Atmospheric and Fast Paced.
Vivid descriptions of Hawksedge Keep—its cliffs, its caves, its stone and dungeons all lay down a powerful background that establish mood and emotion for this story over and over. I could almost feel the thick fog in the opening sequence and the description of rising seas at high tide in the caves raised the mounting tension of the later sequences. The claustrophobic atmosphere and horror of the locked chapel also grabbed this reader.
The romance plot has the elements that matter most, a strong, plucky heroine and a hero who has it all. He is loyal, responsible, honorable, strong, handsome—and just enough of a clueless male to frustrate the heroine. The secondary characters are well drawn as well, from Mother Clement to Cleve.
The plot is complex and believable. One quibble is that the fate of the villain and his helper is somewhat glossed over and rushed. I could have used some resolution. The author, however focused on something more important: getting her hero to happily every after.
Full disclosure: I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.