Til Dawn with the Devil by Alexandra Hawkins (Lords of Vice #2)
Historical Romance
August 3, 2010
Paperback, 320 Pages
St. Martin’s
Gabriel Housely, the Earl of Rainecourt, or “Reign” is welcome at ton events, but that doesn’t stop people from gossiping about him. Eight years ago, his pregnant wife was found dead in her room, with a broken neck. Although most believe it to be a tragic accident, there are those that think Reign is guilty.
Lady Sophia is tired of feeling like a burden to her two brothers Henry and Stephan. Her parents were murdered when she was six in an apparent murder-suicide and during the attack, she was struck in the head, and her eyesight has been very poor ever since.
It is at a ball, that Sophia’s beauty catches Reign’s attention. Normally not one to dally with the ladies, he asks her to dance which throws the shyer Sophia off guard. When getting some air, they realize the sad history they share – it was Reign’s father who murdered Sophia’s parents and then killed himself. Her brothers want her to have nothing to do with him, but soon, her brothers get in way over their heads in the gambling halls, and Reign may be her only saving grace.
I was very disappointed with Til Dawn With the Devil. Right off the bat Reign and Sophia both realize that Reign’s father murdered Sophia’s parents and caused a punishing blow to her head and yet hardly anything comes of it. I understand Reign is an innocent party pertaining to his father’s actions, but that is a lot of baggage to deal with. The hurt and anger of losing her parents is still surrounding Sophia, but nothing is made of Reign’s family connections. No opportunity is taken to explore this very fragile history that has intertwined their lives.
There are also nasty rumors swirling around Reign that he murdered his first wife and unborn child. Again, Sophia has 100% confidence he is an innocent. Sophia is about ready to be auctioned off by her brothers to cover their debt and Reign swoops in. Here is a man that she really doesn’t know all that well with a very sordid, mysterious past and she not only accepts his proposal with ease, but their marriage is smooth sailing too. With the emotional distress Sophia has overcome with her murdered parents and her own assault, coupled with Reign’s horrid marriage, the two of them got together too easily!! Where is the drama? The angst?
The book ends with a very dramatic, action packed event, but overall, it lacked conflict, and it missed the mark in confronting the hero and heroine’s emotions that should have played a big role.
Rating: 2/5
Recent Reviews:
The Good, The Bad, and The Unread – A+
The Romance Dish – 4.5/5
All About Romance – D
Goodreads
This Series Includes:
All Night With a Rogue
Til Dawn With the Devil
After Dark With a Scoundrel – 2011
yes where is the drama and the angst. I would sure not trust him, I would be angry and upset, even while falling in love
Just like you I'm a reader bent on drama, angst and struggles. It's such a bummer this story didn't deliver on that for you Mandi :((
:( Sorry this one didn't work out for you Mandi.
Whenever a book lacks drama I usually raise my right hand (the other holding my kindle) and say in a loud voice where is the drama?!!!!
Without a little angst and drama the book would read very flat to me.
Reviews are so varied on this one but it's either really like, or really don't. Interesting. Nice review.
Where's the angst indeed!
I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that my reader heart will encounter something better.
Great review!
From what I've been reading, it seems this series is lacking….something. Maybe I'll check them out of the library, oneday.
Sorry this didn't work for you Mandi. I agree though, with all that baggage, there would have to be some angst, even if just internal. And tension between the characters.
I did like the sound of the heroine having poor eyesight…a bit different, but of course she's a beauty. Sorry, I'm being picky in that I want more than just the hero thinking the heroine is beautiful (if that makes sense :)