Review: Wonderful historical romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 21, 2013
At sixteen when Mia should have been getting ready for her Season, her mother was dropping her off at a small cottage to live out the rest of her life. Her sisters needed to make a good match to save the family and they could not afford to have Mia around. An accident had taken her eyesight and according to her mother it had also taken her chance for a good marriage. The cottage was at the edge of the Duke of Carrington's property and along with Rachel her governess, she has stayed for several years without the Duke ever seeing her. Nine years later she is walking home late one night and is a witness to a murder. She is terrified and hides in the bushes until she is able to run upto the Duke's home. Alex Foster is the eighth Duke of Carrington; he recently came into the title when his reckless brother was killed in an illegal duel. He is wary of this woman, his renter, and is not sure what to make of her, but listens to her tale.There were a string of murders recently in Whitechappel caused by a man they named Jack the Ripper, they were never solved and many are speculating that this may be his work. As the case is being investigated, Alex's brother Drew seems to be at the same place as several of the murders, and when the Ripper realizes there is a witness, Mia is in danger. Alex tries to protect Mia which causes them to spend more time together and grow closer, yet he feels duty bound and is about to marry a woman who has been chosen by his family, he feels torn.This is a wonderful start to a series that I am eager to read; the writer introduces interesting characters and an exciting storyline. I like Alex even though he was so stiff and proper that I wanted to mess with him, his feeling of duty are so strong. Alex and Mia have great chemistry together and their relationship works well after he gets over the proper and stiff attitude, she is willing to experience everything he has to offer. Mia is likable but at times a bit too timid, she was ready to accept her life, yet after she meets and is attracted to Alex she wants more, I liked how she becomes this strong woman that wants to enjoy life again.There is a secondary romance going on at the same time and I enjoy the characters that Ms. DeHart weaves into the story, they do not take away from the romance of Alex and Mia. I like the premise of the story, a Jack the Ripper tale with danger and mystery, the writer explains it well and even though the story is infamous, she brings new intrigue and I was interested throughout.I believe I am going to like Drew, he comes across as a reprehensible drunk that does not want to better himself, and as you find out his secrets, I believe he will be a redeemable hero. The story does not end in a cliffhanger but the overall arc continues with the story about the Ripper in the next book and the transition is done well.Review also posted at Ramblings from Chaotic Mind blogCopy provided by publisher through NetGalley for an honest review