Helpful Score: 3
First off, let me begin by saying that while I do enjoy a good romance novel every now and then, they are not my favorite genre. However, the Dark Lady by Máire Claremont, coming out February 5th 2013, is just that. A GREAT romance novel! The reason I'm not too fussed on romances is because to me, they seem to focus mostly on the sexual escapades of the characters rather than the rest of the storyline. In my opinion, usually bordering on erotica than romance. I can usually guess what's going to happen and overall I just feel the plots draw on and on. The Dark Lady by Máire Claremont set in 1865 is definitely NOT one of these drab and predictable story lines! From chapter 1, I was drawn in to the dark, sorrowful, and horrific madhouse that Lady Eva Carin has been subjected to for two years! Thrown into what could only be described as the very pits of Hell by her brother-in-law, Thomas. Eva is beaten, molested, put under constant darkness and more. All under the watchful eye of of Mrs. Palmer; the woman who runs the asylum. Ian Blake, Eva's late husband, Hamilton and herself, all grow up together in a wonderful estate in England. With Hamilton always trying to outdo the naturally mire inclined Ian in everything from sports to winning Eva's affection (she was betrothed to Hamilton) and even the late Lord Carin's love. Throughout this entire book, I was trying to guess what was happening next and was delightfully surprised when I was wrong! Claremont kept me guessing and looking forward to the plot! =] The relationship that blossoms between the tortured souls of Ian and Eva is really quite beautiful! Each have unspeakable secrets. Each have something weighing them down. Drowning in guilt. Between the two, and some help from loved and trusted friends, the childhood loves begin to come into themselves. Into their own rights. I love the character progression. It was not dull nor drawn out. Instead, the skirmishes that took place were exciting and I held my breath, waiting to read who comes out the victor! For a great love story, peppered with some action, addictions, a little betrayal, and just a dash of sex, the Dark Lady by Máire Claremont is the book for you! I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely will be recommending it to my friends! Claremont does not go with the "norm" on this one and because of that, I think the Dark Lady will be a great hit and simply fly off the shelves! Look out to get your copy of the Dark Lady by Máire Claremont on February 5th 2013, or pre-order your copy now at AMAZON . **Just a little disclosure here. I was able to get an ARC copy of the Dark Lady through a website I love, calledPAPERBACKSWAP . I obtained this wonderful book legally. =]
Check out my book blog called book2buzz.com
Check out my book blog called book2buzz.com
Not your average romance, this story begins with the heroine locked away in an asylum and addicted to laudanum. Rescued by the hero who is overcome with guilt about the death of her son and husband, her return to normalcy is remarkable. Touching on the British rule in India and highlighting the family dynamics that led to the hero's unhappiness, Claremont's read is a page turner. The sequel is due in October 2013, Lady in Red.
I enjoyed this different kind of HR, interesting that the Eva was locked in a insane asylum and was addicted to laudanum, that alone should make you want to pick it up.
Starts off great and does a good job of filling in the backstory as the story progresses so you are not "in the dark" for too long.
It does drag a bit in the middle as her recovery is very quick and seems to be unremarkable. She becomes strong and confident rather quickly. I did kinda like that.
It is a tale about three friends and how life unfolds.
Starts off great and does a good job of filling in the backstory as the story progresses so you are not "in the dark" for too long.
It does drag a bit in the middle as her recovery is very quick and seems to be unremarkable. She becomes strong and confident rather quickly. I did kinda like that.
It is a tale about three friends and how life unfolds.
