"Superb paranormal gothic historical romance"

In 1815, Sara Walvern wonders if she left the frying pan for the fire as she travels by coach along the Cornwall coast as she ponders what manner of man would marry by proxy a woman he never saw. Sara knows she had no choice as marriage was her only escape from debtors' prison, but surely her wealthy spouse Nicholas had other options. She assumes he is old, deformed, or insane, but still for her he is her escape.

To her shock upon meeting her husband, he is handsome, young, and seemingly in his right mind. Sara wonders further why he married her, but then begins to hear rumors of a curse. Nicholas is attracted to his spouse, but rejects sleeping with her or showing how much he desires her. In fact his wolf like canine Nero spends more time with her especially late at night than her spouse. Sara wants more from her husband as she begins to fall in love with him as she senses he has deep reciprocal feelings that he tries to hide.

This paranormal gothic historical romance grips the audience with the suspense from the moment that Sara wonders about why would her new husband marry and never slows down until the final confrontation. The story line is action-packed, but driven by the courageous heroine who refuses to accept rejection curse or not. Though most readers will ironically know what the curse is long before Sara does, fans will appreciate this atmospheric Regency.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 19, 2005