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Tainted By Temptation
Which were more dangerous—his secret desires... or her own?
Cruel false gossip and scandal follow Velvet Campbell everywhere she goes in London—and for the sake of her sanity she must get away. Accepting a position as governess at an estate in remote Cornwall, Velvet hopes to start over, untainted by rumor. But she finds to her dismay that her new employer—the darkly handsome Lucian Pendar—is, himself, the subject of whispered insinuations...that he hurled his wife to her death from nearby treacherous cliffs.
But angel or demon, Lucian affects Velvet in ways she never dreamed possible, causing her heart to race, stealing the breath from her body with a look. As their mutual attraction grows, there is no resisting the passion that flares between them. Yet, as secrets from both their pasts rise to the surface, Velvet is haunted by one inescapable question: has she found a kindred spirit, her destined love...or placed herself in dire peril?
Cruel false gossip and scandal follow Velvet Campbell everywhere she goes in London—and for the sake of her sanity she must get away. Accepting a position as governess at an estate in remote Cornwall, Velvet hopes to start over, untainted by rumor. But she finds to her dismay that her new employer—the darkly handsome Lucian Pendar—is, himself, the subject of whispered insinuations...that he hurled his wife to her death from nearby treacherous cliffs.
But angel or demon, Lucian affects Velvet in ways she never dreamed possible, causing her heart to race, stealing the breath from her body with a look. As their mutual attraction grows, there is no resisting the passion that flares between them. Yet, as secrets from both their pasts rise to the surface, Velvet is haunted by one inescapable question: has she found a kindred spirit, her destined love...or placed herself in dire peril?
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2011
9 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Katy Madison
28 books61 followersKaty Madison has always loved stories. As a child she was always lugging a book around. At the age of eight, after
Katy Madison having gone through over a hundred Nancy Drew mysteries, all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books—at least twice—and many others including her full weekly allotment of library books, Katy went to her mother and begged for a new book to read. Her frustrated mother handed her a romance novel. Katy fell in love with the romance genre. She quickly found where her mother hid the rest and began sneaking them out to read. She cut her eye teeth on books by Georgette Heyer and Mary Stewart, not to mention dozens of Barbara Cartland’s. With a nod to great Gothic novels like Jane Eyre and Rebecca, Katy offers up her gothic romance Tainted by Temptation.
Katy Madison having gone through over a hundred Nancy Drew mysteries, all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books—at least twice—and many others including her full weekly allotment of library books, Katy went to her mother and begged for a new book to read. Her frustrated mother handed her a romance novel. Katy fell in love with the romance genre. She quickly found where her mother hid the rest and began sneaking them out to read. She cut her eye teeth on books by Georgette Heyer and Mary Stewart, not to mention dozens of Barbara Cartland’s. With a nod to great Gothic novels like Jane Eyre and Rebecca, Katy offers up her gothic romance Tainted by Temptation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 6, 2022
Dumb. Clearly this wanted to be a modern interpretation of Jane Eyre, but it failed. The not-like-other-girls Mary Sue who gives the hero boners despite being a malnourished bag of bones with miraculously luscious, glossy hair…the longwinded navel-gazing from both MCs (Rochester would’ve punched this dude in the face, while Jane would’ve smacked the heroine for being so oblivious)…the nonsensical twists (like a penniless governess being an MP’s sounding board for governmental drafts—seriously?)…the poorly-paced schizo plotline…the dull, uninspired prose peppered with cheesy sex… ☹️🙄😑
…Nope.
Reread Jane Eyre, or pick up a quality historical gothic romance by Victoria Holt, Carola Salisbury, Michele Thomas, Kimberly Logan, Lydia Joyce, or Liz Carlyle (to name a few from a variety of publishing eras). But don’t bother with this one unless you’re either library’ing or stuck at the dentist.
…Nope.
Reread Jane Eyre, or pick up a quality historical gothic romance by Victoria Holt, Carola Salisbury, Michele Thomas, Kimberly Logan, Lydia Joyce, or Liz Carlyle (to name a few from a variety of publishing eras). But don’t bother with this one unless you’re either library’ing or stuck at the dentist.
