Review: A strong reminder of why we read romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 28, 2012
This is a nice melding of erotica and romance wrapped in a plot that is propelled by the characters. There is a maturity to the characters that make this story work. Morgan is a man who is successful and self assured, not an arrogant rake filled with ennui and nothing to do all day. He is adamant in his rejection of marriage because of his childhood, he suffers from terrible migraines and when he finally falls in love, he falls hard. Julia is not a debutante playing at being mature, but a woman who can finally live the life that she wants since her abusive husband is now dead and what she wants most is to be independent, to never again be controlled by a man. Sounds familiar, but it's not trite. What makes this story work is how human the characters are.Why pair these characters together as some other reviews asked? Because Julia would not have truly realised her self-worth nor her strength if she were not being challenged to find those qualities within herself by someone who could easily break her, but doesn't. She is loved and supported by a man who is accustomed to control, but who understands how vulnerable she is. I think that the human weaknesses that Burns creates in Morgan and Julia add to their credibility.What does take away from the plot is how Burns has Morgan, confirmed bachelor, fall in love and quickly decides that he and Julia should marry. Also, the romance at the beginning of the novel needed to have been more developed and Julia could have come to realisation a bit quicker. But the depth of feelings that is developed in the characters is what will keep a reader satisfied. Julia's fears create tension and Morgan's love feels real. Here is the romance. To be loved so much by a man and to fear that answering love within yourself will remind readers of why they read romance. This novel has exciting sex, poignant love, fear and a hero who would do anything to free the woman he loves from her self-imprisonment.