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La Déesse Noire: The Black Goddess
Sired by a British peer, born of a paramour to Indian royalty, Kali Matai has been destined from birth to enthrall England’s most powerful noblemen—though she hadn’t counted on becoming their pawn. Finding herself under the control of ruthless men, who will not be moved by her legendary allure, she has no choice but to use her beauty toward their malicious and clandestine ends.
When those she holds most dear are placed in peril by backroom political dealings, she enlists some of the most formidable lords in England to thwart her enemies. But even with the help of the prominent gentlemen she has captivated, securing Kali’s freedom, her family, and the man she loves, will require her protectors stop at nothing to fulfill her desires.
When those she holds most dear are placed in peril by backroom political dealings, she enlists some of the most formidable lords in England to thwart her enemies. But even with the help of the prominent gentlemen she has captivated, securing Kali’s freedom, her family, and the man she loves, will require her protectors stop at nothing to fulfill her desires.
198 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2015
1 person is currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Mariana Gabrielle
7 books54 followersMariana Gabrielle is a pseudonym of Mari Christie, a professional writer, editor, and designer with almost twenty-five years’ experience. Published in dozens of nonfiction and poetry periodicals since 1989, she began writing mainstream historical fiction in 2009 and Regency romance in 2013. In all genres, she creates deeply scarred characters in uncommon circumstances who overcome self-imposed barriers to reach their full potential. She is a member of the Bluestocking Belles, the Writing Wenches, and the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. Her first Regency romance, Royal Regard, was released in November 2014.
See also: Mari Christie
See also: Mari Christie
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 24, 2015
Captivating Exotic Regency Romance
More than a romance, this is the epic tale of a woman who uses the ways of a skilled tawaif, a courtesan trained in the seduction of the senses, to rise to power amongst some of the most influential men in England. She is not ruthless or power hungry. No. She uses dance, music, scents, and her beauty to survive in this world where politicians rule.
This story combined the exotic culture of India I gobbled up in other stories like the Taj Mahal Trilogy by Indu Sundaresan, and everything I love about Jane Austen’s classic regency romance novels. The author weaves beautiful prose to drag you smack dab in the center of Kali’s world.
Colorful. Inspiring. Romantic. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys classic literature.
More than a romance, this is the epic tale of a woman who uses the ways of a skilled tawaif, a courtesan trained in the seduction of the senses, to rise to power amongst some of the most influential men in England. She is not ruthless or power hungry. No. She uses dance, music, scents, and her beauty to survive in this world where politicians rule.
This story combined the exotic culture of India I gobbled up in other stories like the Taj Mahal Trilogy by Indu Sundaresan, and everything I love about Jane Austen’s classic regency romance novels. The author weaves beautiful prose to drag you smack dab in the center of Kali’s world.
Colorful. Inspiring. Romantic. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys classic literature.
June 12, 2015
****************** I won an ARC of this book from the author *******************
Kali is a famed Indian dancer and courtesan who finds herself controlled by vile men who seek political gain. Will she find a protector who will love her enough to help her and her family out of their clutches?
I have been excited to read this book since I had read the author's other book Royal Regard and just loved her characters and writing. I can say that this book didn't disappoint at all. I believe it is even better! Mari Christie's writing is like poetry flowing over you, consuming your soul. She sparks your imagination and controls your heart as she takes you along with Kali in her journey.
Kali is so strong, I couldn't even imagine facing her life as she lives for the whims of others. All of the secondary characters are complex and brought to life ,there are many that you will love, hate, and mourn.
Although this book is about a courtesan it is not heavy on the sex scenes.There is only one that goes into detail and Ohhh my it is steamy! You will also be totally seduced by Kali when she dances in the theater, the author makes you feel like you are right there with the audience filling with up with excitement waiting for every move.
I just can't recommend this book enough! I will have this book in my physical library because I love it so much.
Kali is a famed Indian dancer and courtesan who finds herself controlled by vile men who seek political gain. Will she find a protector who will love her enough to help her and her family out of their clutches?
I have been excited to read this book since I had read the author's other book Royal Regard and just loved her characters and writing. I can say that this book didn't disappoint at all. I believe it is even better! Mari Christie's writing is like poetry flowing over you, consuming your soul. She sparks your imagination and controls your heart as she takes you along with Kali in her journey.
