"Dark and Compelling New Gothic Romance"

Lovers of Ms. Feehan's Dark/Carpathian series are no doubt eager to read her first gothic romance. Will it live up to high expectations, will the writing be the same or very different? I myself was impressed with Ms. Feehan's versatility, though not at all surprised at her ability to tell a good story . Yes, the story was different but yet there is a familiarity to the piece that will make her fans instantly comfortable with THE SCARLETTI CURSE.

The story is historical in setting, which is new. Is it dark? Absolutely! Right down to the gargoyles. The villain is a twisted individual, emotionally scarred by the expectations placed on him by an equally twisted father. He is a true victim of the family curse.

Not surprisingly the protagonists have special abilities. It would not be a surprise if one of their descendants is called upon to spare a Carpathian male from a fate worse than death sometime in the future!

The noble Scarletti family is said to be cursed. It seems that every female member of the family is destined to meet a violent end. Even the women called from the villaggio to serve the Scarletti family have met similar gruesome fates.

Nicoletta's mother had been one such victim. Yet in spite of her loss Nicoletta had embraced life. Wild and free, the barefooted beauty shared her gift with the people. But the empathetic healer knew that if Don Scarletti ever got wind of her "differences", her life would be forfeit. Nicoletta's guardian Maria Pia, had guarded her secret well, masquerading as the village healer, while Nicoletta "assisted". All had been well until the summons came from the castle.

Nicoletta could not turn down a gravely ill child, but she would have to be extremely careful not to draw the attention of the Don. It was not to be. Giovanni Scarletti had shared a tainted meal with his young niece and had taken ill as well. From the moment he sets eyes on Nicoletta her fate is sealed. In spite of the curse, the Don's blood cries out for his mate. He will have her at any cost.

Nicoletta had had no intentions of marrying in spite of numerous offers. She loved her freedom, a bond such as this would clip her wings forever. But marriage to the Don would most assuredly mean her death, if not from the curse, then by discovery of her gift. Try though she might she cannot escape him, his voice has found a way into her mind. He is always with her, aware of her every move, especially when danger threatened. He had vowed to protect her. But can he protect her from himself? The Scarletti men are said to love but once, truly and deeply. Jealousy is their curse. Other's had killed for love, would he be next?

The plot is wrapped in intrigue. As the Don seeks to form the political alliance that will most benefit his people, his life is constantly threatened. He knows not who he can trust, even within his own family. The one thing he has to hold on to is his new wife's absolute faith in him, and his deep and abiding love for her. In spite of all appearances, it is she who sees to the heart of the man who fears himself more than his enemies. The heroine's empathy and the hero's telepathy added color and nuance to an otherwise traditional gothic theme.

Well done! I am certainly looking forward to Ms. Feehan's next foray into gothic romance.

Leslie Tramposch Copyright © 2001
for PNR Reviews

Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch
Courtesy PNR Reviews
Posted September 6, 2001