In Great Britain 150 years ago, a wife was at the mercy of
her husband. Society bride Isabel Netherton learns that the
hard way, on her wedding night. When she is finally able to
escape, she has nowhere to go -- until fate steers her to
the
home of scholar Darius Thorne, the one man who knows the
demons that haunt her.
OBSESSION WEARS OPALS is the fifth book in Renee Bernard's
Jaded Gentlemen series. The men of this exclusive
group
bonded while being held prisoner in India, and beyond that
horror, Darius has other scars that help him understand the
terror of abuse.
Bernard stacks the deck against Isabel and Darius, but she
also gives them strength, smarts, and determination. Her
descriptions of the torture Isabel endured at her husband's
hands are difficult to read, and she keeps us waiting until
the final pages for a resolution. OBSESSION WEARS OPALS is a
compelling and unusual love story that will keep you
enthralled.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy the Victorian
era, historical romances, and wounded heroes. Even though
OBSESSION WEARS PEARLS is part of a series, it stands on its
own.
Darius Thorne has learned to use his wit and intelligence
to strategize a better life for himself. He is the White
Knight amidst the small secret circle of Gentlemen known
only as the Jaded. The handsome scholar shields his heart
by keeping a studied distance from the world…until he
rescues a beautiful woman.
Isabel Netherton isn’t merely a damsel in distress. A high
born lady of quality unwilling to be a pawn, she is
defiantly escaping an abusive husband. But under Darius’s
protection she discovers an unexpected champion--a man who
teaches her the power of true desire and what it means to
be treated like a queen.
However, the law of the land supports her husband’s cruel
claim. It will take all of Darius' wit to keep one step
ahead of their enemies and protect Isabel. In a deadly
game of chess, Darius must defeat the Black Knight and
sacrifice himself for his Ivory Queen or forfeit all.