"Potent historical romance"
To spite his odious grandma, Lord Trey Hawthorne is
marrying "whore" Edwina Rhodes, who slept with his
deceased grandfather. She is a wealthy widow and he needs
cash. Trey has never recovered from the betrayal of his
beloved Maria Ashton, a commoner nurse who helped him heal
when he was ill, but she married someone else. At the
ceremony, a woman objects saying that Trey was deceived by
his grandma. Maria lives, but resides at Minson Asylum
for the Criminally Insane. Trey leaves Edwinna at the altar and rushes to the asylum
where he does not recognize his beloved until she hums the
love melody he wrote "Maria's Song". He is shocked as his
beloved is no better than an animal if she is even that
well behaved. Still he takes her back to his estate where
he tries to nurse her back to health through his love for
her though everyone believes it is too late for them. Fans will relish this potent historical romance once they
get over the shock that a person would destroy someone's
life without blinking. The metamorphosis of Maria is
interesting to observe as readers picture a kind gentle
soul turned into a frightened trapped beast ready to
spring at anyone before they can assault her. Trey is
heroic, but a lifetime with someone who fears, distrusts,
and ultimately wants to harm him is sacrificial, but can
he really sustain his OBSESSION over the long haul if she
shows no progress. Katherine Sutcliffe provides a
powerful tale though the final twist seems an unnecessary
cleansing of the blood (read this strong book to
understand the comment). Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 22, 2003
SummaryUSA Today bestselling author Katherine Sutcliffe sweeps
fans away to the passionate affair she began in Devotion,
as one man's search for his lost love leads him to the
heights of OBSESSION.
Trey Hawthorne, the Duke of Salterdon, once had a
reputation that would humble the Marquis de Sade. Then he
found his heart's desire in gentle, innocent Maria Ashton,
whose healing touch ignited a forbidden passion between the
noble duke and the lowborn vicar's daughter. Defying his
family, Hawthorne intended to wed Maria -- but she
mysteriously vanished before he could take her as his
bride. After tirelessly searching for her for months, Trey
gave up hope and reverted to his former wicked ways.
Now, chance has led Trey to his beloved at last -- but the
devastating truth behind her disappearance might prove more
than he can bear. As he fights to rescue his beautiful
Maria from a life of torment, Trey wonders if in saving
her, he will also finally save himself -- or if the fight
will cost him everything....
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