Review: Delightful Characters With a Compelling Storyline
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 22, 2014
As a fan of continuing story arcs in books, I found this first book in the Disgraced Lords series a fast-paced and compelling read that sets up an intriguing mystery of revenge amidst a group of immensely appealing and honorable men forced to suffer for the sins of their fathers.  In this story two scarred souls come together under the guise of a lie but find love with the truth and ultimately heal each other's damaged souls.Christian, Lord Markham, grew up the son of a violent and vile man whose rage killed his wife.  Christian's tried to be nothing like him but fears the occasional blackouts and darkness he experiences since coming home from the war will bring out that familial blood.  The outward scars left from the war and being accused of a rape he didn't commit have him hiding out in Canada where he meets a woman running from her own pain.  His need to protect the underdog has him immediately drawn to her and the feelings of love she inspires in him.  She accepts him scars and all and represents the chance for a life of happiness that he promised himself if he lived through his injuries.  He's soon braving society's wrath to clear his name as well as the woman he wants to make his wife.  His life, along with hers, is soon put in danger as a vengeful person from the past continues their plan to destroy the members of the Libertine Scholars.  Christian is an admirable hero who's been through a lot of pain throughout his life and deserves a HEA.  He's been wallowing in pity until the day Sarah enters his life and brings him back to the land of the living.Sarah aka Serena was sold to the highest bidder in marriage and abused both mentally and physically by a vile husband.  Believing herself a murderess she finds herself hired as Christian's ward's governess and on her way back home to where even more danger awaits from two souls bent on revenge.  Serena is an admirable heroine who bravely lived through some truly horrible deeds.  She's remained kind-hearted, and though cautious of Christian at first, is drawn to him immediately and seeks to soothe his damaged body and soul.  She's strong-willed and will do anything to keep Christian safe as he keeps her safe too.The romance between Christian and Serena crackles with sexual tension from the moment they meet and quickly builds from there with her setting the pace as he's desperate to earn her trust.  The sexual interludes are super steamy as well as sweetly romantic as each believes themselves unworthy of love.  Their connection is deep as each is willing to put their lives on the line for the other.  The mystery revolving around the Libertine Scholars is intriguing with a well-plotted beginning depicted in this book to leave me clamoring for more.  The other Libertine Scholars are equally compelling with their unique and brashly charming personalities and I look forward to their stories being told and getting another step closer to whodunit.  This is my first book by Ms. Evans and with the talent seen here I'm adding her to my list of favorite historical authors and recommend you do too.