Kali is so strong, I couldn't even imagine facing her life as she lives for the whims of others. All of the secondary characters are complex and brought to life ,there are many that you will love, hate, and mourn.
Although this book is about a courtesan it is not heavy on the sex scenes.There is only one that goes into detail and Ohhh my it is steamy! You will also be totally seduced by Kali when she dances in the theater, the author makes you feel like you are right there with the audience filling with up with excitement waiting for every move.
I just can't recommend this book enough! I will have this book in my physical library because I love it so much.
May 28, 2015
La Déesse Noire is one of those novels you keep thinking about long after you put it down. To me, the crux of the story is how the four main characters are defined and directed by the choices they make.
Kali Matai was born and raised a tawaif; one of the women entertainers who served those of the highest rank in the Murghal Empire of India. Her life was shaped by the choices made by her tawaif mother and the English peer to whom her mother was given. In England, she is the pawn of powerful men, but when all she loves is at risk, her choices give her a future she believed could never be.
Lord Birchbright once loved a tawaif and gave her two daughters. Given a choice between his forbidden family and the wealth and power waiting for him if he returns to England without them, he abandons them. His choice is to pursue power at all costs.
The book unusually has two male protagonists: Fitz and Rook. They, too, must choose between love and position. One chooses a lonely life and ultimately self-centred life. The other is prepared to abandon everything he knows for the woman he loves. I loved them both.
Kali is one of the most engaging heroines I’ve read. I loved her dignity, her self-respect, her quiet humour, and her sharp intelligence. And I loved how hard it was for her to let her armour down; to become vulnerable; so that she could reach for her dreams. Her happy ending gave me goosebumps. I also very much enjoyed the interesting and believable secondary characters, both the villains and the friends and allies of the heroine.
Mariana Gabrielle has written a book about people on the edges; people discriminated against and even persecuted because they are different. She has done so with skill, sensitivity, and wit. She left me wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed her Royal Regard and gave it 5 stars. La Déesse Noire is better. I wish I could give it seven.
Disclaimer: I am a member of the same writer’s group as Mariana Gabrielle, and was proof-reader for La Déesse Noire. This did not influence my enjoyment of my book. But don’t believe me. Read it for yourself.
Kali Matai was born and raised a tawaif; one of the women entertainers who served those of the highest rank in the Murghal Empire of India. Her life was shaped by the choices made by her tawaif mother and the English peer to whom her mother was given. In England, she is the pawn of powerful men, but when all she loves is at risk, her choices give her a future she believed could never be.
Lord Birchbright once loved a tawaif and gave her two daughters. Given a choice between his forbidden family and the wealth and power waiting for him if he returns to England without them, he abandons them. His choice is to pursue power at all costs.
The book unusually has two male protagonists: Fitz and Rook. They, too, must choose between love and position. One chooses a lonely life and ultimately self-centred life. The other is prepared to abandon everything he knows for the woman he loves. I loved them both.
Kali is one of the most engaging heroines I’ve read. I loved her dignity, her self-respect, her quiet humour, and her sharp intelligence. And I loved how hard it was for her to let her armour down; to become vulnerable; so that she could reach for her dreams. Her happy ending gave me goosebumps. I also very much enjoyed the interesting and believable secondary characters, both the villains and the friends and allies of the heroine.
Mariana Gabrielle has written a book about people on the edges; people discriminated against and even persecuted because they are different. She has done so with skill, sensitivity, and wit. She left me wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed her Royal Regard and gave it 5 stars. La Déesse Noire is better. I wish I could give it seven.
Disclaimer: I am a member of the same writer’s group as Mariana Gabrielle, and was proof-reader for La Déesse Noire. This did not influence my enjoyment of my book. But don’t believe me. Read it for yourself.
February 10, 2018
Another story by Mariana Gabrielle that I will remember for a long time. This tale swept me away into a different world with characters that came alive off the pages. I felt invested in their lives and at a point or two I felt my heart breaking. But I digress. Kali Matai, was born in India to a British peer and a mother who was given to him a paramour. Kali was raised a tawaif, as her mother and would only entertain those of the highest rank. Her father, Lord Birchbright, abandons her mother and their two girls to go back to England and pursue his agenda of power. When her mother passes away, Kali and her sister come to England and there she meets her father who is determined to control her in all ways.
