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Showing posts with label historical romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historical romance. Show all posts
Monday, July 15, 2013
Review: Tempting a Devil by Samantha Kane
Tempting a Devil
Author: Samantha Kane
Release Date: July 8, 2013
Publisher: Loveswept
The Saint’s Devils #2
ISBN: #9780345537928
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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As wealthy and beautiful as she is desperate, Harriet Mercer can have any man she wants—which makes picking the worst of the lot quite easy. By convincing the ton she is a ruined woman, Harry hopes to outwit the greedy, conniving cad blackmailing her into a loveless marriage. Roger Templeton is a rogue with a scandalous reputation, no expectations, and no shame. He is perfect for Harry’s fall from grace. Her brazen attempts at a very public seduction are delightful fodder for gossip . . . and pure torment for Roger.
With his pockets as empty as his heart, Roger is in no mood for games and decides to show Harry how foolish it is to tempt a devil. But behind her mesmerizing golden eyes, he sees something unexpected: a woman in trouble. Her scandalous behavior would be amusing if he wasn’t captivated by her lush, curvaceous beauty. Worse, every libertine bone in his body has turned traitorously noble. Only a rake would seduce her. But only a gentleman in love can save her.
What I’m talking about:
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Roger Templeton, a rake known as one of the Saint’s Devils, is leaving a party when he overhears a woman attempting to remove herself from a man's unwanted advances. He rescues her, only to find himself being seduced by this beautiful temptress. However, he soon realizes she is his childhood friend, Harriet (Harry) Stanley. He quickly back-pedals and attempts to help his long ago friend before she becomes the focus of ugly gossip.
On the other hand, Harry is determined to be ruined. Enjoying the freedom that comes to a widow, she does not want to marry anyone, let alone the unpleasant Mr. Faircloth, and she feels that sullying her reputation will end his obstinate pursuit. Unfortunately for Roger, she is determined he will be the one to do it.
Nothing is quite as it seems in Ms. Kane’s wonderful Tempting a Devil. Right from the start of the book, the reader understands that there is more going on to the entire situation than meets the eye. Ms. Kane does a wonderful job revealing information a little at a time, leaving the reader hanging on every chapter. While some of the “twists” are more obvious, others are not, which makes the entire story very enjoyable.
As childhood friends, Harry and Roger shared a good-natured youth - even though he had a few years on her. Through dialogue and flashbacks, we learn that Roger took to protecting Harry and viewed her as a little sister - an image he has to work to erase as he meets up with her years later. Their past playfulness translates wonderfully to adult banter and flirtations. Harry is relentless in her pursuit of Roger, which in and of itself is quite fun.
The real romance begins once Roger gives into his desires and allows Harry to “catch him.” I adore how hard he works to give her the attention and romance she deserves after living through a horrible first marriage, while also trying to preserve her standing in society. It was such fun knowing the pair were working against one another in this matter. And while I mostly enjoyed the banner and fun between Harry and Roger, I was continuously fearful that things would turn south quickly because of the many secrets she was keeping from him. She was using him terribly, and after a while, it started taking the fun out of their blossoming relationship.
I love how feisty and head-strong Harry is. She knows she's not made the most socially popular or acceptable choices in her life, but she doesn't apologize for being who she is. She is very modern in a time when it's not always okay to be that way.
And Roger is so adorable and love-struck. Even when he cannot admit it to himself. He is honorable and trustworthy. He is romantic. I look forward to seeing what becomes of him down the road.
Side characters Hil and Wiley are equally wonderful. Once again providing humor, and at times needed insight. Ms. Kane is developing both characters, and the results are marvelous.
The only thing for me that disrupted the flow for me was my own concerns over Harry continuing to lie to Roger, but in the end it didn't matter. He knew she was lying, and he let her, knowing she needed to take her time and come to the truth in her own way.
In the end, Tempting a Devil is an exciting romance, that is both fun and sweet. The overall story, as well as the love affair, was well laid out, even with the few minor “issues” I had. I loved Harry - her strength and determination outshine any character flaws. I recommend this wonderful historical for some entertaining summer reading.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, June 14, 2013
Review: The Magic of "I Do" by Tammy Falkner
The Magic of I Do
Author: Tammy Falkner
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Regency Faery #2
ISBN: #978-1402268151
Genre: Historical/ Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Claire Thorne is a faerie on a mission. When the governing body of her world puts a prohibition on magic, she escapes to the human world and straight into the arms of Lord Phineas Tremble. When he insists on being her crime-solving partner, she does everything she can to get rid of him—until she realizes his gift for smooth talking might come in handy when tracking down a killer. Before long, Finn has his hands full keeping Claire out of trouble, because the two of them together create more sparks than her faerie dust ever could...
