Review: ... easy prose, fast pace ...a winner on all counts!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 29, 2014
This story comes to us from an author that will blow us all away when her début book comes out next year. Keep an eye on `The Dark Lady: A Novel of Mad Passions' coming out February 5, 2013.If y'all are `Jane Eyre' fans, this one will be a hit for you, no question about it. For all of those that never read `Jane Eyre' [or for that matter saw any version's offered to us from many filmmakers, notably the BBC series with Toby Stephens playing Mr. Rochester, who I thought did even better job than Orson Welles], I am sure you'll love it as well.Adriana Flint's understated beauty and strong character were driving force behind this story of a woman who pulled herself out of the gutter, quite literally.She is a survivor and through sheer determination alone, she reinvents herself as this proper English miss that takes the position of a governess, to a little girl who is challenged by a limp, the Duke of Berresford's ward. She adores the little mite and dedicates herself to teaching her ways to overcome her disability. Adriana also realizes that sooner or later, her secret identity and her `moonlighting' job will be discovered and crush not only her, but two people she had come to care for so much.Alexander Hunt, Eighth Duke of Berresford is a man who adores his little ward and would do anything to keep her from harm. Over a year ago he had hired her Governess and watched the little girl thrive under her care. He respected and observed the boundaries he set by ignoring his secret desire for the prim and proper young woman under his employ and protection. That, however is about to change, as he confronts her and decides to either throw her on her ear, or keep her as his mistress and far away from his home.As they both come to an understanding that would be amicable to both, Adriana accepts his offer to become his mistress, but only if he manages to seduce her for the next twelve days. Ms. Claremont writes the rest of the story with an easy prose, fast pace and gives us a look into the romance of these two lonely but headstrong people who will make your eyes mist.Both of these stories were written with romance in mind first and will touch your heart with its unique characters, setting and sensuality.I am always happy when I read Ms. Marvelle's work, but now my curiosity is peaked by the new author I discovered and am eagerly awaiting and looking forward to making room for on my Keeper shelf.Melanie for b2b*Complimentary copy from NetGalley.