Louisa Rawlings (1933–2024)

An old school romance, a true bodice ripper. Grey, the hero, begins as a complete ass and remains that way for a good part of the book. I did like Greys' humanness and I appreciated the authors attempt to deal honestly with his alcoholism, even if I did feel he overcame it a little too easily for any real authenticity.

Allegra, the heroine, is feisty but treated fairly shabbily all the same. I did appreciate the quiet dignity which Allegra seemed to portray in some situations but her willingness to easily let go of certain previously strongly held convictions made her appear more than a little wimpy. Perhaps I'm a little blood thirsty but I think Allegra forgave Grey way too easily and should probably have made him suffer a little more first.

I personally enjoy these old school romances. The abundant, over the top melodrama amuses me even though the modern woman in me thinks it probably shouldn't. While there's no rape in this one, the heroine is beaten by the hero on a couple of occasions, which some readers might find disturbing. All in all I have this 3.5 stars, it was fairly unremarkable plot wise but interesting enough for a few hours entertainment.… (plus d'informations)