What Una is talking about:
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I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this Historical Paranormal Romance series, A Lady and her Magic. The second novel, The Magic of I Do, is just as fun and fluffy and was more even more engaging. I continue to enjoy this fresh Regency Faery series.
As we reenter this fascinating world of Regency Faery, we are better introduced to Sophia’s sister, Claire. While Sophia is stubborn, Claire in contrast will make Sophia look as if she lacks a backbone. Claire is delightfully hardheaded, sarcastically witty and carries a bit of a chip on her shoulder. She is having a very difficult time adjusting to the impact that Sophia’s romance and marriage to Ashley, the Duke of Robinsworth, had on the fae. Most notably the inclusion of her estranged/banished mother, father and her siblings (most who are not considered fae).
Finn, the Duke of Robinsworth’s brother, is a rake. He is the younger son, so he is a gentleman with no profession. Except, he enjoys solving mysteries, interestingly enough, and it seems it is something other members of the ton know. Finn seems to have a somewhat successful time of solving crimes, discretely which causes someone to seek his assistance in The Magic of I Do. However, as the novel begins Finn’s life was devastated when his long time mistress leaves him for a wealthier gentleman.
At the conclusion of A Lady and her Magic, Claire is entrusted into Finn’s care. As The Magic of I Do begins it seems that Claire and Finn are stoutly opposed to each other. However a bit of whiskey and relaxation create the catalyst for them to find themselves attracted. With the isolation they are experiencing at the time, they find themselves in an unplanned tryst. After their passionate encounter, Claire is shortly whisked away with the winds to be reunited with her family due to the death of her grandfather. While home, Claire discovers that her indiscretion with Finn may have a more serious consequence than the breaking one of the five Unpardonable Errors. But the changes occurring in her homeland and the reconciliation that her parents seek with her are too much for her to handle. Claire finds an old paintbrush from her childhood as she attempts to hide from her parents and nurse her anger. It seems Claire has an unusual talent for being able to step into paintings. In trying to runaway for a moment of solace, finds her back in the temptation of Finn and without her magic faerie dust.
While trapped for the time being as an almost human with Finn, she discovers Finn’s talent for solving mysteries and attempts to help him. Much to Finn’s chagrin, he discovers Claire trying to sneak around and spy on him. However, as much as Finn tries to protect Claire, she finds herself in the crosshairs of an evil man who is bent on painful retribution on Finn and Ashley. As the mystery heats up, so does the attraction between Finn and Claire – much as they remind themselves that they will not fall in love.
The Magic of I Do has many different parts. As I write this review there is so much that happens and yet the book is not as long as you think. It is just richly written with the right balance between passion (and some VERY steamy moments/interludes), the mystery and drama of the evil man and the resolution of the attraction between Finn and Claire. If you haven’t tried this series yet, I urge you, if it is your cup of tea, to pick it up. The Regency Faery series is a fun historical romance with a good dash of paranormal romance.
Una’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
FOR A CHANCE TO WIN the first book in the series, A Lady and Her Magic, stop by the guest post from author Tammy Falkner, HERE.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Review: How to Tame Your Duke by Juliana Gray
How to Tame Your Duke
Author: here Juliana Gray
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Three Princesses Series #1
ISBN: #978-0425265666
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), ebook
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Three intrepid princesses find themselves targets in a deadly plot against the crown—until their uncle devises a brilliant plan to keep them safe...
England, 1888. Quiet and scholarly Princess Emilie has always avoided adventure, until she’s forced to disguise herself as a tutor in the household of the imposing Duke of Ashland, a former soldier disfigured in battle and abandoned by his wife. When chance draws her into a secret liaison with the duke, Emilie can’t resist the opportunity to learn what lies behind his forbidding mask, and find out what adventure really means...