Kali becomes a pawn to secure financial success to her father by becoming a mistress to men he directs. I truly loved Kali and her goodness and strength that she maintained even when she was pushed to the limit. She was beautiful and desired by all men, but her intelligence and dignity were her strengths.
The main two men in her life, Fitz and Rook, both peers, pulled at my senses. I could feel the emotions coming through the pages as deep down she loved Fitz but her position did not allow her to display those feelings. When Fitz left her to marry as his position required, my heart broke for her. As she became consigned to do as her father required and entertain other men, she kept her grace and head held high and moved forward. Then came Rook.
When she spent time with him, I felt her life may change and there could be a future. Rook was really in love with Kali I think from the moment he met her and came to realize he treasured her honesty and intelligence. There were many twist and turns that were skillfully written that I could not turn the pages fast enough.
It is difficult to express enough how the books I have read by this author have moved me. Skillfully written and addressing issues of class and ethnic differences, the author pulls you into the story. The ending made me wanting more and knowing this book will go to the top of my favorite ever read. My heart is happy.
Kali becomes a pawn to secure financial success to her father by becoming a mistress to men he directs. I truly loved Kali and her goodness and strength that she maintained even when she was pushed to the limit. She was beautiful and desired by all men, but her intelligence and dignity were her strengths.
The main two men in her life, Fitz and Rook, both peers, pulled at my senses. I could feel the emotions coming through the pages as deep down she loved Fitz but her position did not allow her to display those feelings. When Fitz left her to marry as his position required, my heart broke for her. As she became consigned to do as her father required and entertain other men, she kept her grace and head held high and moved forward. Then came Rook.
When she spent time with him, I felt her life may change and there could be a future. Rook was really in love with Kali I think from the moment he met her and came to realize he treasured her honesty and intelligence. There were many twist and turns that were skillfully written that I could not turn the pages fast enough.
It is difficult to express enough how the books I have read by this author have moved me. Skillfully written and addressing issues of class and ethnic differences, the author pulls you into the story. The ending made me wanting more and knowing this book will go to the top of my favorite ever read. My heart is happy.
June 19, 2015
I will start this review by telling you that I finished this book about 10 days ago. It has stuck with me and the review has been written
in pieces as I tried to relate how this book made me feel.
I started a bit slowly, so I didn't miss any of the details. Then about the 3rd chapter I was totally hooked.
Kali Matai is has been trained from a very early age to be a tawaif, which is an Indian courtesan. She has been taught many things during the training she received. Most importantly though, is how to please a man. She is very talented and much sought-after. But the story goes back to before she was born. Her mother was also a tawaif. She was given as a gift to an English military man. Things happen and he is unable or unwilling to stay with Kali's mother and the children she has had by him.
Kali comes to England only to find that her father feels nothing for her or her sister. Only that they should continue on with their lifestyle.
And he sees a way they could help him politically.
The lifestyle that Kali has had to endure is a heartless endeavor. The men she is attached to don't care for her opinions, they just want to be pleased and are willing to pay for the privilege. Kali is highly skilled and has many men clamoring for her attentions. They ply her with jewels and gifts, but she is left feeling used. She wishes she could change her life. Could just live her life without the crowds of men always bothering her.
But she has others to think about so she must play the games of the men in control of her life until she can figure out how to get out from under their thumbs.
I don't want to give the story away so I will stop there and tell you that the author has such a way with words! The story brought out many feelings as I read it. Heartbreak, happiness, insolence, and a sense of Kali being wronged just made the story more poignant.
The descriptions were wonderful and made me feel like I was in the dance hall or the parlor with the characters, wherever they were.
The heartbreak Kali felt was also very real for me.
Mariana Gabrielle (Mari Christie) has a talent for writing stories that make you think for a while after reading them. I definitely feel like this is a book I can and will read again and probably find new details I had missed the first time.
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. But I loved it so much that I bought it as well!
in pieces as I tried to relate how this book made me feel.
I started a bit slowly, so I didn't miss any of the details. Then about the 3rd chapter I was totally hooked.
