Rating: 
Summary: Solid Gold Romance - Divine Hero!
Review: Setting - France and England 1831 --- In THE CHARMER, this third entry into Ms. Hunter's latest Regency era series I find Hunter back where she belongs - right on top with SOLID GOLD! One cannot but admire the ingenuity of this regency romance using as a background the seldom discussed period of British history political unrest circa 1831-1832. Sophia Raughley, with the death of her father, was now the Duchess of Everdon. Eight years previously she had fled, from her autocratic father to the continent and had been living outrageously in France. Now, none other than the king of England himself has summoned her home and sent a handsome messenger to complete the task. Charged by Wellington with the task of bringing the duchess home is one of the most divine hero's to hit the pages of this talented wordsmith. Adrian Burchard, third son (though illigetimate) of the Earl of Dincaster. While Adrian's first impression of the new Duchess of Everdon did not display her in the best of circumstances - she really did 'display' quite a bit of her charms - her impression of him was of another autocratic and manipulative male. Knowing full well that the summons is only to marry her off in order to put a man in one of the most powerfully political seats, she is resentful at being forced into being manipulated and used once again by the men in her life. Both lead protagonists, were resentful of one another but circumstances compelled them into a close association and as Sophia began to trust Adrian, they both began to recognize a kindred spirit as they peeled back the layers of mistrust, and lack of nurturing they'd both endured during their formative years. Adrian realized that under the frivolous demeanor Sophia showed to the world there existed a terrified and tortured soul that with his quiet strength and understanding helped her to overcome her fears - all the while as they opened their eyes and embraced the passion that soon overcame them both they stole what happiness they could as he tried to protect Sophia from the treachery of those who would use her for their own means. This was a fabulous read with two very intelligent, complex and wonderfully defined protagonists. The passionate intensity of the story and the steamy love scenes were all the more poignant as through it all, Adrian because of his checkered bloodlines and political affiliations knew that their love had no future. He loved as though each time might be their last and the sensual dialog's were so beautifully composed that they truly did touch my heart. Along with this very moving romance, we are treated to a wonderful cast of secondary characters of which Sophia's two protégés, Attila and Jacques, who were tremendously delightful, especially when Jacques reprimanded Adrian for not being a good lover -- then proceeded to give him tips! On top of all of this, the reader will uncover a very surprising twist at the end that I never saw coming - but you'll have to read the book to discover it! Bottom line -- THIS is romance at it's best and what I've come to expect from Madeline Hunter! --- Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com ---
Rating:
Summary: One of the Most Memorable of all Romances...
Review: This has to be one of the best novels I've ever read. Adrian was such a great guy, so smart, exceptionally handsome, loyal, gentle to those he loved, and tough to his enemies.
Sophia's friends, Attila and Jacques very nearly stole the show, though! These two were hilarious, especially when they showed up in the park.
Adrian's older brother, Colin, (the oldest we never did meet) was a wonderful man, yet I did wonder why there was no explanation about Colin's feelings concerning Adrian's birth. Colin accepted Adrian, which was fantastic, but what led to this great friendship?
Also, I'm sorry to say that I found one scene in this book totally boring and I didn't like the distraction. It was when Sophia visited her ancestral home to fight the ghosts of her past. Her relationship with Adrian was progressing nicely, then all of sudden Sophia leaves and the action just stopped! I would never discount the severity of her tragic past, but we learned nothing new by her going there. Her supposed conversation with her deceased father was boring, and not the least informative.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Most Memorable of all Romances...
Review: This is one of Madeline Hunter's best! Adrian Burchard is one of the best heros ever. He was all man and took no junk from anyone. Just perfect. The loves scenes were sweet and like all this author's work, not exactly typical. The way in which Adrian handled Gerald was great, just what one would expect of such a strong man. This book lacked for nothing.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!!!
Review: This is one of Madeline Hunter's best! Adrian Burchard is one of the best heros ever. He was all man and took no junk from anyone. Just perfect. The loves scenes were sweet and like all this author's work, not exactly typical. The way in which Adrian handled Gerald was great, just what one would expect of such a strong man. This book lacked for nothing.
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