Willy W. reviewed on + 503 more book reviews
A very sensual story about a virginal hero, Matthew, who has been held prisoner by his greedy uncle, and a young widow, Grace, who is accidentally ensnared in the uncle's plans for Matthew.
Most of the book takes place with the couple somewhat isolated (imprisoned) on a small gated estate from which they are unable to escape. Fitting with the intimacy of the setting, there is a great deal of internal dialogue but not so much as to stifle the story.
The characters' chemistry is clear from the start and the romance is fairly convincing. They are passionate about each other and Anna Campbell writes some pretty steamy and romantic love scenes.
On the downside, I think their isolation lasted too long. Campbell had it right when she wrote Grace as having reservations about her relationship with Matthew since Matthew had basically never seen, much less known, another woman in his adult life. Grace's concerns were spot on and very believable. However instead of showing us how their relationship evolves and how Matthew continues to love Grace outside the confines of his prison, we really only ever know him as a prisoner, and all his experiences and growth outside that situation is skipped with a giant leap forward in time.
I also found the constant and ever worsening maltreatment of Matthew, Grace, and even a dog to be excessive. It was almost as if Anna Campbell was afraid we wouldn't think the villains evil enough so she kept adding more and more heinous crimes.
Complaints aside, it was still quite a good book and far better than many of its ilk. Anna Campbell is an author to read more for certain.
Most of the book takes place with the couple somewhat isolated (imprisoned) on a small gated estate from which they are unable to escape. Fitting with the intimacy of the setting, there is a great deal of internal dialogue but not so much as to stifle the story.
The characters' chemistry is clear from the start and the romance is fairly convincing. They are passionate about each other and Anna Campbell writes some pretty steamy and romantic love scenes.
On the downside, I think their isolation lasted too long. Campbell had it right when she wrote Grace as having reservations about her relationship with Matthew since Matthew had basically never seen, much less known, another woman in his adult life. Grace's concerns were spot on and very believable. However instead of showing us how their relationship evolves and how Matthew continues to love Grace outside the confines of his prison, we really only ever know him as a prisoner, and all his experiences and growth outside that situation is skipped with a giant leap forward in time.
I also found the constant and ever worsening maltreatment of Matthew, Grace, and even a dog to be excessive. It was almost as if Anna Campbell was afraid we wouldn't think the villains evil enough so she kept adding more and more heinous crimes.
Complaints aside, it was still quite a good book and far better than many of its ilk. Anna Campbell is an author to read more for certain.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