The duke never imagines that his son’s tutor and his mysterious golden-haired beauty are one and the same. But when the true identity of his lover is laid bare, Ashland must face the demons in his past in order to safeguard both his lady—and his heart.
What Ang’s talking about:
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I want you all to know that I really wanted to like How to Tame Your Duke. I have enjoyed everything else Juliana Gray has written up to this point and frankly, I don’t want to make her mad. I want her to keep writing. Not that my one little review is going to keep that from happening, but if the next novel is as tepid as this one is, I probably won’t continue to read this series. Seriously, these characters were so unremarkable I can’t even remember their names sitting here writing this review. I know there was princess. She was smart and snarky. There was a wounded duke, his son who was hilarious, and a maid who was so clueless that she offered a lot of comic relief from the boredom.
There was a lot of potential here. There was a princess, spies, abductions, hidden identities—sounds good, right? The seduction was really beautifully written. I felt the emotion and struggle of it. The side characters offered a wonderful distraction from the main plot.
However, the rest of the story was like a roller coaster ride where you wait five hours in line, finally get to the top of the giant incline, and—nothing. It’s just a straight shot to the finish, no dips, no turns, no flips, no corkscrews. It really isn’t a bad book, it just isn’t a great one.
What went wrong? Here are my issues (and I freely admit they’re mine):
1. The title. It’s called How to Tame Your Duke. This Duke didn’t need taming. The only character in this book that needed taming was the son and he just needed a good spanking.
2. The whole disguise thing. It works in theory, but anyone who was paying attention to the newspapers within the book would have figured it out very quickly. A haircut and moustache does not a convincing disguise make…especially when living in the same house with a spy.
3. The princess does things that feel completely out of character. First and foremost she’s been trained to be a princess. I don’t think a princess, even one trying to save her country, would have participated in numerous improprieties. The duke is also guilty when he puts the princess in danger even after he knows who she is.
I feel like many of these and other issues could have been dealt with by better editing. (See, I’m quick to blame the editor because I LIKE Juliana Gray!) Although How to Tame Your Duke wasn’t a winner for me, I’m willing to read the next story because Ms. Gray does push the envelope with historical fiction, and that’s a good thing.
Ang’s Rating:
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Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Purchase Info:
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Review: Wuthering Nights by IJ Miller
Wuthering Nights: An Erotic Retelling of Wuthering Heights
Author: Emily Bronte & I.J. Miller
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
ISBN: 978-1455573028
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Romantics everywhere have been enthralled by Emily Bronte's classic novel of the tragic love between beautiful, spirited Catherine Earnshaw and dark, brooding Heathcliff. The restrained desire between these two star-crossed lovers has always smoldered on the page. And now it ignites into an uncontrollable blaze. In WUTHERING NIGHTS, writer I.J. Miller reimagines this timeless story to reveal the passion between Catherine and Heathcliff--in all its forbidden glory.
Set against the stark, raw beauty of the English moors, Heathcliff, an abandoned orphan, recognizes his soulmate in wild, impulsive Catherine, the only woman who can tame his self-destructive nature. And Catherine cannot deny the all-consuming desire she feels for him, despite his low birth. Together they engage in a fiery affair--one that will possess them, enslave them, and change their destinies forever...
What VampBard’s talking about:
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So. I read Wuthering Nights. It took me a while to get in to the story, even though I've read Wuthering Heights multiple times. Either it wasn't the right time for a revisit to Heathcliff and Catherine, or I **really** missed some of Ms. Bronte's descriptions. Maybe what I missed was the fact that my imagination has probably conjured up some fervent fantasy about Heathcliff.
However, this title was seriously hot! However, the sex was used as an instrument for revenge & manipulation which was NOT ok with me, and is the primary reason for the lower rating. I did, however, like the introduction and conclusion of the story, but I felt that the author could have done much more with it.
Catherine and Heathcliff are the consummate romantic couple; star-crossed lovers on-par with Romeo & Juliette. If you've read the original and you're ready for the male-dominated play in this version, keep this read for home with no one else around. Blush alert!