March 13, 2011
Tainted by Temptation by Katy Madison
Gothic Romance –Jan. 25th, 2011
4 stars
Running away from the tragic death of her brother, Velvet Campbell soon finds herself embroiled in the gossip of her new residence. Her new employer, Mr. Lucian Pendar is accused of murdering his wife by pushing her off a treacherous cliff three years ago. Although warned by the villagers, poor Velvet has no other choice but to work for Mr. Pendar since she is penniless. Exhausted and weary of travel, she arrives at his place and faints, only to be awakened by the gruff and handsome Mr. Pendar. Velvet soon finds herself attracted to him and wishing he would kiss her, but his mysterious past bothers her as well as the strange death of his beautiful wife.
The author does justice to the gothic romance; it is very atmospheric and mysterious. The hero is darkly attractive and charismatic. This story has plenty of tension as the heroine fights between trusting her heart and his black reputation. I loved Velvet’s mischievous young charge Iris. However, Velvet herself is a little bland and not as exciting as the rest of the characters. She seems a bit young and easily susceptible especially in the beginning. However, the dark twists in the plot and the tortured hero make this book a worthwhile to read.
A feeling of ominous danger and a wicked plot make for an exciting story.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Gothic Romance –Jan. 25th, 2011
4 stars
Running away from the tragic death of her brother, Velvet Campbell soon finds herself embroiled in the gossip of her new residence. Her new employer, Mr. Lucian Pendar is accused of murdering his wife by pushing her off a treacherous cliff three years ago. Although warned by the villagers, poor Velvet has no other choice but to work for Mr. Pendar since she is penniless. Exhausted and weary of travel, she arrives at his place and faints, only to be awakened by the gruff and handsome Mr. Pendar. Velvet soon finds herself attracted to him and wishing he would kiss her, but his mysterious past bothers her as well as the strange death of his beautiful wife.
The author does justice to the gothic romance; it is very atmospheric and mysterious. The hero is darkly attractive and charismatic. This story has plenty of tension as the heroine fights between trusting her heart and his black reputation. I loved Velvet’s mischievous young charge Iris. However, Velvet herself is a little bland and not as exciting as the rest of the characters. She seems a bit young and easily susceptible especially in the beginning. However, the dark twists in the plot and the tortured hero make this book a worthwhile to read.
A feeling of ominous danger and a wicked plot make for an exciting story.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
March 5, 2014
I stayed up until 2am to finish this book. It was awesome! Great gothic elements such as the foreboding castle, a damsel, mysterious deaths, a hero accused of murder, an atmosphere of suspense etc...
I loved Velvet and Lucian. The governess and the master. The sexual tension between them DRIPPED off the pages. It was pretty intense. I enjoyed their word and eye play and liked getting to their eventual union. Also, I enjoyed that as the governess, Velvet was able to tame and understand the needs of Lucian's much indulged, often ignored daughter, Iris.
I had to knock it down a star because the resolution was blah. I can't really say without spoiling it! It was wrapped up too quickly after tons of clues and mysterious mishaps. I was like, wait, who? why? when? but where? So because I was left with a few questions I decided to give it 4 stars.
I will seek this author out again!
I loved Velvet and Lucian. The governess and the master. The sexual tension between them DRIPPED off the pages. It was pretty intense. I enjoyed their word and eye play and liked getting to their eventual union. Also, I enjoyed that as the governess, Velvet was able to tame and understand the needs of Lucian's much indulged, often ignored daughter, Iris.
I had to knock it down a star because the resolution was blah. I can't really say without spoiling it! It was wrapped up too quickly after tons of clues and mysterious mishaps. I was like, wait, who? why? when? but where? So because I was left with a few questions I decided to give it 4 stars.
I will seek this author out again!
January 12, 2012
I love gothic romance and this book did not disappoint. A dark brooding hero scarred by his past mistakes, a woman running from her past, and the perfect dark setting. A gloomy house set upon the banks of cliffs, which bring sadness and dread to both the hero and the heroine.
I loved watching the relationship develop between the H/H through Iris (hero's daughter). The hero's turnaround in dealing with her is the key and in turn the child's improvements set the tone for the story.
I found the story well laid out, tidbits fed to you at the appropriate moments in order to allow the h/h to each face not only their fears but their preconceptions of each other and for the relationship between them to grow.
