Impulse by Candace Camp
Historical Romance
December 28, 2010
Paperback (re-release), 384 Pages
HQN Books

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “Fool! It’s obvious they grow them stupid in America.”

Lady Angela has loved Camden (the stable hand) since she was a little girl; but when her grandfather finds them together he gives her an ultimatum. Either she marries Lord Dunstan or he will have Cam accused of theft and sent to prison for life. Lady Angela marries Lord Dunstan and suffers for her lost love. Cam upon finding out Angela married Dunstan flees to America and swears his revenge.

15 years later she is divorced and living in disgrace under her brothers care. When a secret investor buys up all the family business shares and threatens them with total ruin unless Lady Angela marries him, she is shocked to find it is her one and only love Cam. But Cam is not the same man she knew and she is undoubtedly not the same women he knew. For the sake of her family, she agrees to marry him. As they navigate through a rocky marriage shrouded in secret and anger; someone else wants Angela all to themselves and are willing to kill for her.

Impulse was originally published in 1997. I admit I had forgotten that I had read it but was pleasantly surprised when it all came back to me. I enjoyed this story then and now. A somewhat dark second chance romance with hints of suspense and intrigue.

Well plotted with rich character definition and a smooth flowing storyline. Ms. Camp has a wonderful way of drawing you into the trials and tribulations of her characters and making you a part of their lives.

The story is told from Angela’s point of view. You get a sense of strength and determination from her even though she is forced not once but twice to save her family. I admired her as she stands up to Cam and his unique way of setting people down is a treat.

Cam is an enigma. At first I was was hard pressed to like him. He comes off very cold and unfeeling towards Angela. As we divulge deeper into the story we see his reasons and it becomes clearer why he thinks the way he does.
From the moment you see Angela and Cam you can feel the chemistry between them. Intense and sensual, these two are destined for each other. I felt my heart would break when they were forced apart. After they are reunited, the emotional tension is ripe as you watch Angela and Cam fight through the misconceptions and the secrets that are threatening to destroy their marriage before it even starts.

We are given clues throughout the book that hint at the terrible things Angela endured during her marriage to Lord Dunstan. When Angela finally breaks her silence to Cam the truth is devastating yet soul cleansing as now they are both free to accept the passion that has simmered below the surface. I liked that we aren’t made to suffer through a long emotional roller coaster of misconception. The love between them comes back fairly early in the book and we are then allowed to enjoy watching them being happy. I also enjoyed Cam’s inventive way of helping to free Angela from her physical inhibitions.

I will admit I was rather shocked at the details Ms. Camp imparted to us concerning Angela’s secret. I don’t remember it being that graphic in the original book.

The secondary characters are a treat. Kate, Angela’s maid and best friend is a joy as she maintains a steadfast loyalty to Angela and heaven help anyone who doesn’t agree with her. Cam’s secretary, Jason, is the male equivalent of Kate and he winds up becoming important to the story. Our villain is truly an evil, ugly person who I enjoyed hating.

There is wonderful suspense introduced as Cam and Angela not only try to discover who is trying to kill him but also who his father was. The ending is predictable but I enjoyed the events leading up to it. An enchanting Victorian historical romance that will delight readers who love mystery with their romance.

Rating: B

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