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 fiancée 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!