aren’t any lulls that detract of where you feel the author struggling, because some do, but this author did a great job with the story. It flows and is easy to read.

A Pawn for Malice by Cynthia Roberts is a thrilling dark tale. It caught my attention from the start. The main character, Jessica, has just gotten out of a bad situation...only to leave a place behind for a new start. Safety. But even then, she's not safe. Her father-in-law threatens her before she left. She leaves for a job with man who lures her in like a magnet. Sexy, hot, and a powerful man...Bryan is. With his prior skills and knowledge I was a goner. As soon as Jessica is safe, her life once more plunges into danger. The intrigue and suspense builds into overdrive. Jessica is a strong female character. She doesn't let anyone take advantage of her if she can help it. Her feelings towards Bryan, a senator, grows each time. His attraction towards seems to be just as strong. One man willing to use everything he has to get his woman back safe.

Cynthia Roberts has created a stunning piece. A Pawn for Malice suits the story well. As the characters fit right into it. A chase after many frightening suspects and time racing against him. Bryan has to find Jessica before it's too late. Romance, suspense, and danger all rolled into one perfect read. The mystery of who kidnapped Jessica is a powerful lure. I had to know who and why. The writer has skills in creating a novel that entertains as well as sending chills down reader's spines. Interesting characters both bad and good...plus, a crime fiction plot. I enjoyed reading this novel. I will definitely be looking for more of Cynthia Roberts novels in the future.