Author: Liz Carlyle
Genre: Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Published: Avon – July 31, 2012
Synopsis: Beneath the elegant façade of Victorian high society, the mysterious men of the St James Society play only by rules of danger and desire…
Rance Welham, the Earl of Lazonby, has survived scandal and disgrace, even evading the Queen’s justice at the end of a hangman’s rope. Now he’s about to gamble everything on something far more dangerous—pure, unquenchable desire.
An exotic and elegant beauty, Lady Anisha Stafford fled her native India after her husband’s death to seek refuge within London’s secretive St James Society. But accepting protection from a man society’s whispers call a cold-blooded killer is a double-edged sword . . . especially when he’s the most captivating and irresistible man Anisha has laid eyes on since leaving Calcutta.
In a world where treachery abounds, no one can be trusted—and no true passion can be denied. Together, these two tempestuous souls will risk their lives for a love that could redeem them both…or destroy everything they hold dear.
My take: The Bride Wore Pearls has a very different tone to it than other Historical Romances I’ve read. It’s exotic and lush in descriptions of setting and characters. There’s a paranormal aspect woven throughout the story but mostly in the background. This is the third book in the series and I think I would have benefitted by reading the books in order to understand the paranormal theme. That said, Liz Carlyle does a good job of catching the reader up on secondary characters which makes me want to read the previous books.
I enjoyed Rance and Anisha. They are two strong characters who don’t back down from anyone or anything – especially Anisha. She’s been married before and has two young sons. She doesn’t want her brother to match her with someone he feels suitable. If she decides to marry again it will be on her terms. Rance refuses to be anything more than a friend to Anisha. He feels his reputation around the ton wouldn’t be good for Anisha or her sons. You know where this will end up going, right?
For me the fun was seeing how Carlyle let the two find their way to each other. I also thought the mystery of who was behind the false accusation that has plagued Rance for years was interesting and made for an exciting scene or two near the end. Recommended for fans of Liz Carlyle and Historical Romance fans looking for something a little different.
Source: Publisher
Disclosure: See sidebar. I was not compensated for my review.
About Liz Carlyle
A lifelong Anglophile, Liz Carlyle cut her teeth reading gothic novels under the bedcovers by flashlight. She is the author of seventeen historical romances, including several New York Times bestsellers. Liz travels incessantly, ever in search of the perfect setting for her next book. Along with her genuine romance-hero husband and four very fine felines, she makes her home in North Carolina.
Liz’s Tour Stops
Thursday, August 2nd: The Book Garden
Tuesday, August 7th: Bookfan
Wednesday, August 8th: Broken Teepee
Friday, August 10th: Alpha Heroes
Tuesday, August 14th: A Chick Who Reads
Wednesday, August 15th: Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews
Thursday, August 16th: …the bookworm…
Saturday, August 18th: Mary’s Cup of Tea
Monday, August 20th: BookNAround
Tuesday, August 21st: WV Stitcher
Date TBD: Life In Review
Date TBD: In the Hammock Book Reviews
Date TBD: Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Books
Sounds good 🙂 And I sure know where it will end up going, lol
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😉
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I haven’t read many books in this genre, but this series sounds like it might be an excellent place to start. I do really appreciate a well rounded historical romance every now and then, though most of the books I have read have been a little lighter on the romance. Fantastic review today!
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Thanks for stopping by, Heather!
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I’ve never read any of her books but I like that there is a paranormal aspect. I’d like to read them in order if I ever do though.
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This is the first book by LC I’ve read. I’d certainly read another – maybe the first in this series.
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Just looking at the cover and reading the title, I would most likely pass it up but you made me want to read it along with the previous two.
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🙂
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Hmm, not too sure if combining the paranormal with a historical romance would have worked for me but never say never. Glad you enjoyed it, would you now consider starting with book 1?
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I would but there are a lot of books ahead of these on my “must read” list 🙂
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Hi Mary,
Sounds like a great book. I love historical romances! I’ll be putting this on my TBR list. Thanks for the review and stopping by my place. Have a great day!
Sherrie
Just Books
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Thanks for visiting, Sherrie! I hope you enjoy this book if you get a chance to read it!
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Okay! I must read this author’s books!! I’m into romance and HF big time right now. There’s something comforting about this type of book!!
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[…] StopsThursday, August 2nd: The Book GardenMonday, August 6th: Life In ReviewTuesday, August 7th: BookfanWednesday, August 8th: Broken TeepeeFriday, August 10th: Alpha HeroesMonday, August 13th: In the […]
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I’m glad you enjoyed this one! Thanks for being on the tour.
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[…] the 4th book in the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series. We met Napier and Lisette in the third book, The Bride Wore Pearls. Their book starts where TBWP left off – a murder has taken place and now Lisette is a prime […]
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