Kali Matai is has been trained from a very early age to be a tawaif, which is an Indian courtesan. She has been taught many things during the training she received. Most importantly though, is how to please a man. She is very talented and much sought-after. But the story goes back to before she was born. Her mother was also a tawaif. She was given as a gift to an English military man. Things happen and he is unable or unwilling to stay with Kali's mother and the children she has had by him.
Kali comes to England only to find that her father feels nothing for her or her sister. Only that they should continue on with their lifestyle.
And he sees a way they could help him politically.
The lifestyle that Kali has had to endure is a heartless endeavor. The men she is attached to don't care for her opinions, they just want to be pleased and are willing to pay for the privilege. Kali is highly skilled and has many men clamoring for her attentions. They ply her with jewels and gifts, but she is left feeling used. She wishes she could change her life. Could just live her life without the crowds of men always bothering her.
But she has others to think about so she must play the games of the men in control of her life until she can figure out how to get out from under their thumbs.
I don't want to give the story away so I will stop there and tell you that the author has such a way with words! The story brought out many feelings as I read it. Heartbreak, happiness, insolence, and a sense of Kali being wronged just made the story more poignant.
The descriptions were wonderful and made me feel like I was in the dance hall or the parlor with the characters, wherever they were.
The heartbreak Kali felt was also very real for me.
Mariana Gabrielle (Mari Christie) has a talent for writing stories that make you think for a while after reading them. I definitely feel like this is a book I can and will read again and probably find new details I had missed the first time.
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. But I loved it so much that I bought it as well!
August 2, 2015
I'm trying to think of something about this book that I didn't like, and am having difficulty. I could say that I would've liked it to be longer, to have filled in some of the jumps in time at the beginning of the book when years went by between scenes. But that's a minor, personal quibble.
I loved this book. I loved the characters, I loved that we were dealing with a heroine who was trained from birth to be a mistress, a courtesan, to men, which was such a change from the virginal and chaste women that often lead stories set in the Regency era. And I love those stories and those virginal and chaste women, too, which just shows how much skill Mari Christie has that she can make you fall in love with a character, no matter their background, no matter their place in society and what we're *supposed* to think of them according to the usual rules of historical romance novels.
And having a heroine who is Indian and a storyline that depends a great deal on Indian culture was brilliantly done, and filled a gap I always felt I was seeing in romance novels set in this time period, especially considering Britain's presence in India all those years ago.
Five stars, and very well done!
I loved this book. I loved the characters, I loved that we were dealing with a heroine who was trained from birth to be a mistress, a courtesan, to men, which was such a change from the virginal and chaste women that often lead stories set in the Regency era. And I love those stories and those virginal and chaste women, too, which just shows how much skill Mari Christie has that she can make you fall in love with a character, no matter their background, no matter their place in society and what we're *supposed* to think of them according to the usual rules of historical romance novels.
And having a heroine who is Indian and a storyline that depends a great deal on Indian culture was brilliantly done, and filled a gap I always felt I was seeing in romance novels set in this time period, especially considering Britain's presence in India all those years ago.
Five stars, and very well done!
June 10, 2015
Absolutely spectacular. Positively delightful. Utterly wonderful. This book is amazing. One that will stick with you loooooong after you reach that last page. It's the kind of book with which you feel disappointed when it ends, because you want to know what the author has done with their happily ever after, instead of leaving it to your own imagination.
I don't even know how to express how fantastic this book is. The author paints such a beautiful picture, I was there, whether I wanted to be or not. I am in love with these characters, from the horrid antagonists (yes, more than one), to the adorable protagonists (and more than one hero, both of whom find an HEA, although not both with the heroine). Everything was spectacularly done. I cannot wait to see what this author has for us next!
I don't even know how to express how fantastic this book is. The author paints such a beautiful picture, I was there, whether I wanted to be or not. I am in love with these characters, from the horrid antagonists (yes, more than one), to the adorable protagonists (and more than one hero, both of whom find an HEA, although not both with the heroine). Everything was spectacularly done. I cannot wait to see what this author has for us next!
May 28, 2015
Do not let the challenging-to-pronounce title scare you away from a delightful story. I fell in love with Kali Matai, secret daughter of a proud (east) Indian courtesan, and a British peer.
