This was a really excellent romance on a number of levels. I don’t want to give too many spoilers, so if any of these comments seem vague, that is why.

I was very surprised by this novel and really loved it. I thought it was going to be a traditional Regency, a bit comedy of manners, and what Society thinks of the couple, avoidance of scandal, and so on.

But the heroine Pamela coming of age, falling in love, and taking action to win her heart’s desire is center stage. It is great to watch her ‘grow up’ and the couple to grow in love.

She goes from the queen of purposeless and vain pursuits to a real heroine in the truest sense, very brave, and worthy of the noble Jonathan Deveril in every way.

Jonathan, a vicar, (priest of the Anglican church), is not a total stuffed shirt, but part of the glamorous Rakehells’ set. But nor is he a hypocrite.

Jonathan is a rarity, a hero in a Regency who is NOT a rake, or a nobleman. But he is a noble man, and his reasons for holding back from offering for the lovely Pamela are totally believable given the time period and his situation in life, and as we see, who he is, as he grows before our eyes.

The eerie Gothic quality as Jonathan’s dark secrets are revealed, and their enemies start to circle around them, really kept me turning the pages.

They are fearful that if he does declare for her, all their mercenary schemes will be for nothing. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s going on, well, the author and the characters surprise you again with even more depth, and sensuality.

Once Pamela trusts to love, and listens to her heart, not what the Town says, she is on the road to a wonderful relationship with her beloved. Once she helps Jonathan resolve his issues, the barriers between them drop and their passionate desires are finally fulfilled.

The ending really surprised me, but was terrific and perfect for the book.
Though it does not have the number of really spicy love scenes in it compared with the later books I have read by this author, it is still very sexy and suited to the characters (a vicar and debutante), who are so vivid I feel like I know them.

Jonathan and Pamela move heaven and earth to be together, and the happily ever after ending is just perfect. Once again the Rakehells are in fine form, supporting but not taking over the book, even though we hope we get to see more of them soon!

A great way to pass several hours devouring this delectable and thrilling Regency romance novel.