Kind-of difficult to write an extended review of a spin-off from a piece of classic literature. I feel as though I'm critiquing the work of Ms. Bronte. However, I must say that I liked the vein in which the plot ran. I suggest to those who have not read Ms. Bronte’s classic, read the SparkNotes online for Wuthering Heights before reading this title. I think it makes it more meaningful to compare & contrast. And appreciate the described male physique of Heathcliff... **le sigh**
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Review: This Magic Moment by Patricia Rice
This Magic Moment
Author: Patricia Rice
Release Date: April 2, 2013 (reprint)
Publisher: Sourcebook Casablanca
Magic Book #4
ISBN: #978-1402251962
Genre: Historical Romance, paranormal elements
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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Duke Harry of Sommersville indulged in a carefree, comfortable life— until a sudden inheritance leaves him plagued with a crumbling family manor and hungry debtors. What's a desperate duke to do but marry the well-heeled woman betrothed to him for years?
Christina Malcolm Childe soon discovers the heavy demands of her new title and the dilapidated and haunted mansion that is her new home. To make matters worse, her magical gift of reading auras reveals that her laughing Harry has become a dark and bitter man. But this mischievous Malcolm has a plan of retaliation: to refuse to consummate their marriage until Harry learns to love her truly.
If only she can resist his raw masculinity long enough to determine the cause of his unhappiness and the mansion's neglect. She must find her answers quickly, before the worm-eaten floors fall from beneath her very feet. That is, if Harry doesn't sweep her off them first...
What I’m talking about:
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Harry is a frugal man living modestly in London when his father, the Duke of Sommerset, and and the heir, his brother Edward passed away in an accident on the family estate. Suddenly Harry finds himself the new Duke with an impossibly high debt and no way to pay it off. In order to gain some leverage, he hopes to marry his betrothed and collect her dowry.
As a Malcolm, Christina has inherited a special magical talent: she can see and communicate with ghosts. Harry is the only man who doesn't chastise her for her antics. And she cannot forget their stolen kiss in the gardens one night, long ago. However, she is utterly shocked that Harry not only wants to uphold the betrothal he made five years ago, but he wants to wed her immediately. Christina and Harry have been friends for years and she cannot understand why he has changed so much and has a blackened aura these days. Fearful she's lost the “real” Harry - the only man she knows she can ever love, she agrees to marry him but gives him two weeks to court her and learn to love her (again) after the fact.
In the early parts of This Magic Moment, we watch two characters who live their respective lives according to their own rules of what they feel is befitting of his/her station. As the new Duke, Harry has a sense of protectiveness and the need to take care of those around him. He is driven to save the estate, even though it appears mortgaged and impossible to keep without a large influx of funds. He realizes as the Duke, he can no longer afford petty disagreements nor fanciful ideas. The stress of holding it all together while maintaining the facade of calmness and trying to hide his financial state from Christina has made Harry a bit unfriendly and cold.
On the other hand, Christina is a carefree spirit who feels that she can demand true love and happy endings. She is blind to what is happening around her--more interested in chasing the ghosts that inhabit the Sommerset manner. Because she senses darkness within Harry, she pushes and commands him to change his ways without taking stock of what is at the root of the problem.
Due to the fact that the story is written from both Christina and Harry’s point-of-view, the reader is privy to the true nature of both characters. This is important and makes for a richer tale. Through Harry we realize his guilt for asking for Christina's hand because of her dowry, and that although he doesn’t realize it, he does love Christina.
Fortunately, the truth about the family estate’s financial problems comes out at about the halfway mark. I’m glad that the pretense did not carry on throughout the entire story. Harry’s brutal honesty (I married you for your money) was harsh, but once the truth was revealed, things could only get better. This is when Christina really came through. I was extremely glad that she was wise enough to realize the truth in Harry's heart rather than complain and lament “woe is me.” Her self-reflection after Harry’s admission was touching and heart-warming, as was her determination to help him and her understanding of the issues. This part of the story was well done and perfectly timed.
Interlaced within the romance is the mystery of what happened to the manor and Harry’s inheritance. It becomes apparent over time that Harry’s father was not the (sole) cause for the current financial situation. Christina enlists the aid of the manor’s ghosts to help her figure out who is behind the shenanigans, which makes her a target. As the story moves towards its climax, there is quite a bit of suspense, and I have to say my heart was racing. The plot line was exciting and well played.
This Magic Moment is a wonderfully written, delightful tale. The phrase “happily ever after” befits this historical fairy tale about friends that had gone their separate ways only to find love amidst death, ghosts and poverty. I adore how both Christina and Harry each looks hard at their situation and identifies how they can be a better partner rather than set in his/her own ways. Their mutual joy and love is heart-warming. I really enjoyed this magical story.
