"A compelling gothic!"

I've been a long time fan of gothic romances and this one is gothic at it's very best. This book has all the elements of a classic gothic in every sense of the word. I know I was well and truly hooked from the very beginning of this compelling book.

Contessa Catarina Donati or "Kate", a hated American, has come back to Belmare to the Villa Falcone. Since her husband died and she found out he'd already gone through her fortune, she has no other place to go. She has a glimmer of a plan to revive the vineyards and the olive orchards to not only regain her fortune but to help the poor villagers from whom her deceased husband's family just took and took .

Kate soon discovers that the villagers have transferred the hate that they had for her husband's family to her since she's back. They fear that her arrival will trigger the curse of the falcon all over again. They've had enough bad luck in their lifetimes.

Then Kate finds Roberto Vela on her land. When she asks what he is doing, he informs her that he will help her get the land back into shape if she will make him a partner. As Kate and Roberto work side by side, they discover an attraction for each other albeit reluctant on both sides. Then strange things start to happen such as small accidents and things not in their places. What does this mean?

I was glued to this fascinating book. The fact that Evelyn Rogers kept me guessing until the very end was not only torture but also why I read this book in a matter of hours. I eagerly look forward to more gothics from the amazing and talented Evelyn Rogers!

Reviewed by Kathy Boswell
Posted May 19, 2002