More Than Gold (Arabesque) [Mass Market Paperback]

Shirley Hailstock (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Setting: Contemporary America

Sensuality: 8

Olympic gymnast Morgan Kirkwood was only 19 when CIA agent Jack Temple recruited her for undercover work at the Korean Olympics. Years later, they meet again when Morgan's cover is blown and Jack answers her call for help from the CIA. Someone holds a grudge against Morgan for having helped the U.S. government free an inmate from a South Korean prison 12 years before, and that unknown someone is determined to kill her.

Morgan has never forgotten the handsome CIA agent, and Jack has never been able to wipe Morgan from his memory either. Now the two of them are thrown together, their lives in danger as they're hunted relentlessly by powerful, unknown killers, while Morgan wonders if she can really trust Jack. Who wants Morgan dead? Is it the Korean mob, searching for vengeance after twelve years? Are the assassins somehow connected to the man Morgan helped save from that Korean prison, Hart Lewiston, now a U.S. senator and potential presidential candidate? Or is it someone in the CIA who believes Morgan left Korea with more than an Olympic gold medal--perhaps secret information?

More Than Gold is a nonstop, roller coaster ride of thrills and chills coupled with a riveting romance between a hero and heroine who are fearlessly brave, smart, and passionately committed to survival. Hailstock has single-handedly redefined the nature and scope of the term "romantic suspense" and raised the bar by which readers measure a spectacular story. With this level of plot and prose, Hailstock is a sure bet to hit the bestseller list. --Lois Faye Dyer

From Publishers Weekly

Twelve years ago, on the recommendation of CIA agent Jack Temple, Olympic gymnast Morgan Kirkwood executed a daring prison rescue of an American operative during the games at Seoul (and an hour later won a gold medal). Fearing retribution these many years later, Morgan (a former homeless girl who survived the mean streets of Washington, D.C.) has set up an intricate, masterful escape plan. Upon returning home one day, Morgan senses danger and realizes that someone has broken into her house. Inside she finds Jack Temple, who quickly explains that he's there not to threaten her life, but to save it. Moments later, Morgan and Jack escape a barrage of bullets in an episode worthy of James Bond. Though Hailstock (Opposites Attract) has created an interesting back-story for Morgan and many explosive and sexy moments for her and Jack, the book fails to fully engage the reader; and between Morgan's inexplicable skill as a covert operator and a single kiss 12 years in the past, there's demanded too much suspension of belief. (Oct.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Kimani Press (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583141200
• ISBN-13: 978-1583141205
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,538,288 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific romantic suspense with an Olympic theme!, November 7, 2000

By 

Barbara Deane - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Than Gold (Arabesque) (Mass Market Paperback)

Shirley Hailstock's latest contemporary romantic suspense, an October release from BET Books/Arabesque, is entitled More Than Gold. Just in time to catch the Olympic fever generated over the last few weeks in Sydney, More Than Gold features an Olympic gymnast heroine. Here's our review:

Morgan Kirkwood is a dichotomy. She's a tough kid who grew up on the streets. Orphaned at an early age, she knew what it meant to be homeless and on the run. Fortunately, fate stepped in through the guise of a well meaning, loving social worker who not only took Morgan home and adopted her, but also saw her talent for gymnastics and allowed her to develop it.

Cut to Morgan Kirkwood, America's nineteen-year-old sweetheart. Standing on the podium, clutching red roses to her chest and singing the Star Spangled banner for all her worth. While the world watched her accept the gold in the Seoul Olympics, only a select group of government agents knew that Morgan had helped rescue an important American from a North Korean prison during a break in her competition. And only Morgan knows that an American swimming coach has captured her heart and love during the games.

However, all of this took place twelve years prior to More Than Gold. Someone wants Morgan dead. She's notsure who the bad guys are, afraid to trust anyone. When Jack Temple shows up in her house just moments before shots ring out and her house goes up in smoke, she runs for her life and Jack follows. He saves her life more than once, but still she doesn't know whose side he's on. She does know that seeing him again, after twelve long years, instantly ignites the attraction between them.

Jack was part of the elite government group who helped Morgan to rescue Hart Lewiston. Hart is not only the son of a Supreme Court justice; he is the front-running candidate for president now. Regardless of whoever is trying to kill Morgan, Jack will do everything in his power to keep her alive. The twists and turns of their race to freedom are exciting, unexpected, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Shirley has crafted a riveting, believable romantic suspense, with the emphasis on both romance and suspense. The chemistry between Jack and Morgan sizzles right off the page. The suspense is intriguing, believable and even better, surprising. Don't miss More Than Gold - it's definitely a winner!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Action Packed Romance and Intrigue, November 6, 2000

By 

Bonnie B. Walker - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Than Gold (Arabesque) (Mass Market Paperback)

Ms. Hailstock brings to life two amiable characters in her hero and heroine, Jack Temple and Morgan Kirkwood. She dazzles her reader with secret intelligence agency intrigue and fast-moving drama. ("Fast-Moving" except, when Morgan and Jack aren't discovering or fighting their sexual magnitism and attraction.) I'd like to commend Ms. Hailstock on not going overboard with the action and intrigue and holding the reader's attention with a truly good plot. Reading this winner by Ms. Hailstock made me go back and re-read some of her former romances. Good romance isn't always easy to find, keep up the good work.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Action Filled Romance, November 2, 2000

By 

Crystal Hayden - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Than Gold (Arabesque) (Mass Market Paperback)

After taking a break from writing Shirley Hailstock has come back strong with "More Than Gold". This is not your typical romance novel. If you love romance, suspense and a lot of action you will love this book. Morgan Kirkwood and Jack Temple are not the normal heroine and hero. They are very strong, independent, and loving people.

Once the action starts you will not be able to put the book down because you will want to see if they will make it out of their situations and if Jack and Morgan will come to grips that they love each other and have been in love for twelve years. Although you are reading you can picture all the activities in your mind and it feels as if you are at a movie.

I truly recommend this book to all romance and action book readers. You will truly love every minute.