2008-05-12 Suprisingly Addictive

Firstly this is not the kind of book I would usually read, I tend to lean more toward classic romances actually written during the era in question. I have found many historical romances to be frivolous and silly so it was with trepidation that picked up this book on the recommendation of a friend.
However, I have to say I was shocked at how enthralled I became in this book. One critisism I will give is it did take a while to get going after the initial tryst between Darien and Thea. But with perserverance it built into an extremely tense and very sensual rollercoster ride. From chapter 27 onwards I couldn't put it down.
The story structure and characterisation was fantastic. The beginning of the novel created in me the feeling of contempt and disgust towards Darien but by the end I was positively in love with him myself.
Overall, the story, while not entirely predictable, to a regular reader of romantic suspense will be somewhat text book, but still good nonetheless. I also feel that certain sections could have been elaborated on more, in particular the end could have had a little bit more to it. It did feel that it was just quickly rounded off, a little more dialogue and description would have made the difference.
Many people communicate that this novel is nothing like the best that Jo Beverley's Rogues Series has to offer. If this is a poor example of her work then I am positively gaging to read the rest.