Review: A regency novel with gothic undertones
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 18, 2011
Catherine has been married for the last seven years to Baron Bourgeault, a man with serious character flaws. He is rude, overbearing, drinks to oblivion on a regular basis and forces her to dress in a vulgar manner and entertain his guests. She is struck in a broken down castle, with little help from her servants and even has to endure the lack of respect from her spouse's valet.Unable to suffer the touch of another human being, even his beautiful wife, the Baron cannot bring himself to consummate his marriage. Wanting an heir, the baron conceives a trap for Catherine.This is a remarkable regency novel, which manages to blend very modern concepts with accurate historical customs and values.  The story is interesting from the first chapter to the last, all the characters are very well done and entirely believable. This is a bit dark so don't expect only flowers, hearts and butterflies. It is still a romance so, of course, all ends well.