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Regency England, it was an interesting look at life for a courtesan there; there was both status and cachet, and total lack of both. A very vulnerable place to be a woman, and I liked that Kali used all the assets at her disposal to secure the safety of her loved ones.
Very steamy in sections, though those scenes stop short at describing the sex in detail. I especially liked the sensual descriptions of Kali's on-stage dancing. And yes, there's a HEA.
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Regency England, it was an interesting look at life for a courtesan there; there was both status and cachet, and total lack of both. A very vulnerable place to be a woman, and I liked that Kali used all the assets at her disposal to secure the safety of her loved ones.
Very steamy in sections, though those scenes stop short at describing the sex in detail. I especially liked the sensual descriptions of Kali's on-stage dancing. And yes, there's a HEA.
June 10, 2015
I love this book!! As soon as I began reading, I was sucked into the world of a tawaif (courtesan) in early 19th century London. Kali's story is engaging, engrossing, and extremely well-written. I found it hard to get back to my regular life because I just wanted to keep reading. I greatly enjoyed the detail and research that the author clearly put into this work. She is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more from her. If you are a fan of romance, history, and a great story, this book is for you.
December 18, 2015
This innovative historical romance takes on a fresh and new perspective of Regency England.
Read full review in the 2015 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 28, 2015
In this thrilling tale of backroom political dealings and mesmerizing beauty, Kali Matai must use her beauty and intelligence to secure freedom for all that she holds dear. Kali endures heartbreak and cruel men while trying to change her fate. Fitz and Rook are the two male protagonists that become entranced by Kali. These two men make the love life of Kali's that much more complicated and exciting.
Mariana Gabrielle shows off her excellent writing skills and her dedication to research. The characters are engaging and the story certainly draws you into the London of the past. English and Indian culture and how the two interacted in the past, played a key part in making this story so enthralling to read.
Mariana Gabrielle shows off her excellent writing skills and her dedication to research. The characters are engaging and the story certainly draws you into the London of the past. English and Indian culture and how the two interacted in the past, played a key part in making this story so enthralling to read.
June 9, 2015
****I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review****
This book was a little slow going for me, but once it got to about the 3/4 mark I started to really get into it. The thing stopping it from being a 4.5-5 star is the language was really flowery at the beginning.
i did really enjoy the side syory with Solomon, and the ending was quite satisfcatory. In the end I enjoyed it, and if you are into regencies, I think you will too.
This book was a little slow going for me, but once it got to about the 3/4 mark I started to really get into it. The thing stopping it from being a 4.5-5 star is the language was really flowery at the beginning.
i did really enjoy the side syory with Solomon, and the ending was quite satisfcatory. In the end I enjoyed it, and if you are into regencies, I think you will too.
July 13, 2015
Kali was the daughter of an Indian palace tawaif (a woman skilled in pleasing men), and a British Earl. Kali's life in England wasn't spent as part of the privileged, but in service to powerful men. Her father not only knew of this, but used it to his advantage!
Fresh, different historical perspective! Compelling and memorable!
Received book free for honest review.
Fresh, different historical perspective! Compelling and memorable!
Received book free for honest review.
December 8, 2017
(3.5 stars) This book was interesting to me in its expose of some of the hypocrisies, prejudices and bigotries in 1800s England. Titled Lord Birchbright had spent some years as a British official in India, where he fathered two girls with his Indian mistress but left them there when he returned to England, where he married and started his legitimate (needless to say *white*) family. When his Indian mistress dies, the two girls are sent to England.
This is where the story gets interesting and a bit uncomfortable as far as the girls' treatment. Lord Birchbright, as the father of these girls, should care about their welfare, one would think. Fruit of his loins and all that. But just read the book to see how caring he is.
There is unfortunate prejudice against non-white/non-English/non-aristocracy, with Kali Matai, the older daughter, as the protagonist we all learn to care about. She is trained as an exotic dancer and courtesan, but, much as she is admired and desired, she's still a second-class citizen in the white British world. But we watch her grow, we observe her relationships with her protectors (of which the first and the last were the best, as you'll see) and we read, horrified, about her father and what he is and does.
