Review: Ignore Cheesey Title to Enjoy Gothic Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 18, 2010
Let's face it--the title is enough to make your eyes roll. But hidden underneath the cheesy title is an amazing story.  The story felt like a big mash up of all of Austen's work with a bit of "Gone with the Wind," although much grittier. Henrietta Watson fancies herself in love with her poet cousin and spurns the advances of her neighbor and childhood friend Lord Kesseley. She panics when she discovers that her cousin attempted to elope with Lady Sara and hatches a plan to win back her cousin--she will transform Lord Kesseley into the Gothic hero all the ladies swoon over to ensnare Lady Sara leaving her cousin free for herself. Unfortunately, Henrietta gets what she's asked for and realizes it's not what she wants after all.This is a story people are going to either love or hate. I've already seen many reviews on both sides of the fence. Me? I really enjoyed the story, the conflict, the heartbreak, the forgiveness, the growth, and the ending.Henrietta's plotting could be seen as "out there," but I bought into it using characters such as Scarlett O'Hara, Lucy Steele, Emma Woodhouse, and Catherine Morland (Austen's Gothic-loving heroine) as a reference. These ladies also saw what they wanted for themselves or others and set crazy plans into motion. Unfortunately for Henrietta, who is immature in the ways of the world and the heart, she doesn't quite understand just what she's asking of her friend Lord Kesseley nor does she comprehend the potential consequences of this plan. She has a lot of growing up to do, which she does once the brutal truth of her actions come crashing down around her.  It was heartbreaking to watch a Mr. Darcy-esk character turn into a Mr. Wickham and wonder if redemption is possible.  The author takes us deep into the mind and soul of these characters to show their thoughts, emotions, and growth.The writing is very fluid and seamless as it floats from character to character. I enjoyed getting to know the secondary characters and their stories and see what they had to add to the romance.  And like all great authors, Ms. Ives manages to avoid stereotypes and clichés and create a cast of characters that felt real--real people, real emotions, real problems, and real reactions.** Received for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**