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Thomas Hyde, Viscount Varcourt has lived with the insinuation that he had something to do with the ‘accident’ that killed his elder brother. As the years have gone by he has become more controlling over his family which is why he harbors such suspicions over his mother’s newest protégé – the spiritualist Esmeralda. Thomas doesn’t trust Esmeralda’s motives and wants nothing more than to run her out of London. Esmeralda has an agenda but knows and fears that Varcourt is going to make trouble for her as he forces his way into her business, her life and her body. It would be anyone’s guess who would win the battle of wills. *** I’ve read and enjoyed Lydia Joyce before, but I have to say up front that this story goes a bit beyond the dark gothic tones she has set in her earlier novels. One thing for sure Ms. Joyce certainly knows how to spin a story of suspense and mystery. I think what disturbed me the most was the brutal way Thomas forced Esmeralda after her taunting of him into a violent escapade of rough sex. Actually, it was more rape than anything else because I don’t even believe lust entered the picture, it was pure out and out hatred. One would think that most sane women would despair over this treatment and run for the hills but again, Esmeralda would not be deterred from her path of revenge. At this point in the story, one really does not know exactly who or what the driving force behind Esmerada’s plan of revenge is, or why. One thing for sure, Ms. Joyce plays her cards close to her chest in trying to figure out who was after who in this game of suspense and mystery. Bottom line: The story is fast paced, extremely suspense filled, but with some very dark moods and disturbing sexual encounters. It was hard to believe an eventual love story could have blossomed from the lies and encounters these protagonists had. Needless to say some will find this entertaining as the suspense and story will keep you guessing throughout. Marilyn Rondeau – Reviewers International Organization (RIO) |
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Wicked Intentions
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