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Reviews in the Series:
The Trouble with Magic (Book 3) - not reviewed
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Review: A Most Improper Rumor by Emma Wildes
A Most Improper Rumor
Author: Emma Wildes
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Whispers of Scandal #2
ISBN: # 978-0451239587
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): Paperback (314 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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What is society to do when the diamonds of the first water are caught in compromising situations, one after the other? Can the young ladies survive the season with their reputations intact…or will the scandalous whispers surrounding them bring about the ultimate ruination?
Once the toast of the ton, Lady Angelina DeBrooke is no longer known just for her exquisite beauty, but more for her notorious marriages. Dubbed the Dark Angel, she has fallen in love for the first time and wishes to marry, but fears finding herself a widow for the third time. With two poisoned husbands and a cloud of suspicion hanging over her head, she turns to the only man in England who might help her…
Benjamin Wallace, Lord Heathton, isn’t interested in playing detective again, but when Lady DeBrooke approaches him in a quest to clear her name, he finds the challenge irresistible. Her second husband was an old friend, and when he takes a closer look, he catches the scent of a foe he has hunted before—and knows this is his chance to finally trap the elusive prey...
What Una is talking about:
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To me is nothing better than combing a good mystery with your historical romance. Ms. Wildes does another excellent job in her second novel in the Whispers of Scandal series, A Most Improper Rumor. The plot thickens between Lord Heathton and his most nefarious and sly opponent.
In A Most Improper Rumor we are introduced to Angelina, Lady DeBrooke – shunned by the haut ton for allegedly murdering her previous two husbands, she lives a quiet life in exile. That is until she meets Baron Lowe. Christopher never believed in love at first site, neither did Angelina, but when they first meet, they just knew. However, as much as Christopher wishes to make Angelina his wife, she fears that whoever murdered her husbands, will kill Christopher. Sadly, they live apart, living for those moments when they are able to secure their secret trysts.
Love can not only heal, but give hope, which can lead a lady to finding her inner strength and courage. Angelina, against her better judgment, approaches Ben, Lord Heathton in order to secure his assistance in discovering any information that might lead to the actual culprit of the murders. Much to Angelina’s surprise (she has been sufficiently snubbed by her previous peers), he agrees. Thus begins this next chapter in Heathton’s hunt for the very clever society/debutante stalker.
It seems this enemy has struck before, not just in his attempt to ruin Alicia, Lady Heathton’s niece’s debut (the previous novel, Ruined by Moonlight). As Heathton looks into Lady DeBrooke’s case, he discovers this foe enjoys exerting a control over the brightest star in each season’s debut; ruining one lady after another. But as Heathton uncovers more, the foe turns his attentions towards Heathton and what he holds most dear.
As captivating as Ruined by Moonlight was, A Most Improper Rumor was even more gripping. I thoroughly enjoy the continuing relationship between Alicia and Ben. The nuances of their relationship as they work to find common ground and happiness are poignant. Showing that the best relationships do require work – and how rewarding that work can be. It is also intriguing to see the comparison between Alicia and Ben’s relationship verses the relationship of Angelina and Christopher. The way Ms. Wildes is able to compare and contrast the relationships – whether intentional or not – is thoroughly fascinating.
Although it seemed to me that the instigator of this case is obvious, the conclusion of the novel was not. I hope there will be another Whispers of Scandal novel in the future, because I am very much enjoying this series. If you enjoy a little mystery/detective drama with your historical romance, you’ll love this series!
Una’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
4 stars,
Emma Wildes,
historical romance,
Signet,
Una Review,
Whispers of Scandal
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Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Review: Let it Be Me by Kate Noble
Let it Be Me
Author: Kate Noble
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
The Blue Raven #5
ISBN: #978-0425251201
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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Bridget longs to meet a gentleman who doesn't mention her beautiful sister upon shaking her hand. But since being branded a shrew after a disastrous social season, Bridget knows she's lucky to even have a man come near her. It's enough to make a lady flee the country…
So Bridget heads to Venice for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini, with whom she's been corresponding. But not only is Carpenini not expecting her, he doesn't even remember her! His friend, theater owner Oliver Merrick, does, though. And one look into her tantalizing green eyes has him cursing his impulsive letter-writing, which brought her across the continent. Yet before Merrick can apologize, Carpenini has ordered her away.
