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.