Review: Wonderfully immersive and deliciously sensual
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 9, 2014
Reviewed by Bridgetfor TheRomanceReviews.comFull of historic details and colorful characters, Elizabeth Ellen Carter's debut historical novel is a wonderfully engaging success. Her charming leading couple is irresistible, and the international plot in which they become embroiled will keep readers' interest from first to last.Selina Rosewall gave up on love some time ago. Her only wish is to help her brother with his merchant fleet business and perhaps find a place for herself in which to belong. That is, until she meets Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen. Though she is attracted to him on first sight, James is a man above her station--and a man on whom several women, far more scheming than Selina, have set their eye. But after an unforgettable waltz in his arms, Selina begins to wonder just what a future with James in it might entail.But James Mitchell is far more than a charming bachelor. As a spy, James knows the very real threat of war and the danger that the French Revolution poses to British safety. The last thing he needs is to be distracted by a pretty face. But Selina's quick wit, intellect and strength are irresistible, and soon, James is willing to run any risk to keep her by his side. But when James' investigation endangers Selina, will he be able to save her and the monarchy in time?James is everything that one could wish for in a historic spy. He is gallant and charming, dashing and irresistibly seductive. But, at heart, he is very human, and the author isn't afraid to let that humanity--guilt and fear--shine through his facade of elegant nonchalance. His growing devotion to Selina makes for fun steamy reading, but his trust and faith in her makes this a romance worth remembering.For her part, Selina is a remarkable heroine. Smart, honest and unafraid, she is just the kind of character I want to follow. Her evolution throughout this book is heartfelt and genuine, and I loved watching her come into her own as her husband's equal. I also really appreciated the fact that we aren't simply told that Selina is clever or engaged in the world--we actually get to hear her discussions and see the way her mind works. It is this kind of insight that makes all the characters in this book come to life so easily.There is a lot going on in this book, from society intrigue to political machinations, from affairs of the heart to international espionage. While the scope is daunting at times, Ms. Carter does a good job keeping the pace consistent and providing enough plot twists and turns to keep the pages turning. The highlight of the whole book is her delightful main couple, whose chemistry is evident from their first snappy interaction. I loved to have the chance to really come to know both these characters deeply, and watch them learn to fit together and work together in a wholly equitable and loving relationship. The love between these two is palpable, and even hotter because they are so evenly paired and such complete characters on their own.This is a book that revels in its historic details, and though these details do occasionally detract from the plot, they also combine to create a complete and wonderfully colorful world for the characters (and the readers) to enjoy. I also loved the supporting cast, who were all fully realized characters--especially the villain, who was so deliciously dastardly that it made his every scene thoroughly memorable. Though heavy-handed in a few places, all in all, Elizabeth Ellen Carter has crafted a wonderfully immersive, deliciously sensual romance that is sure to earn her a wealth of fans, who will no doubt be eagerly waiting her next release!