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 worldβ¦until he
rescues a beautiful woman.
Isabel Netherton isnβt 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 Dariusβs
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 husbandβs 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.
No excerpt available.
© 2003-2026