I loved watching the relationship develop between the H/H through Iris (hero's daughter). The hero's turnaround in dealing with her is the key and in turn the child's improvements set the tone for the story.
I found the story well laid out, tidbits fed to you at the appropriate moments in order to allow the h/h to each face not only their fears but their preconceptions of each other and for the relationship between them to grow.
March 2, 2013
I really enjoyed Tainted by Temptation, which is the first book I've read by Katy Madison.
The gothic romance nature of the story was great, and at times reminiscent of Jane Eyre which is a favourite of mine.
The main characters, Lucian and Velvet, had plenty of dark obstacles for them to overcome. It wasn't until about halfway through the book that Velvet started to get more of a backbone, but she had a pretty rought time so it's understandable. I wish that her feeling about her brother had been more resolved though. Of course, Lucian has the whole tortured soul thing going on which I love in a hero!
Overall, I think this is a decent read, although I much preferred the second half of the book!
The gothic romance nature of the story was great, and at times reminiscent of Jane Eyre which is a favourite of mine.
The main characters, Lucian and Velvet, had plenty of dark obstacles for them to overcome. It wasn't until about halfway through the book that Velvet started to get more of a backbone, but she had a pretty rought time so it's understandable. I wish that her feeling about her brother had been more resolved though. Of course, Lucian has the whole tortured soul thing going on which I love in a hero!
Overall, I think this is a decent read, although I much preferred the second half of the book!
March 1, 2011
This is SO BAD. Part of me wants to read on and experience the terribleness, but I think I'll probably just give up. I'm used to romance characters behaving in predicable ways, but this is just ridiculous. The hero experiences the following emotions: anger, frustration, lust. The heroine experiences terror, frustration, and lust. See where this going?
December 21, 2012
I couldn't put the book down! I wanted to know who the killer was.
February 21, 2021
Velvet Campbell's life is overshadowed by cruel events that have been twisted into a ruined reputation. Desperate for work she takes her next position as governess to the daughter of Lucian Pendar, a man rumored to have murdered his wife. On the seaside cliffs of Cornwall, her new home is rife with secrets and strange occurrences. Despite the dark rumors surrounding her new employer there is a pull between them that Lucian will not let Velvet ignore.
If you've always wanted a steamier Jane Eyre-esque story then this is your book. I love a good gothic romance and this one completely drew me in. I particularly love when the Hero is the one determined to pursue the heroine and hell if he didn't do his damnedest to be near Velvet at any opportunity. Lucian was certainly not a perfect man and he had some serious demons to battle and flaws that Velvet forced him to admit which just made the story feel that much more real. And I think that's why anti-heroes and heroes with a dark past are some of my favorites. That added angst and emotion make their journey to love that much more poignant. Yet even with the darkness that surrounded Lucian the glimpses of tenderness and his desperation for love, family and acceptance that he showed made me long that much more for a happy ending for him.
“𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑝𝑎 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑘𝑖𝑠𝑠 𝑚𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑-𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡. 𝐼𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒—”
“𝑌𝑒𝑠, ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑜 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑒𝑝. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑.” 𝐼𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑝. “𝐻𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑠 𝑠𝑎𝑑. 𝑊ℎ𝑦 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑝𝑎 𝑘𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢?”
Sigh. I think that might have been when I fell for Lucian Pendar.
I will say that I hated the heroine's name. There was a story behind it but I still couldn't bring myself to like it. I also wished it had delved a little deeper into a couple different plot points but that may just be my overdeveloped sense of curiosity.
Trigger Warnings ⚠️ Sexual Assault, Infant Loss
If you've always wanted a steamier Jane Eyre-esque story then this is your book. I love a good gothic romance and this one completely drew me in. I particularly love when the Hero is the one determined to pursue the heroine and hell if he didn't do his damnedest to be near Velvet at any opportunity. Lucian was certainly not a perfect man and he had some serious demons to battle and flaws that Velvet forced him to admit which just made the story feel that much more real. And I think that's why anti-heroes and heroes with a dark past are some of my favorites. That added angst and emotion make their journey to love that much more poignant. Yet even with the darkness that surrounded Lucian the glimpses of tenderness and his desperation for love, family and acceptance that he showed made me long that much more for a happy ending for him.
“𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑝𝑎 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑘𝑖𝑠𝑠 𝑚𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑-𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡. 𝐼𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒—”
“𝑌𝑒𝑠, ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠. 𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑜 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑒𝑝. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑.” 𝐼𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑝. “𝐻𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑠 𝑠𝑎𝑑. 𝑊ℎ𝑦 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑝𝑎 𝑘𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢?”
Sigh. I think that might have been when I fell for Lucian Pendar.
I will say that I hated the heroine's name. There was a story behind it but I still couldn't bring myself to like it. I also wished it had delved a little deeper into a couple different plot points but that may just be my overdeveloped sense of curiosity.
Trigger Warnings ⚠️ Sexual Assault, Infant Loss
December 31, 2013
I like a gothic romance every once in a while although I think the art of writing in this form seems to have been lost- or maybe they just don't work anymore. This one is just- OK. Despite all the baggage each character is carrying and despite the alienation they are supposed to feel the story lacks any tension and most of the description dwells too much on his physical reaction to her presence (basically if she breathes he gets excited) and the whole courtship feels one dimensional. It relies too heavily on the characters' lack of communication, the heroine's sappiness and blunders on to the inevitable happy family epilogue in which the hero puts even the best modern father to shame.
March 20, 2011
I thought Tainted By Temptation by Katy Madison was reminicient of some of the classics with more sensuality. This author guides the reader into the world of her characters, Lucien and Velvet, to bring you into their lives to feel the pain of being treated unjustly through rumors and lies. The spiritual aspects added so much to this story, too. Yes, I recommend this very much.
March 10, 2013
Disclosure: I know the author through a local RWA Chapter. Fantastic book with a suspenseful undercurrent, lots of heat, and a fast-paced storyline. I was so involved in the story and in the relationship between the two main characters, I ended up reading it in one sitting. I'd give it 4.25 stars if GR would let me!
did-not-finish
October 22, 2012Really wanted to be Jane Eyre, but wasn't up to snuff. Super boring characters that just didn't hold my attention. Their love story wasn't that interesting either.
Read
May 18, 2020Well written story, I could lose myself in that little town too!
February 21, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It's nice to read a regency romance that is heavy on seriousness and light on silliness. Not quite gothic but close. Brooding hero, castle, etc. Steamy but not repetitive.
April 4, 2012
Velvet and Lucian. (I kept miss-reading her name as Violet.)
I really liked the set up of the story and the "Three's Company"-esque miss-communication that happened btwn Lucian and Velvet regarding her fainting fits. I also liked that some scenes were from Iris's point of view.
The story is clearly a play on "Jane Eyre" and so there are a lot of great little references to the book throughout, and I think that explains a lot about the religion, which some other readers found jarring. In Eyre, Jane's moral compass is all she has. The Gothic elements are well done and the book had great atmosphere.
Still, Velvet was an odd character who's motivations I didn't quite get. She would HAVE to tell Lucian something, run to see him, then it would cut to her being embarrassed and not want to talk to him. I didn't get why she attitude was constantly changing. There was also a creepy, Edward-Cullen-I-know-he-loves-me-because-he-watches-me-sleep thing happening.
The underlying mystery kept me reading, but the resolution was rushed and these two characters who couldn't agree on a fundamental of marriage worked out things a little too quickly considering they agonizing over it for 200 pages.
The epilogue was lengthy, but I liked how it wrapped things up, even if Iris was a little too changed.
Also, I totally called it on the issue with the children (thanks author's note for making me feel smart). I think Iris was supposed to be dyslexic, but that was never explained.
I really liked the set up of the story and the "Three's Company"-esque miss-communication that happened btwn Lucian and Velvet regarding her fainting fits. I also liked that some scenes were from Iris's point of view.
The story is clearly a play on "Jane Eyre" and so there are a lot of great little references to the book throughout, and I think that explains a lot about the religion, which some other readers found jarring. In Eyre, Jane's moral compass is all she has. The Gothic elements are well done and the book had great atmosphere.
Still, Velvet was an odd character who's motivations I didn't quite get. She would HAVE to tell Lucian something, run to see him, then it would cut to her being embarrassed and not want to talk to him. I didn't get why she attitude was constantly changing. There was also a creepy, Edward-Cullen-I-know-he-loves-me-because-he-watches-me-sleep thing happening.
