Somewhere in the Badlands, embedded deep in centuries-buried rock and sand, lies the skeleton of a massive dinosaur, larger than anything the late nineteenth-century world has ever seen. Some legends call it the Black Beauty, with its bones as black as ebony, but to seventeen-year-old Samuel Bolt, it’s the “rex,” the king dinosaur that could put him and his struggling, temperamental archaeologist father in the history books (and conveniently make his father forget he’s been kicked out of school), if they can just quarry it out.

But Samuel and his father aren’t the only ones after the rex. For Rachel Cartland this find could be her ticket to a different life, one where her loves of science and adventure aren’t just relegated to books and sitting rooms. And if she can’t prove herself on this expedition with her professor father, the only adventures she may have to look forward to are marriage or spinsterhood.

As their paths cross and the rivalry between their fathers becomes more intense, Samuel and Rachel are pushed closer together. Their flourishing romance is one that will never be allowed. And with both eyeing the same prize, it’s a romance that seems destined for failure. As their attraction deepens, danger looms on the other side of the hills, causing everyone’s secrets to come to light and forcing Samuel and Rachel to make a decision. Can they join forces to find their quarry, and with it a new life together, or will old enmities and prejudices keep them from both the rex and each other? 

If you're not a big fan of "insta-love" then you'll probably be doing some major face palms while reading this book. Two of the main characters, Rachel & Sam, don't just 'think' they're in love, they go from full fledged bumbling innocents 

in record time- with ALL details included unfortunately! 

I liked how the characters deviated from the norm though and didn't follow their strict society rules. I wasn't expecting their bold, rash moves which I have to give them credit for. It made for a nice change and was hilariously entertaining! 

The rivalry and fighting between their two fathers though felt too contrived and became a little irritating after a while. There was just too much of it I think. 

Anyone who has an interest in paleontology or fossil hunting or even if you just enjoy a grand adventure, you'll especially like this one! Don't take it too seriously though and just have fun with it and you'll enjoy it a lot more!

*I received this ARC from NetGalley & Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

This book crosses at least two generations of a number of families, all connected to events in World War II.

College Professor Ari Mayer recognizes the man who killed his Jewish father amongst a group of French government officials, and goes to an interested newspaper reporter with the information he has about the matter. He also tells his long-time friend, and family lawyer, Michel Galliard about the documents in his possession. Mayer also hires an assistant, Libby Wentworth, to help him organizes his office ... and this puts the completely uninvolved Libby smack in the middle of all kinds of political intrigue.

Some of the subplots are extraordinarily complicated, almost too much so, as various factions prove themselves willing to kill over Ari's files and a family photo album.

The book is set primarily in Paris and Venice, and the author's descriptions of both locations are rich with detail.

Sure to be interest to those who enjoy political thrillers.