Set in the English countryside, this exquisite new Regency novel by MacNish reveals how one woman’s courage wins her the love she had never dreamed she’d find…
While Olwyn Gawain lives as a virtual prisoner in her home, her scientist father conducts chilling experiments on stolen corpses in the dungeon of their keep. One night, Olwyn is shocked to discover that her father’s latest subject—a breathtakingly handsome young man—is still clinging to life. Refusing to let him die, Olwyn stops her father at gunpoint and flees, determined to bring the innocent man to safety.
The son of aristocrats, Aidan Mullin doesn’t know what to make of the unusual, intriguing Olwyn. But as the pair make their way toward Aidan’s home, he finds himself drawn to the alluring young woman who saved him from certain death. Fiery and sensual, Olwyn’s very touch fuels a desire in Aidan too fierce to deny. But when Olwyn learns he is hiding a heartbreaking secret, Aidan must face a difficult choice—or risk losing forever the love he so desperately needs.
When Sarah Maclean recommended this book as “straight up bananas” on Twitter, I knew I had to check it out. I had never read the author before, but was excited about the gothic treat ahead of me.
It is indeed gothic, carrying many of the hallmarks of this brand of literature including: a young, beautiful virginal heroine with unusual looks and talents, the brave, handsome hero, a villain (or two), and several gothic settings (including the wild lands of Wales and a stone hut). I usually prefer more farcical takes on the gothic novel, but found this book to be so wild and different I finished it in just a few reading sessions.
This is definitely a departure from the normal traditional or mass market/modern Regency. There are no ballrooms or tonnish type activities. Sex is diminished in favor of soul bearing conversations, and survival driven snuggling. The H/H are of different backgrounds and classes, which is no small obstacle. Then coupled with the fact that Aidan’s betrothed shows up to greet his homecoming and you see why these two fight their strong attraction throughout the book.
There are some questionable elements of the romance, which I don’t want to give away, but can say will be difficult for readers who don’t like even a hint of inequity in romance. I must say, too, that I frankly get a little world worn by reading about H/H’s who are the best looking people on the planet. I am not suggesting I want or expect H/H’s to be haggard or even unattractive. Just the descriptions start to become hyperbole when waxing on a character’s beauty. I think it would be more helpful for writers to describe what the H/H finds so attractive about the other person than trying to nail down “objective traits” of beauty. I think my DH is the most handsome man on the planet, but I know objectively that is not true. It always helps me get better sewn in to the romance if you understand, through the character’s eyes, what is so attractive about the other character. In this case, it felt a bit like the hero had a case of wanting a little strange. Which might also be off putting to people.
The villainous stuff got a little campy towards the end, but when you are reading gothic you kind of expect that so if you embrace it as part of the fun you will enjoy. There are some strong supporting characters and some interesting mystery/backstory which helped pull me along after a beginning/middle that was a little slow.
This is part of a series, but can be read fine as a standalone. The sexual content was pretty minimal, but there was enough violence and mature themes that this is recommended for mature readers.
I think MacNish is a talented, unique voice in the genre and worthy of exploration. For those looking for a more gothic romance, this may be one for you!
4 out of 6 Gothic leaning romance with unusual H/H and unlikely romance
| Content Rating/Heat Index | |
|---|---|
| Mature Content |   |
| Mostly of the villainous sort, but are some intimate suggestions as well | |
| Intimacy | |
| Not really any pre-marital action, but lots of foreplay | |
| Violence | |
| Several violent scenes. Not super graphic | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Perfect for mature readers who love gothic romances with unusual romance. | |