The underlying mystery kept me reading, but the resolution was rushed and these two characters who couldn't agree on a fundamental of marriage worked out things a little too quickly considering they agonizing over it for 200 pages.
The epilogue was lengthy, but I liked how it wrapped things up, even if Iris was a little too changed.
Also, I totally called it on the issue with the children (thanks author's note for making me feel smart). I think Iris was supposed to be dyslexic, but that was never explained.
August 22, 2016
You can definitely tell that this romance novel was inspired by the book "Jane Eyre". The mysterious woman who is a ghost who stalks the people living in the home...or is she really a real live person...the lead man is dark and brooding and with a terrible past who is a widower with a daughter in needing to learn and who is not his in any way biologically. The girl comes from humble beginnings....well, I suppose there are more than a few similarities. All I can say is that is does have it's own story even with the "Jane Eyre" similarities. The book even mentioned "Jane Eyre" a few times in a library scene. Alluding to the romance between the governess and the master. Which lets face it is the type of romance that Jane has in the all so famous book "Jane Eyre". So....I think I enjoyed it because I love "Jane Eyre". However, the reasons I enjoyed the book could be sufficient reasons to hate this book.
If you read it my two pieces of advice are that you read it with an open mind and as it's own story....basically pretend that it was not heavily and obviously influenced by "Jane Eyre".
or
See it as it's own story but embrace the "Jane Eyre" influence as something that truly enhances this modern attempt at modern romance novel combo with Classic Gothic Romance. Leaning more toward modern romance.
It's a fun read.
If you read it my two pieces of advice are that you read it with an open mind and as it's own story....basically pretend that it was not heavily and obviously influenced by "Jane Eyre".
or
See it as it's own story but embrace the "Jane Eyre" influence as something that truly enhances this modern attempt at modern romance novel combo with Classic Gothic Romance. Leaning more toward modern romance.
It's a fun read.
April 10, 2012
This was my first book by Katy Madison and I really enjoyed it. I read a lot of historical romances so every time I can find a good story that takes me out of the London ballrooms, I really enjoy it. Chased by vicious rumors, Velvet makes her ways to the wilds of Cornwall to accept the position as a governess for the family of a man accused killing his wife. Lucian lives in his childhood home trying to raise his daughter with a cloud of suspicion over his head. Even though Lucian has heard the rumors following Velvet he’s desperate to find someone to educate his daughter and with the rumors following him, he’s not one to judge. But what neither of them even expected was the attraction that burns between them. I really enjoyed the growth and development of the mystery in this story as well as the growth in the relationship between Velvet and Lucian. They were such complex characters that the desire to read ahead to find the answers were so tempting. A very good first read for me so I’ll be picking up more by Ms. Madison.
December 6, 2012
I'm not a great fan of Gothic novels in general, but I did enjoy this one.
It is true, as other reviewers have remarked, that there are less than felicitous elements to it. The name Velvet is really rather strange. The reference to gamesmanship must be a hundred years too early. A virulent hero? Virile possibly.
On the other hand I did find there was an aura of suspense to the storytelling that worked for me. And I didn't think the references to the heroine's past needed explanation. She's the heroine, and we take it for granted that, in the tradition of Regency governesses, she is innocent and put-upon. I liked the misconception (ha!) concerning her fainting at the beginning, and the subsequent cross purposes of her interaction with the hero.
So, there is room for improvement, but after all it's early days for this author.
It is true, as other reviewers have remarked, that there are less than felicitous elements to it. The name Velvet is really rather strange. The reference to gamesmanship must be a hundred years too early. A virulent hero? Virile possibly.
On the other hand I did find there was an aura of suspense to the storytelling that worked for me. And I didn't think the references to the heroine's past needed explanation. She's the heroine, and we take it for granted that, in the tradition of Regency governesses, she is innocent and put-upon. I liked the misconception (ha!) concerning her fainting at the beginning, and the subsequent cross purposes of her interaction with the hero.
So, there is room for improvement, but after all it's early days for this author.
October 25, 2016
I like dark romanticism. This romance started as a slow, foreshadowing novel of well-developed complex characters. I enjoyed the journey as the primary characters struggled to overcome their internal turmoil.
