ISBN-10: 006235891X
ISBN-13: 978-0062358912
Publisher: Avon (July 26, 2016)
Blurb:
Thorncliff Manor is the perfect setting for a masquerade ball . . . where the heart’s secret desires are about to be uncovered in this scintillating Regency romance from Sophie Barnes
Richard Heartly has exiled himself from society since the war, plotting his revenge for a terrible betrayal. A masked ball at Thorncliff Manor is intended to be a brief diversion. Instead, he encounters a fascinating young woman as entranced by the music as he is. He can’t reveal his identity to Lady Mary. But her siren song keeps drawing him back, and their clandestine meetings could be hazardous to his plan—and to her virtue . . .
Avoiding an unwanted marriage was easy when Lady Mary was ignored by the ton. Thanks to her dazzling appearance at the masquerade, she’s a wallflower no longer. Eligible suitors abound, yet the only man she wants is the brooding, seductive companion who keeps his face hidden. A man who tempts her to disclose her own shocking secret, one that could divide them forever . . .
Review:
The mysteries of Thorncliff Manor continue on with delightfully charming and witty characters. Richard Hartly has his struggles. Presumed dead by most, he lives a secret life. The masquerade ball provides the perfect backdrop for an opportunity to secretly rejoin society, if only for a night. He hadn’t banked on being immediately attracted to anyone, but that’s exactly what happens when he sees Mary for the first time. It’s more than her physical beauty. She carries herself with a certain grace that’s devoid of any arrogance, unlike most debutantes. She’s the flame to his moth, and after denying himself any kind of real female contact for five years, resisting her is an alluring struggle.
Lady Mary never intends to marry. She has secrets of her own- the biggest one a total threat to her reputation. When she first encounters Richard, his intelligence is immediately evident, and their conversation flows so smoothly that the fact she can’t see his face- thanks to his costume- doesn’t concern her in the least. She’s never felt so connected to anyone, and the feeling is more than she’s willing to sacrifice. His presence is worth the danger of meeting in secret.
The more time they spend together, the more they share and the more dangerous their feelings become. Although Mary eventually shares her biggest secret with him, Richard’s secret is a lot more hazardous to their blooming relationship, and their ability to love and be loved is tested to the fullest.
I read The Earl’s Complete Surrender, and I must say this is a very rewarding addition to the series. I really enjoyed the fact that Mary couldn’t see Richard’s face for quite some time. Their feelings were able to grow naturally, without any superficial expectations. They were able to appreciate each other and focus on the things that are truly important when choosing a life mate. Richard tugged at my heart, and Mary – full of strength, passion, and loyalty – is his perfect other half. By the time he removed the mask, her reaction is totally believable, and if I’d been one prone to swooning, I’d probably have hit the floor. I cried tears of joy on the inside, and smiled brightly on the outside.
I love Barne’s writing style. The characters are well-developed, proactive, and endearing. I did figure out the connection between the two before they did, but I wasn’t the least bit disappointed that I had. My main focus was on how the characters would react once they realized they were already connected before they actually met, and there was nothing fake or forced about their actions. Barnes did a great job resolving the couple’s issues, and I was extremely proud of Mary. The outcome could’ve gone a totally different way, of course, and part of me expected it to, but the ending was so much more satisfying and gives a look at how life can work out great without everything being tied in a neat little bow. Kudos to Barnes.
Rating system: Cups of Coffee (the less the better)
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 0 cups of coffee