Thomas Hyde, Viscount Varcourt, is suspected of killing his
brother to attain the title. With his brother's death, his
family has disintegrated. His father has become distant,
his mother melancholy and he doesn't feel comfortable
anywhere. He is worried when his mother seeks the help of
the latest charlatan to offer her skills to society.
Esmeralda is a woman of mystery. She keeps her face
hidden by a dark veil. She claims to communicate with the
dead. Her claims and the mystery surrounding her have
brought her to the forefront of society.
When the Viscount tries to stop her from fleecing his
mother, she worries that her plans will never come to
fruition. She must do whatever it takes to deflect his
interest in her so she promises to investigate his
brother's death. Her vows to take down the man who ruined
her life and her promise to Thomas will place her in a
difficult position.
Thomas becomes obsessed with learning more about Esmeralda
at the same time he becomes obsessed with her. As the
season progresses, Thomas and Esmeralda will have to face
some difficult times. The decisions they make may well
affect the rest of their lives.
Ms. Joyce writes a story of obsession which explores the
darkest of emotions; grief, hate, revenge and love. This
story didn't work for me on a couple of levels. The
relationship between the hero and heroine always appeared
to be more about obsession than love.
My interest in a book is always driven by the characters
and their relationship. Thomas appears to be an arrogant
man who is willing to blast through any obstacle to achieve
his aims. Esmeralda is an unhappy woman whose only desire
seems to be to bring down the man who ruined her life.
While I had some sympathy for both of them, it didn't make
it any easier to like either of them.
Since the mysterious death of his brother Thomas Hyde,
Viscount Varcourt has been as cold and distant with his
family as he is with the world around him...
In
aristocratic society, Esmeralda is well-known as a psychic.
Moving amongst the elite, she keeps her true intentions
hidden from all.
Esmeralda’s keen interest in his
family evokes Thomas’ suspicion and scorn. But their first
confrontation swiftly turns from a struggle for control to
an erotic battle that neither can afford to lose.