My only concern the ending felt incomplete. I quickly guessed the murderer. But, to the author's defense, it contained all the elements associated with Gothic stories and the epilogue as well as the Author's notes tidied unanswered questions.
As always, I crave for suspense and mystery in HR. It started in the second half of the book; it's worth the wait. Katy Madison seamless writing style and the perfect thunderstorm leaves me wanting. Bravo!
Warning: This story contains adult abusive content. If your sensibilities are easily offended then I do not recommend this book.
My only concern the ending felt incomplete. I quickly guessed the murderer. But, to the author's defense, it contained all the elements associated with Gothic stories and the epilogue as well as the Author's notes tidied unanswered questions.
As always, I crave for suspense and mystery in HR. It started in the second half of the book; it's worth the wait. Katy Madison seamless writing style and the perfect thunderstorm leaves me wanting. Bravo!
Warning: This story contains adult abusive content. If your sensibilities are easily offended then I do not recommend this book.
July 9, 2011
Maybe others read this one as a spoof ... I thought it was one of the worst books ever, based on a couple of features represented much too often in the first 30 or so pages: repeated references to unexplained, presumably unjustified tarnished reputation (no reason given to believe she was not a tramp, by the way); grossly misused adjectives (no, they actually do not mean what apparently was thought to be inferred); and, "Velvet" as an english regency name, really?
There were no signals that this book was intended to be anything other than a regular regency novel.
If these features would bother you, skip this novel.
There were no signals that this book was intended to be anything other than a regular regency novel.
If these features would bother you, skip this novel.
February 7, 2013
I was excited to read this "Gothic" romance and the beginning gave me shivers of anticipation.
Unfortunately, the plot lost my interest after page 50. There was so little tension that I skimmed to the end to see how it all worked out. The story came back to life in the last few pages for an emotional, heart-warming epilogue that brought me close to tears.
Obviously, this author has a lot of talent, but IMO suffers from saggy middle syndrome.
Unfortunately, the plot lost my interest after page 50. There was so little tension that I skimmed to the end to see how it all worked out. The story came back to life in the last few pages for an emotional, heart-warming epilogue that brought me close to tears.
Obviously, this author has a lot of talent, but IMO suffers from saggy middle syndrome.
Read
December 23, 2014Mmmprf. Somewhere this novel is described as "gothic", but Horace Walpole Katy Madison ain't. This being said, looking up the definition of a gothic novel, this one does include quite a few classic elements... a castle, inexplicable phenomena (the window), a legendary curse or prophecy, women threatened by an overbearing male, hysterical women, a gloomy setting, Iris communicating with her dead mother... etc.
Anyway, a quick read on a somewhat gloomy winter day while nursing a cold.
Anyway, a quick read on a somewhat gloomy winter day while nursing a cold.
May 6, 2013
Very intriguing. Gothics are usually my go to choice but I got swept up in the conflicts between characters trying to lie down tainted reputations. With every twist and turn, I feared for Velvet and Lucien ever working out their issues. I applaud the author for taking a family medical fact and weaving that into the plot.
September 16, 2015
Like most of the reviews, this had a definite gothic approach, complete with pouring rain on a destitute governess arriving for a brooding master at his manor on the cliffs. I felt it mirrored Jane Eyre quite aptly, and while a bit of Velvet's anxieties got a bit wearing, for the most part, who doesn't love a damsel in distress? Great read!
August 11, 2011
This was the most different gothic romance novel that I've read (and I've read a lot). It seems that it had more of a focus on the religious side than is common. The story itself was still good but seeing as how religion was a major part, that sort of lost my interest a little.
January 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. It had everything I like in a romance. Sexual tension between H/h. A scandalous background for both and mystery. I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to know how it ended. Nice story I would recommend. I will look for more by Madison.
February 16, 2016
2 1/2 stars. If Lucien wasn't such an ass to her in the beginning, I might have enjoyed it more. Also, it seemed to really drag on towards the last third of the book or so. I've read worse, but I've also read better.
February 7, 2011
I enjoyed it. After I finished I realized I didn't skim at all. And I think that says a lot.
April 4, 2011
started 4/3/11. interesting so far.
Quite a good read. Putting the author on my "look out for" list.
Quite a good read. Putting the author on my "look out for" list.
July 23, 2011
Above average gothic romance with likable characters.
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