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Jack Vernon has learned to live with nightmares of the battlefields of Badajoz. Blood lust, carnage, and the rape of a world gone mad. A canvas is this tortured artist’s solace – once the outlet for the horrors he’d witnessed, it now provides Jack’s living. Not yet having achieved celebrity status he really does not have the ability to pick and choose his clients. At the request of his mother he is forced to accept a commission from Lord Tranville, the one man he hates most in this world. The commission is to paint the stunningly beautiful rising young actress Miss Araina Blane. A young woman whom Jack met once before and who has haunted his dreams ever since – the same young woman his archenemy has trained in his sights for seduction. *** From her very first novel, The Mysterious Miss M, this author has created some of the most interesting and vivid characters with dynamic plots which, in my opinion, are unparalleled in this genre. Very uncharacteristic of the genre she does not write of the typical lords and ladies of the ton, but instead tells stories of the ‘downstairs’ lives of the common folk. I think what I love best about Ms. Gaston’s work is how she takes you into the back stages of the theatres; the one room garrets of artists; and examines the way they are carving out a living and letting the reader feel the harsh fabric that makes up their lives. In Ariana and Jack’s story you find that Ariana is an actress performing out of a true love of the theater. In most cases the story would read on how the actresses would be using their fame to get out of the life and find a rich benefactor. Not so in this story. Ms. Gaston gives Ariana the most admirable traits, not only stunning looks, but backbone to turn down all offers, a rare talent, and a wonderful loving personality. From the very first pages and with the mastery of Ms. Gaston’s pen one recognizes at once Jack’s decency which encompasses his love of family and the hopelessness he feels when he discovers Ariana’s connection to his archenemy Tranville. Written with superb sensuality, elegance and originality Ms. Gaston’s latest Regency romance GALLANT OFFICER, FORBIDDEN LADY is a must read for fans of this genre and one in which I highly recommend, as well as any of Ms. Gaston’s previous back listed books. This novel continues to prove Ms. Gaston as a gem of an author!
Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau for CK2S Kwips and Kritiques |
GALLANT OFFICER, FORBIDDEN LADY
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