The Scarlet Domino

by Sylvia Thorpe

Antonia Kelshall and Geraint St.Arvan were married on a fateful night in 1791, having met for the first time only one hour earlier.
Rescued from prison by Sir Charles Kelshall in exchange for agreeing to enter into an unspecified 'contract', the rakish Geraint acquired a fortune, but with it a wife who hated him... and an unknown enemy who threatened his life.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical, Historical Fiction

203 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

June Sylvia Thimblethorpe was born in 1926 in London, England. Educated in London at a school in Brondesbury, Kilburn High School for Girls, Slade School of Fine Arts, and University College. She worked as secretary from 1949 to 1952 and later she worked as school teacher.

As Sylvia Thorpe, she wrote over 25 historical romance novels from 1950 to 1983. Her novel "The Scapegrace" (1971) won the Elizabeth Goudge Historical Award. She was the third elected Chairman (1965-1967) of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and was named a Honor Life Member of the organization.

Sylvia is now a trustee for the Goodrich Village Hall Trust. Goodrich is a village, in south Herefordshire which is very close to Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean situated near the River Wye and is famous for its old red sandstone Norman and medieval castle.

Reviews

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

In una fredda notte del febbraio 1761, Antonia Kelshall e Geraint St.Arvan vengono costretti al matrimonio, dopo essersi incontrati per la prima volta soltanto un'ora prima. Il matrimonio è stato organizzato dal nonno della ragazza, sir Charles, che ha saldato tutti i debiti di St.Arvan facendolo uscire dalla prigione di Newgate, in cambio della sua adesione a un non meglio specificato contratto, che si rivela essere quello matrimoniale. Geraint si trova così ricco marito di una ricca e bella ereditiera, che però lo odia, nonché oggetto dei loschi intrighi di un cugino che da tempo vuole impossessarsi del patrimonio di famiglia.

Clichès abbastanza triti e non particolarmente originali, ma il romanzetto tiene desta l'attenzione e si fa leggere - anche se a un certo punto non ho più capito come abbia fatto Antonia a lasciarsi invischiare nelle trame del cugino, e tutto ciò che ne consegue.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvia Thorpe reread #16. I do enjoy reading Sylvia’s books and this was no exception. Set during the mid 18th century it was much more entangled than her previous stories. A young man languishing in Newgate gaol for debt was given the chance of release if he entered into an unspecified “contract”. This he found turned out to be an arranged marriage to a young lady much to her anger. But neither were able to do anything about it. It appeared that her grandfather was using them as pawns in a deadly game. Full of drama, attempted murder, misunderstandings, threats, lies and romance. The period was brilliantly brought to life and made for an enjoyable and entertaining read.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, entertaining read. I enjoy reading Sylvia Thorpe, but she can be uneven in her writing. Some of her books, like The Sword and the Shadow

are excellent, while others, like Dark Enchantress

are barely readable. The Scarlet Domino falls midway in between.

[Judyms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently reading this for about the fourth time. I do enjoy reading Sylvia Thorpe, and her style & and the language she uses suit this sixty-odd-year-old lover of romantic fiction. The author always adds an extra dimension to her romances, in this case intrigue and dirty dealings along with the usual conflicts of romantic fiction, and she does it extremely well.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those books with hard headed people whose problems are mostly the result of refusing to talk to each other. The heroine comes almost too late to the realization that she loves the hero. I'm glad I read it but rereading it is not something I would do for the above reasons.

[Bt · Rating 2 out of 5]

It kept me reading, but I didn't think the plot was all that smart. I mean, both the heroes and villains did things that seemed illogical and not in their best interests, and they didn't do things that it seemed like they obviously should do to make their plans work. I kinda liked the central relationship, but through most of the book they are having a Big Misunderstanding. And it's a bigger one than most, I'd say. The ending was abrupt, and I wish we'd seen some comeuppance for the villain and LOT more apologizing from the male hero, who messed up big time but then was just like "let's forget about it". I like the prose and the atmosphere of this book, but it was not that strong in terms of plot and characters.

I think the hero man was convinced way too fast that his wife murdered him. "You were the only one that knew I'd be there" is a terrible reason to accuse your wife. Duh, murderers could watch your house and follow you! Or your wife could accidentally tell someone, or all kinds of things could happen. He jumped to a conclusion way too fast, in a way that I don't even think is realistic.

[JANE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, one of her best. Antonia, a beautiful orphan raised in great wealth but a terrible environment, marries Gerard, a handsome rake down on his luck, in a marriage of convenience. From that point there are many twists and turns - it's an interesting plot with two riveting characters. Technically this is Georgian, not Regency, but as a die-hard Regency lover, I say, take a chance on this one!