Review: A quite original & well-written, intricate story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 5, 2011
A friend recommended this book to me, so although I wasn't completely sold on the story-line, I bought the book & read it in one day. I simply couldn't bring myself to put it down.The summary is straight-forward enough. The Earl of Ashworth, Adam Stanford, is a good & honorable man who is enticed by the promise of exceedingly well-bred twin horses to the castle of the suspicious Baron Bourgeault. Instead of purchasing the outrageously priced pair, the Earl falls in love with the young & beautiful Baron's wife, Lady Catherine Bourgeault. A brief but impactful affair follows. The affair is resumed later when the Baron & his wife take up residency in London. But is this really a case of star-crossed love, or is there something...or someone...more sinister playing as puppet master?I won't spoil it by telling any more. Any reader will be able to piece things together pretty quickly. Despite a couple of cheesy exchanges between the lovers, the story is amazingly well-written & held me riveted for hours. I came to love the main characters, & despite my loathing for the villain, I couldn't outright hate him, even before the end. Suffice it to say, Wicklund's efforts at character development are grade A.Though I wouldn't say this book is flawless, the originality of the story coupled with the steady character development earned 5 stars from me. Though there is sex in this title, it lacks the raunchiness found in many others. What is offered, instead, is a picture of two people who fall in love & are unable to find a way out while being hopelessly manipulated for another's gain.Don't worry, though. Justice is always served.This is the first in a series of four:1 -In the Garden of Temptation (The Garden Series Book 1)(Often free, so watch for it!)2 -In the Garden of Seduction (The Garden Series)3 -In the Garden of Disgrace (The Garden Series)4 -In the Garden of Deceit (The Garden Series Book 4)