Feisty librarian,Phil Hafeldt, longs for the excitement of her youth, when she spent summers exploring the Amazon and Maya ruins with her controversial uncle. Hunky writer, Rod Chaucer, is looking for her missing uncle but is delighted to run into the niece instead. Putting on a macho guy act, he talks her into letting him tag along when the fascinating, kick-butt librarian sets off on a … hilarious adventure to rediscover herself and rescue her beloved uncle.
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Nearly 4 Stars. I purchased the next book in the series.
My rating guide: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= Yes, it was Pretty good; 4= I LIKED IT A LOT; 5= A favorite, it was great!
THE ATLANTIC CRYSTAL is bk #1 of DR. PHILADELPHIA HAFELDT ADVENTURES series by ML Rigdon/Julia Donner. I am big fan of both the Indiana Jones movies and Romancing the Stone/Jewel of the Nile. I love the action, adventure, humor, romance and lightness they portray. THE ATLANTIS CRYSTAL novel has a similar quirkiness with moments of “guy”/“testosterone” humor, tongue-in-cheek comments, subterranean adventures, chases and an occasional shoot out. I began THE ATLANTIC CRYSTAL looking for a brief reality escape and was not disappointed. Upon completion I ordered and look forward to reading bk #2 in the series, SEDUCTIVE MINES.
THE ATLANTIC CRYSTAL – Philadelphia/Phil Hafeldt/FMC spent her childhood summers between her uncle’s remote Wyoming cabin and his research locations abroad. As a cultural anthropologist/archeologist, Dr Persis Calvin Hafeldt frequently traveled the lesser known corners of the world with Phil in tow. Since then, Dr Phil Hafeldt, now in her 30’s, has become an expert in martial arts, speaks 4+ languages, has a PhD in the romance languages, and is employed as a University of Chicago Librarian. But her global adventures, of late, have been lacking. So when Phil is suddenly contacted by her uncle’s law firm advising that her uncle has disappeared and is presumed dead, Phil immediately takes a leave of absence to discover what happened.
MMC/Rod Chaucer, alias RW Chaucer, alias Roderick Wakefield Gameson, 30’s, grew up in southern CA as the nerdy son of a brilliant and wealthy prestigious couple. Rod’s parents assigned him a former navy SEAL as a bodyguard and sparring partner when he was young which eased into friendship over time. As he aged, Rod acquired several degrees and completed post-graduate work at MIT before deviating into writing and becoming a successful action-adventure, thriller novelist. Rod hopes to consult with research expert and anthropologist Dr Cal Hafeldt regarding a few clarifications on Rod’s current writing project. While searching for Dr Hafeldt, Rod bumps into Phil, discovers she’s his niece and is knowledgeable about her uncle’s research activities. Hoping to discover Dr Hadeldt’s current whereabouts, Rod decides to attach himself to Phil like a burr. Together they travel from Florida to Colorado to Wyoming, with antagonists interceding and accosting them at frequent intervals, finally landing in the jungles and lesser known ruins of Belize.
THE ATLANTIC CRYSTAL is a fun adventure that began a bit slowly, for me, with a few unnecessary sexual inneudos and musings/humor from the main characters. The action picked up, however, with a light-heartedness that pulled me in until the end. The MCs are both smart and physically capable, which I appreciate. I liked Rod (once he dropped the machismo attitude, which was a disguise he portrayed in the beginning). Rod actually respected Phil and allowed her to be herself. Overall, I enjoyed THE ATLANTIC CRYSTAL. I recommend it to readers who enjoy light romps of romance adventure, moments of fun and escape.
READER CAUTIONS –
VIOLENCE – PG/PG-13, similar to Indiana Jones.
PROFANITY – None, I believe.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS – Yes. Brief, occasional sexual innuendos/humor and musings, a brief intimacy scene at 78% (which could be easily skipped, if desired