Review: Emotionally engaging melodrama. 4.5 stars!!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 12, 2013
Firstly I'd like to say that the poor reviews are not indicative of the quality of this book although I can understand why it didn't appeal to some readers.  This is an emotionally complex tale with a host of flawed characters who wend their way through a somewhat angst ridden and fulsome plot.  Not a typical romance by any means, certainly it feels more like 'Revenge' than 'Downton Abbey' but I really felt for the characters and would describe the book as a tale of 'true romance' rather than a romantic tale.Ivy is a fallen woman but only marginally and she remains true in her heart.  Darien for all his flaws and his tendency to lash out remains deeply in love.Well written with great characters, my one criticism is that after navigating a tortuous tale, the book quite abruptly ends in an ending that whilst neat and positive didn't feel quite fitting with the rest of the book.  It is as though the characters at that part said ok, its all jolly hockey sticks now, lets carry on.A pleasing departure from the usual light and frothy regency fare.  More Wuthering Heights than Pride and Predjudice.  The X rated opening scene is not indicative of the rest of the book.