Author: Karen Ranney
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (January 29, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062027808
ISBN-13: 978-006202780
Book Description:
Catriona Cameron was once famed for her seductive beauty and charm. Now she saw no one, hiding from the world . . . and no one dared break through her self-imposed exile. No one, that is, until Mark Thorburn burst into her home, and Catriona's darkened world began to have color again. Thorburn, secretly the heir to an Earldom, claimed he was a footman. But Catriona didn't care about the scandal their passion could cause . . . for his very touch sparked her back to a life of sensuality, one she thought she'd never have again. Little does she know that Mark is part of a masquerade. One that will end when they become the target of a madman set on revenge. Mark realizes he will have to do more than win her love . . . he will have to save her life as well.
Idgie Says:
Okay, this was interesting. I was all set to set down and read a "same old romance" story. Burly men, ridiculously hot women who were virgins, misunderstandings, light intrigue and finally - love and lust overcomes all.
This book surprised the heck out of me by being different. Yes, it's still a hardcore romance with sections to make a proper lady blush. Yes, they are still are ridiculously rich with maids and looks and balls and the such. But Catriona starts out as rich, gorgeous, mildly slutty and vacuous. Not the usual romantic heroine in need of help there. She also used to be a maid who somehow made it into society (a previous novel starring her sister I believe.)
The the worst tragedy that could occur to her happens. She has a carriage accident that basically rips half her face off. There were no plastic surgeons then, so if you lived, what you ended up with was it.
Along comes a physician who had a rather crappy young life and therefore knows tolerance and empathy. Yes, he is HOT. He decides to "save" her. Somewhere along the way she remembers she's a human being.
Along with the saving of Catriona there's also the touching on subjects such as breast cancer and compassion killing.
A romance novel yes, but perhaps a bit beefier than usual.
Excerpt and trailer HERE.
Catriona Cameron was once famed for her seductive beauty and charm. Now she saw no one, hiding from the world . . . and no one dared break through her self-imposed exile. No one, that is, until Mark Thorburn burst into her home, and Catriona's darkened world began to have color again. Thorburn, secretly the heir to an Earldom, claimed he was a footman. But Catriona didn't care about the scandal their passion could cause . . . for his very touch sparked her back to a life of sensuality, one she thought she'd never have again. Little does she know that Mark is part of a masquerade. One that will end when they become the target of a madman set on revenge. Mark realizes he will have to do more than win her love . . . he will have to save her life as well.
Idgie Says:
Okay, this was interesting. I was all set to set down and read a "same old romance" story. Burly men, ridiculously hot women who were virgins, misunderstandings, light intrigue and finally - love and lust overcomes all.
This book surprised the heck out of me by being different. Yes, it's still a hardcore romance with sections to make a proper lady blush. Yes, they are still are ridiculously rich with maids and looks and balls and the such. But Catriona starts out as rich, gorgeous, mildly slutty and vacuous. Not the usual romantic heroine in need of help there. She also used to be a maid who somehow made it into society (a previous novel starring her sister I believe.)
The the worst tragedy that could occur to her happens. She has a carriage accident that basically rips half her face off. There were no plastic surgeons then, so if you lived, what you ended up with was it.
Along comes a physician who had a rather crappy young life and therefore knows tolerance and empathy. Yes, he is HOT. He decides to "save" her. Somewhere along the way she remembers she's a human being.
Along with the saving of Catriona there's also the touching on subjects such as breast cancer and compassion killing.
A romance novel yes, but perhaps a bit beefier than usual.
Excerpt and trailer HERE.