I have enjoyed all the Lost Lord stories. This one was truly unique - two people with broken souls but incredibly strong spirits, who have endured horrific experiences, but in the end help each other heal and learn to open their hearts to love. This author's books are always intensely emotional, somewhat lyrical, with layered characters and interesting scenarios and historical background.
I did not find this novel very convincing or credible. It felt to me as if the adventure plot with the kickass female heroine was a jarring element when juxtaposed with the love story. The author had reasonable explanations for everything the heroine knew how to do but I just didn't buy it, given the era, nor did I believe her casual sexuality for that era. She is not shown as a stupid person but she put her faith in a birth control method that was hardly 100%. I did finish it, however, and I would say that where the book shines is in the author's smooth prose style and the sections dealing with the hero's readjustment when he returns to England after a decade of solitary confinement in France. I think this author's older Signet regencies are tighter and better constructed than this book, which seemed padded and draggy at times. But I did finish it and I do like her style, so I give it four stars. I guess she's a prisoner of her market now.
