Lady Charlotte Engles' tyrannical father wanted to bask in the glow of The Emperors and improve his social status, so he contracted a marriage for Charlotte to Valentinian Shaw, whom the City knows as a wastrel, a drunken, whoring degenerate. Val agreed to the marriage, as it would confer him some most needed respectability. Val had not given much thought to Charlotte during those two years, but a kiss has him looking at his fiancΓ©e in an entirely different way. They have grown fond of each other during their betrothal, and Charlotte has fallen in love with the rogue but fears that he would soon tire of her, leave her for mistresses and she would be left alone and hurt. After a two-year betrothal, Charlotte has grown tired of waiting, and when another man shows interest, Lord Kellett, she asks her father to reconsider. Val is hesitant, and decides to discreetly investigate Kellett, and what Val finds out chills his blood and makes Val look like a saint.
FEARLESS is an extraordinarily compelling story that had me enthralled from the beginning. Ms. Connolly has created superlatively complex characters, her writing is magnificent, and her descriptions are strikingly eloquent. The period details are stunning, and add a unique edge to the story. Character development is stellar, the tension is unbearable as ambitious and vengeful people aim to destroy Charlotte and Val.
FEARLESS is not light reading by any stretch of the imagination, yet I was filled with joy because of the feeling of authenticity of the story and especially the romance. There are scenes of intense drama, such as public executions, the impossibly stifling atmosphere in Charlotte's household, and the terror I shared with Charlotte when her despot of a father addresses her, the way he treats her and everyone for that matter.
FEARLESS is a novel I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a historical romance with substance, intelligence, heart, historical accuracy, and real passion. Also, do read the Author's Note, because it is quite enlightening. A fabulous, fabulous book!
Scandal is his chosen path—until this infamous Shaw surrenders to love . . . When Lady Charlotte Engles receives an offer of marriage from an eligible suitor, she’s finally ready to let go of her long-held hope that her engagement to Lord Valentinian Shaw will result in marriage. For despite the betrothal their families made between them, Val shows no interest in leaving his reckless life behind in favor of one with Charlotte. But when her plea to end their arrangement ends in a heated embrace, suddenly Val seems reluctant to let her go . . . The last thing Val wants is a wife, despite how desirous his lovely bride-to-be has become. But when he discovers sweet Charlotte is planning to marry a dastardly man, he feels duty bound to keep her safe, even if that means making good on his marriage pledge. Then Charlotte is taken hostage by her dangerous suitor and suddenly Val is ready to risk everything for the woman who has won his heart . . .
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