FOUR STARS
"She works to live . . .
One would think the last place a beauty like Fallon O'Rourke could keep her virtue was in the Mayfair mansion of London's most licentious duke, the notorious Dominic Hale. Yet Fallon—who's endured nothing but lecherous advances since her father's tragic death—is perfectly safe there . . . disguised as a footman! Beneath the notice of the dark-haired devil with his smoldering blue eyes and sinful smile, Fallon never imagines her secret will be discovered. But how long can her deception last when she begins to wish she is one of the many women traipsing in and out of the sinful rogue's bedchamber?
He lives to sin . . .
Most men envy the duke, never suspecting his pleasure-loving ways are a desperate attempt to escape, however briefly, the pain of a past that's left him with a heart of stone. Only one woman can break down his defenses. Only one woman can win his love . . . if she reveals her secret and succumbs to the sins of the wicked duke."My review:
I was a little disgruntled by the rude nature of one particular early scene in the book [carriage scene!], but I stuck with the novel and I'm glad that I did. The main character Fallon had a wonderful, strong, faithful voice. The novel gave you a rounded image of Fallon as a individual, without delving into long drawn out visions of her past life. I loved Dominic's tattoo - ooh. : ) I have to say I was completely swept along in the errr, later scenes, which were very well written. All in all, I would read another Sophie Jordan book if it was put in front of me. The comic nature of many events in the book reminded me faintly of Lynsay Sands' historical romances, which are actually outrageously funny (your in tears in the eyes country with her books!). What I think prevented this book from reaching the next level of 'great' was the lack of investigation into Fallon's own thoughts - while there was enough reflection, scenes simply moved too quickly to do any of them justice. Work on your narration Ms Jordan and you might just get added to my 'must read' list.
p.s. The reasoning why an abused childhood would make Dominic unfeeling, or how he came to see himself as incapable of love, were just never explained satisfactorily. Editors, how did this escape your notice?
Anyhow, I plan to check out the same author's Moon Chaser's series (paranormal romance with werewolves) written under the pseudonym Sharie Kohler.