As the author's notes at the end tell us, this story is mostly speculation about what would have happened to a high-powered Indian courtesan in Britain. But it's intelligent speculation and the author is careful to treat the subject delicately. I found the story to be worth the read, especially since it's not very expensive. There were, however, several errors that a good proofreading could have taken care of. And a perplexing love scene in which the man is lying *prone* with the woman atop him. Wouldn't that keep the most important male parts hidden? Perhaps just have him lying down if there's confusion between 'supine' and 'prone'.
This is where the story gets interesting and a bit uncomfortable as far as the girls' treatment. Lord Birchbright, as the father of these girls, should care about their welfare, one would think. Fruit of his loins and all that. But just read the book to see how caring he is.
There is unfortunate prejudice against non-white/non-English/non-aristocracy, with Kali Matai, the older daughter, as the protagonist we all learn to care about. She is trained as an exotic dancer and courtesan, but, much as she is admired and desired, she's still a second-class citizen in the white British world. But we watch her grow, we observe her relationships with her protectors (of which the first and the last were the best, as you'll see) and we read, horrified, about her father and what he is and does.
As the author's notes at the end tell us, this story is mostly speculation about what would have happened to a high-powered Indian courtesan in Britain. But it's intelligent speculation and the author is careful to treat the subject delicately. I found the story to be worth the read, especially since it's not very expensive. There were, however, several errors that a good proofreading could have taken care of. And a perplexing love scene in which the man is lying *prone* with the woman atop him. Wouldn't that keep the most important male parts hidden? Perhaps just have him lying down if there's confusion between 'supine' and 'prone'.
January 4, 2017
This is more than a romance (there isn't a lot of it) and very unique. I liked a lot of it, but the first half was a little slow and jumpy to me. I did love the second half when everything really started happening and she started really getting her freedom. I liked that it wasn't in the ballrooms and that Kali was from India because it made it different. I loved how she helped her friends. It just didn't click fully with me at times.
Kali is a woman that has been trained to please men but knows how to use that power to get things that she wants and to get what her father forces her to. She did what she had to protect those she loved and to get her freedom.
She loved two men Fitz and Rook who both played parts in helping her and both were great men. I wouldn't mess with them after everything they did to help her. The one she ends up with is a great man.
*I was provided a copy in exchange for my honest review*
Kali is a woman that has been trained to please men but knows how to use that power to get things that she wants and to get what her father forces her to. She did what she had to protect those she loved and to get her freedom.
She loved two men Fitz and Rook who both played parts in helping her and both were great men. I wouldn't mess with them after everything they did to help her. The one she ends up with is a great man.
*I was provided a copy in exchange for my honest review*
April 28, 2016
I started this book last night and just finished it this afternoon. It was fabulous!
I won't go into the plot as it is detailed in the book's description as well as by the other reviewers.
I will say this. The author, Mariana Gabrielle, has written yet another beautiful and breathtaking story. It's a tale that brings each of the characters to life in your mind. From the clear descriptions of each, I have a vivid image of each of the characters, from their clothing to their physical traits. You can feel the passion of Kali's dances, marvel at the magnificent jewels given to her by men wanting more than a dance, and fall in love with two wonderful men, Fitz and Rook, just as Kali did.
I just kept flipping the pages, racing to the end. Yet, I did not want it to end. I'm hoping that there is a sequel planned for the story of the rest of Kali's life.
I won't go into the plot as it is detailed in the book's description as well as by the other reviewers.
I will say this. The author, Mariana Gabrielle, has written yet another beautiful and breathtaking story. It's a tale that brings each of the characters to life in your mind. From the clear descriptions of each, I have a vivid image of each of the characters, from their clothing to their physical traits. You can feel the passion of Kali's dances, marvel at the magnificent jewels given to her by men wanting more than a dance, and fall in love with two wonderful men, Fitz and Rook, just as Kali did.
I just kept flipping the pages, racing to the end. Yet, I did not want it to end. I'm hoping that there is a sequel planned for the story of the rest of Kali's life.
March 12, 2016
Wow. Just wow. Superbly written and a departure from other novels in the genre entirely. It's an excellent story that takes on really tough issues that other novels in this genre tend to ignore, particularly the racism that was the order of the day for this period. Mariana Gabrielle's novels never fail to be more than "just" a romance novel. This is no exception. If you're looking for "more" like I was, look no further.
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