Beguiled by Shannon Drake Published by Harlequin on November 15, 2012
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Victorian, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
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Ally Grayson never wanted to be a heroine—she dreamed of writing great stories, not living in a fairy tale. But when she's abducted by a charming highwayman right out of a novel, Ally finds herself thoroughly enchanted. No matter that she's betrothed to another—or that she has no intention of binding herself in an arranged marriage anyway.
But when Mark, her burdensome fiancé, is revealed to be none other than the rogue of her dreams, Ally must make a choice: plunge into a world of murder and deceit without a protector, or place her trust in the man who lies to her but makes her heart sing.
Purchased on a daring whim, I quickly fell in love with Shannon Drake (pen name for bestselling author and vampire genre master Heather Graham). Drake’s precise, no-nonsense approach to romance will be appreciated by lovers of hist-ro as a refreshing change of pace and die-hard history buffs who love political intrigue will enjoy Beguiled.
Interspersed with romance, a highwayman, and an independent heroine, Beguiled is filled with a tense political climate that is more than just a backdrop for romance. It is a Victorian romance with a bit of insta-love with a masquerading theme and a take on Sleeping Beauty. There is a murder suspense piece which keeps the plot rolling.
Not all readers loved this one, but it hooked me in enough to pick up more Shannon Drake.
Although I didn’t like The Queen’s Lady, (actually couldn’t read past the first twenty pages), Beguiled prompted me to also read Reckless, which is a favorite involving Egyptology, adventure and romance.
Reckless by Shannon Drake Published by Harlequin on November 15, 2012
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Victorian, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Buy on Amazon
From elite London society to the golden sands of Egypt… and the sacred places of the heart…
When Kat Adair plunges into the waves to rescue a drowning man, it is just the beginning of an odyssey that will sweep the fisherman's daughter into danger and desire. Convinced she is in love with the man she saved, Egyptologist David Turnberry, she feigns amnesia, thus enabling her to linger among the highborn. Hunter MacDonald, rugged archaeologist, is wise to her little charade — and determined to protect his best friend.
Undaunted, Kat stows away on the ship carrying David and Hunter's expedition party to the land of the pharaoh. Scandal ensues, and Hunter vows the only way to curtail this confounding woman's schemes is to marry her. Inevitably, in the sultry heat of the desert, passions ignite. But as the secrets of the ancient tombs are revealed, terrible danger unfolds, and Kat must trust the one man willing to risk everything to save her from doom.
Reckless is another Victorian romance with an element of masquerade (fake amnesia) and fake engagement. Hunter is a favorite hero of some readers, with a strong, knowing character that takes good care of the reckless hoyden heroine.
Graham (aka Drake)’s books are well researched and her characters are often charming and witty in a movie way (like we’d like to be in life but can’t quite manage).
