Just Good...
There's really nothing wrong with this book and nothing that I didn't like. The writing was okay and the characters were average in development. There's was just nothing that jumped out at me to make me say "Wow, I love this book." This is just a good reading book.
Good read.
I liked this book because it was sexy, romantic and sentimental. I have have read some of the other books in the series, but it has been awhile. This book puts me right back where I left off. The only thing I didn't like were the last four or five pages, but other than that, this book it a good read.
Secrets of The Night
I think Jo Beverly is the top writer of victorian romance fiction. I f you like that type of book, you will love all of Jo Beverly's. Her series of the rogues (young men who organized themselves to help each other in prep school)is excellent.
Brand's story is entertaining, but not quite as good as previous Malloren novels.
This romance deviates from traditional romance novel formulas. The heroine is more flawed than the hero. Rosamunde bears a scar on her face which she perceives as a hideous blemish. She married a much older man and lives apart from society in their country estate. Her husband's health is failing and there is no heir apparent. To save their estate, Rosamunde seduces a man she has rescued from the side of the road. Rosamunde knows her task is difficult, but is caught by surprise when she feels more than lust.
Brand Malloren succumbs to Rosamunde's seduction despite her refusal to unmask herself. He quickly develops strong feelings for his masked lover but is unable to convince her to run away with him.
There are several plot complications which keep the couple apart, but in the end it is all worked out.
The novel is entertaining, but not as quick-paced or lively as previous Malloren tales. If you are devoted to the series, it is a definite must read. If you are new to Jo Beverly's works, I suggest reading "Tempting Fortune" or "Something Wicked." I enjoyed them a little more.
Unselfish Sacrifices
As a 16 year old girl Lady Rosamunde Overton was injured and scarred in a carriage accident and out of pity, an aging Lord agrees to marry her. Now several years later, her husband's health is fading and his only heir is a severly religious stern man named Edmund who will turn everyone out and take the estate for his church. The only solution is an heir and Rosamunde's kind elderly husband suggests that she seek outside help in becoming pregnant. Her prayers are answered when she rescues Lord Brand Malloren after he is drugged and left in a ditch nearby their estate. She takes him to the dower house for discretion and then hides her face with a mask. After Brand comes to and they start talking he asks if there is anything he can do to repay her help for his rescue and she states that she would like to make love with him as she is married to an elderly man who cannot fulfil that wish. Brand complies and after a few days he starts falling in love with his gentle masked nurse and asks her to run away with him. Rosamunde has also fell in love with Brand but knows she will not turn her back on her husband or her duty, so with the help of her cousin Diana they drug him and leave him in a barn in a neighboring town. They then leave his brother a note on where to find him and what follows is a quest by Brand and his brother Rothgar to find the mysterious lady. They must also find out who tried to kill Brand and uncover an evil plot by a zealous religious sect to take over leadership of England. Rosamunde's knowledge that she can never be with Brand is softened by the fact that she will in fact have his child and save her people...if the facts aren't uncovered.
This is the fourth book in the series and I love how the author lets each sibling have their own distinct personality...Brand is sweeter, gentler than Rothgar but no less intriguing and sexy. You can fully understand what draws the women to the Malloren men. Great story. The next and final story is Rothgars and is called Devilish and I hope it is worthy as the ending book in the series.
(26 reviews)
