Release: August 1, 1984
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon
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How much would she risk to find the key?
For Callier Lester, the dream was always the same. She would be so close to the warmth of home, just a step away, yet she couldn’t have a key to unlock the front door. It didn’t help that Callie traveled so much. Her job as an interpreter took her to many different countries, never giving her the chance to put down roots.
Until finally she settled down to continue her education at a small midwestern university. Callie felt closer than ever to the secrets of her past. Would she need to sacrifice her heart to get to the truth–or would the price be even higher?
About the author:
aka Donna Ball, Donna Carlisle, Donna Boyd
With Shannon Harper as Leigh Bristol, Taylor Brady
Donna A. Ball born in 1951 in Georgia, USA. Her ancestors were one of the first pioneer families of North Georgia, and her family still lives on the land they purchased from the Cherokee in 1782.
She is known for her work in women’s fiction and suspense, as well as supernatural fantasy and adventure. Her novels have been translated into well over a dozen languages and have been published in virtually every country in the world.
Donna lives in a restored turn-of-the-century barn in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northeast Georgia with her dogs, they have won numerous awards for agility, obedience, and canine musical freestyle. Her hobbies include oil painting, hiking and dog obedience training.
The Key Review:
Nostalgic but Slow-Burning Romance.
Harlequins have always been my guilty pleasure, so I finally picked up the very first Intrigue series entry. It’s got some charm, but this early romantic suspense novel definitely shows the series was still figuring things out.
What Works :
I genuinely liked Callie. Her job as an interpreter and her adjustment to college life made her feel real and easy to root for. Similarly, Sage works well as the mystery man; his connection to Callie and the whole connection to Axom question kept me curious enough to keep reading. The supporting cast helps too. Brad and Tandy add some nice flavor without stealing the spotlight.
I’ll admit I got a kick out of the 1980s “advanced computer technology.” It feels dated now, but in a fun, nostalgic way that actually added to the experience.
What Falls Short :
The story really drags at the start. The author takes her sweet time setting everything up, and I found myself wishing the actual plot would hurry up and arrive. When the intrigue finally does kick in, it’s pretty thin. You are basically wondering what Sage is up to and who Callie’s father is. The little bit of excitement that happens near the end feels rushed, like the author suddenly realized she needed to wrap things up.
Moreover, you can guess who Callie’s dad is way before the big reveal which somewhat takes the wind out of those scenes.
Verdict :
The Key works fine as a gentle romance with some nostalgic atmosphere, but it’s pretty weak on the suspense side. Callie and Sage have decent chemistry, and the 80s details are a fun trip down memory lane. Still, the slow pacing and predictable mystery make this more of a curiosity for Harlequin fans than a must read.
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