Little does either man know that they will soon be embroiled in a wager that will require the beautiful Miss Forrester's help—or that there'll be far more at stake in this gamble than money…
What Ang is talking about:
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If I had to describe this book in one word it would be Lyrical. Written like a lovely sonata, I found it to be moving and emotional, much like the music it centers around. I could feel and almost hear the musicality of the story in the descriptions, dialogue and flow of the story.
I live in a house full of music with a son who's life's blood is music, so I immediately understood Bridget's pull to the piano--her need to play and the escape the music offered her. My one fear is that those who don't know or love music the way I do might find the terms distracting or feel like the terminology weighs the story down. I also occasionally felt as if the side story involving Carpenini occasionally took over the main storyline--distracting from Bridget and Oliver.
But despite its failing or maybe because of them, I throughly enjoyed my visit to Venice. I felt the themes and the emotions, both main and underlying, blended beautifully; waxing and waning in all the right places, allowing the humor and hurt to come together to form a beautiful whole.
Ang’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, April 5, 2013
Review: Sweet Madness by Heather Snow
Sweet Madness
Author: Heather Snow
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Signet
A Veiled Seduction #3
ISBN: #978-0451239679
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): Paperback (384 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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An Untamed Mind
Ever since her husband’s sudden and tragic death, Lady Penelope Bridgeman has committed herself to studying the maladies of the mind, particularly treating traumatized soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars. It is this expertise that brings the Marquess of Bromwich’s family to her door.
Gabriel Devereaux’s unexpected and unpredictable episodes are unlike any Penelope has studied. The once proud soldier has been left shaken and withdrawn, but she manages to build a fragile trust between them. Strangely, Gabriel seems completely lucid when not in the grips of his mania, and in the calm between bouts, she is surprised by how much she is drawn to him.
Despite his own growing feelings, Gabriel knows that he is fit for no one, and is determined to keep Penelope away from his descent into madness. But even though she knows firsthand the folly of loving a broken man, Penelope cannot stop herself from trying to save him, no matter the cost.
What Una is talking about:
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Sweet Madness is the third book in the Veiled Seductions series and stands out from the previous two. Our heroine, Penelope is very different from the previous two, Liliana and Emma. Penelope is not an intellectual genius. That being said, she is just as determined and the other two and just as entertaining.
What caught my eye in the Veiled Seduction series is that the heroines are strong willed and brilliant women living in a time where those qualities are not respected or desired. I loved watching them meet their match in the heroes of the previous novels. Maybe it is also a strange pleasure, but I enjoyed the reactions of those around them as they pursued their “odd” exploits. However, Sweet Madness is very different from the first two novels. Penelope is not an intellectual. She was raised to be a society lady and did quite well in marrying a man with title and money. However, that path did not work out well for her. She finds herself after a couple years of marriage, widowed. But through the experience she strives to help others, soldiers who are suffering battle fatigue (what we now call post-traumatic stress disorder).
Gabriel was a soldier who met and loved Penelope from the first time he saw her. Unfortunately it was at his cousin’s wedding, where he was married to Penelope. However, meeting Penelope gave Gabriel the courage to try to find a slice of happiness for him and fight the darkness within. However, that did not go as planned for him either. Gabriel is secured within sanitarium, enduring treatments (more akin to torture) for his mental illness. He suffers from maniac episodes that come without warning and are appearing to escalate. Gabriel’s mother sends Penelope to him in hopes that she can cure or at least ease his illness so that he may return home.
The story of Gabriel and Penelope in Sweet Madness is heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Penelope is extremely intuitive and her ability to emotionally reach out and help those suffering from mental illness is amazing. Her drive to help other is strong and overpowering. When she and Gabriel meet, it is like kismet. Following their path as they reach a happily ever after was passionate, nerve wracking, and frightening. While Gabriel faces his fears in order to overcome his battle fatigue, we learn about some real experiences of war. But within that pain he finds freedom and a chance at life in the light.
I continue to thoroughly enjoy the Veiled Seductions series. If you haven’t started it, I encourage you to do so. Sweet Madness was an excellent third book and a wonderful contrast to the previous two novels. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.
Una’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
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