Wicked at Heart
Damon, or rather the sixth Marquis of Morninghall, has never known the touch of a gentle hand, the kind words of someone who cares, an endearing smile, or the heartwarming feeling of love.  Instead, Damon's whole life has been one of torment, one of nightmares, cruelty and brutality.  One of humiliation and revenge.  Even the sight of beauty or fragility angers and frightens him.  That is until he is confronted with Lady Gweneth Evans Simms. Lady Simms is a widow with a mission.  Determined to see that the conditions aboard the prison ships are improved, her latest target is the Surrey and her Captain, Lord Morninghall.  Although intimidating to others with just a look, the good Captain will meet his match in the indomitable Gweneth Simms.  Gweneth has always had to be strong - she was fortunate to meet the kind Lord Simms who married her in name only just to take her away from her difficult life - and she is determined now to use her social position to help the prisoners and improve their deplorable conditions.  Her determination, however, is overshadowed by the feelings the mean spirited Marquis instills in her. Damon has enough problems without adding this persnippity widow to the list.  He hates the Navy, mostly because of the Admiral who has assigned him to the lowly duty of prison ship command in revenge for his son's death at Damon's hands.  Now he has to deal with someone called 'The Black Wolf' who has helped prisoners escape right under his nose, his health seems to be failing, and this Lady Simms is just the icing on an already rotten cake.  And yet, what is this strange effect she has on him?  And will it re-shape his future? As a reader who has enjoyed Danelle's past titles, I started out loving this one, then it sort of slowed down and I was afraid I wouldn't like it, then it picked up and took off like a shot!   Danelle created a tragic, pitiful boy turned hero, but one very believable and, as the book progressed, became a hero you routed for and wanted desperately to see through to a happy-ending future.  Despite my mixed feelings through the journey, I was delighted in the end that I got to read this one! I think Danelle saved the best for last...but it was fun getting there!  I must admit that this wasn't my most favorite Harmon book, but then I realized Danelle is broadening her writing and in doing so will no doubt broaden her audience.   For fans of Danelle's previous books, she brings a few characters back in Wicked At Heart to let us see how they're doing.Danelle's tragic, bitter hero makes the ending that much sweeter! Wicked At Heart will take your emotions out for a breath of fresh air!  Ms. Harmon's strength is in her characters...from tragedy to triumph you will remember her vivid characters for some time to come...and you'll take them to your heart! Ms. Harmon remains a forerunner in historical romance!Diane Potwin  --Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times