Benedict Frost is on his way to deliver a manuscript, when
he notices the docks are unusually quiet. Benedict stops at
the Pig and
Blanket Inn. He learns the theft of the century happened at
the Royal
Mint: 50,000 pounds in gold were stolen and the guards
killed.
Benedict, who had a terrible accident during the war, could
use the reward money to provide his sister with a decent
dowry. But he is not the only patron listening discreetly
to
the conversations: Charlotte Perry is not missing a word.
If
Charlotte had that kind of money, she could become someone
entirely different, not the courtesan who must hide in her
own native village. Benedict asks Charlotte to sit at her
table—how shocking! But it's the only place left, so
Charlotte agrees to let the handsome man with a cane sit
with her. And thus Theresa Romain takes her reader on a
most
enchanting journey.
How typical of Ms. Romain that a novel featuring a
courtesan
could be described as classy, charming, elegant and dare
one
say, sweet? Benedict is blind, and the author's unsurpassed
descriptive skills make it a fascinating journey, seeing
the
world through Benedict's other senses. Charlotte's story is
utterly fascinating, and several tissues were required
because the author is so sensitive and subtle, you cannot
help but care for what happens to those characters. FORTUNE
FAVORS THE WICKED is an engrossing story of two people
dreaming of a better future and hoping against hope.
Charlotte and Benedict are simply sublime, entirely
atypical
of what we expect; their stories heartwrenching and
riveting, and Charlotte is seduction personified, and
Benedict never ceases to amaze, in the best of ways. And
watching their relationship evolve was a complete delight,
and the ending could not have been better.
Theresa Romain's writing is extremely refined, sprinkled
with delectable humorous touches, yet nothing ever feels
pompous, unless the character is. But the splendour of the
narrative and the cleverness of the dialogues are nothing
compared to the flair she displays at fleshing out
characters who are very human, fallible, and endearing, and
let's not forget her flair
for
thinking up plots that are new and fresh. In FORTUNE FAVORS
THE WICKED Theresa Romain shines brighter than ever!
As a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, Benedict Frost had the
respect of every man on board--and the adoration of the
women in every port. When injury ends his naval career, the
silver-tongued libertine can hardly stomach the boredom. Not
after everything--and everyone--he's experienced. Good thing
a new adventure has just fallen into his lap…
When courtesan Charlotte Perry learns the Royal Mint is
offering a reward for finding a cache of stolen gold coins,
she seizes the chance to build a new life for herself. As
the treasure hunt begins, she realizes her tenacity is
matched only by Benedict's--and that sometimes adversaries
can make the best allies. But when the search for treasure
becomes a discovery of pleasure, they'll be forced to decide
if they can sacrifice the lives they've always dreamed of
for a love they've never known…
I read this a few days ago and absolutely loved it. I have not run into characters like these before and that was very refreshing. Benedict and Charlotte initially flirt with innuendos. Virtuous works becomes a hilarious metaphor. It is fun to watch developments in their flirtation and treasure hunting. Benedict's kindness and sympathy is well balanced by his humor and devilishness. Reading Charlotte's thoughts as she utters polite inanities is also entertaining. I didn't find kleenex necessary at all as I was laughing much of the time. There is definitely a sweetness to this story which I'm sure you will enjoy. (Pat Dupuy 4:36pm April 11, 2016)
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