Ms. McClintock succeeds in masterfully weaving both genres meticulously together until mystery lovers are sold on romance and romance lovers love the mystery!

The story is a nice blend of mystery and romance. The author has a straightforward writing style and creates wonderful characters. I wasn't sure at first if this was strictly romance or mystery, but there's enough of everything to have kept me reading and wanting more. It's not a gripping thriller, but I did really enjoy trying to figure out who did it. The secondary characters all add something to the story, and the other two British agents are a lot of fun. I hope to be able to read their stories too.

Wow! what a great mystery romance! I really enjoyed this book ALAINA CLAIBORN, very well written by M.K. McClintock. It was a quick read, a real page turner, a love story with a little suspense. Perfect book for me! I didn't know, who the murderer was, until the end, so, I kept reading all day to finish the book! This is the first book that I read by this author and it won’t be the last one. An enjoyable historical romantic mystery with a great twist at the end! Ms. McClintock is a very descriptive writer; I loved her style of writing with words flowing! The story began, as Alaina Claiborne, who had always lived a peaceful life, witnesses the murder of her parents and friend. Now her heart is filled with revenge until she meets the perfect man to help her find the men responsible, forget the tragic event and go on with her life. This man is Tristan Sheffield a British agent, who with his friends Devon, Charles, Derek and Zachary work for an investigation agency. Together, Alaina and Tristan , will embark on a dangerous mission filled with mystery, secrets and betrayal! I strongly recommend this book! I am looking forward to read her second book BLACKWOOD CROSSING in her British Agent series, which will be Charles’s story! Ms. McClintock is an author to watch! You won’t be disappointed.

Alaina Claiborne is my first MK McClintock read and I have to say, I am quite taken with this author. This read has all of the things I love in an historical: a brave, determined and well-ahead-of-her time heroine, a wonderful setting, an excellent plot and, a hero who is just as good as he is bad. Here’s the skinny:

Alaina: Though she seemingly has the perfect life, Alaina is haunted by a past she just can’t quite remember. All she really remembers is being thrown from the carriage, a voice and, her best friend and parents dying. For ten years Alaina has tried to move beyond that most awful night and has found solace in her home and horses. All is right in Alaina’s world until her long-lost best friend’s family home is bought and a handsome stranger moves in.

Tristan Sheffield: Though he is a peer of the realm, Tristan often eschews (that was a big word for me ) his title in order to work for the government as a sort of spy. Tristan and his crew (read: friends) are very good at gathering information, taking down criminals and, remaining in the shadows. It doesn’t do a spy any good to be known to any and all.

The Plot: From the moment this book opens you know there is something smelly in the state of Denmark. Alaina’s calm and mostly peaceful life is on the verge of being upended as she begins to remember the horrible night that claimed her parent’s lives. Tristan and Alaina figure out quickly they are not only after the same result – figuring out what happened to her family – but are extremely attracted to one another. With their common goal as a unifying force, the two embark on a harrowing journey that involves a fake marriage, a trip across the ocean, multiple injuries and, Alaina kidnapped on more than one occasion. With every step closer to the truth, Alaina and Tristan understand that they cannot be without one another and no matter the cost, they will fight for the truth and each other. As the plot reaches its climax, things get awfully dicey, the big bads are revealed and Alaina has a few surprises of her own for Tristan.

The Bottom Line: I really enjoyed this read and was taken in by it instantly. Alaina is definitely a lady but she is also strong, cunning, clever and, determined to solve the mystery of her family. She faces a great many hard truths and bears up under each new revelation and does what has to be done in order to achieve justice. Alaina is quite the surprise on several occasions and I found myself rooting for her more and more as the plot unfolded. Tristan is dashing and daring, strong and sexy and, totally willing to give up the life he has known for years in order to be with Alaina. I like how Tristan and Alaina work so well together and truly become a partnership; they are so good together and their relationship really does enhance the overall read. The mystery and the suspense are just right for this read and with the supporting cast of characters, this is a well-rounded read.

The very talented writer, MK McClintock, is once again creating a well-written, unique series. Alaina Claiborne is packed with romance, adventure, suspense, and drama. Although it is slightly predictable, there are some unexpected twists and the writing style of the author manages to keep one's interest. I was disappointed in the intimate sexual scenes which - although are not explicit - are very inappropriate for YA.

In her previous and outstanding series of the Gallaghers, there was nothing in them a parent would not want a child to read. I have TOTALLY enjoyed them. However, the literary content is mostly very good so must receive a high rating. This first book of the series lacks the endearing personalities of the Gallagher characters. Some of the characters are not described well and most of the "good guys" don't feel as familiar...the reader feels little connection to them.

The Book Cover and Title are intriguing and done very well. They highlight scenes of the story offering a hint of what is inside.

*I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.

Ms. McClintock delivers a mystery packed with action and sprinkles of history. And to add icing to a masterpiece, a lovely romance can be found at the center of Alaina Claiborne's story. The story began with a bang, and it exploded with enough action and intrigue to keep me guessing and scrambling to uncover and figure out the mystery's clues. I fell in love with the characters the moment they graced the pages with their presence. Both Alaina and Tristan were very confident and strong people, even in the midst of their own personal battles. I appreciated how Ms. McClintock gave each character great passions. Alaina's passion for her garden and horses and Tristan's passion for being a British Agent gave them a drive that I found admirable. The romance was beautiful and revealed the love and loyalty to family enmeshed throughout the entire story. Overall, Alaina Claiborne is an emotionally stirring story with an intriguing mystery and fiery romance!!!