I came back to write a review and have found I recall very little of this book other than I liked it! ( )

Interesting but not all that engaging. ( )

Highly implausible, with a lady who verges on Mary Sue-ness and a dude who just barely groveled enough to make up for how poorly he treated her, but it pushed the wtf to just the right level. If the next book in the series shows everything sunshine and roses, I'll be rating down, but for now, it was enjoyable enough to read, even with all the eye rolling I did. ( )

This book was an unexpected suprise. The only book of Gaelen Foley's that I'd read to this point was "Her Only Desire" - which unfortunately I found to be a rather bad read. But I found this one at a bargain bookstore and picked up - and was pleasantly suprised. While imperfect, this book is well written and entertaining. Bel's story of her fall from from genteel poor to courtesan is sad but not overly melodramatic, and her relationship with Hawkscliffe builds well, and is not dropped on the reader out of nowhere. Hawkscliffe's revelations about his lady-love at the end of the book turn upside down his well-ordered conceptions of morality, and add an interesting twist to his character. While not a deep or particularly spectacular book, this book is an enjoyable read and I'm glad I picked it up. ( )

First off this book had a rape scene. It's between Bel and a minor character and it's not very graphic, Bel kind of blacks out as it is happening. I know some people have a problem with these types of scenes in their romance books so just be forewarned.
 
Hawk is a bit of a jerkface for awhile and as the reader I was pissed off at some of the things he said to Bel. Basically comments in regards to her being a slut. (Bel is posing/trying to become a courtesan) Foley does a valiant job of setting the scene and atmosphere of London and it's slums. These lush descriptions definitely add to the feel and flow of the book.
 
When I read romance books I am usually drawn to the lead male but with this book Bel stole the show for me. As a woman it's hard not to cheer and cry for her. The options for Bel after she is raped in 1800's England are made blatantly and shamefully clear in this story, very moving.
Hawk clearly grows emotionally as a human-being throughout the story and man I can tell you it is a wonderful thing to read.
 
This is not an upbeat book but a beautiful, tragic, and love in all it's glory and ugliness story. Highly recommended!Oh and I can't forget to mention the chemistry between these two; HOT! Their first kiss scene over the blackjack table is not to be missed.And I almost forgot to mention the ending scene where Hawk proposes. (Insert little girl sigh here) It was so completely cheesy but jesus it was romantic. Tears and huge happy grins galore. I can't imagine anyone not being affected by this scene. Just so, so sigh worthy :) ( )