The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

About the Book
Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it's too late.
As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.
Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

My Thoughts
With a title like The Spice King and this dark intriguing cover I was instantly interested in this book. And it didn’t hurt that it was by an author I thoroughly enjoy!
I was drawn into the story instantly and it wasn’t long before I knew Camden had another winner on her hands! This author never fails to educate me on some obscure part of history while also entertaining me with a good story and that was certainly the case with this book. It was fascinating to see the beginning stages of food companies being required to disclose ingredients. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about how that wasn’t always the case. I appreciated how all of the details about plants and spices and their origins was woven into the story in a way that never bogged it down but instead added to it.
I loved both Gray and Annabelle. They were as different as could be, one as serious as the color whose name he shares and the other a ray of sunshine. But they worked together so well and I loved their relationship. One of my favorite things was the mature way they handled some things that usually cause huge issues. Instead of cringe-worthy moments I found myself wanting to applaud them. All in all this was a fabulous read that I absolutely enjoyed and definitely recommend! Can’t wait for the rest of this series!

Meet the Author
Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded-age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Awards and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list.She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books. Learn more at www.elizabethcamden.com.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.