A Riveting Regency Romance

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

Lord Henry Blackmore is a tormented man. Eight years ago his wife and his best friend died in the most tragic of ways, and he is haunted by his nightmares, by his inability to prevent their deaths, and by all the tiny decisions that led to them being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Henry has all but secluded himself away from society and believes no happiness in his life can ever exists again. Aside from eschewing society, Henry spends his evenings walking in the solitude and darkness of the night.

With her stepmother forcing her into an arranged marriage and her father unable to prevent it, Eleanor Grey’s situation at home is untenable. And so she has devised a plan to run away to her aunt who lives in Paris. The only thing is, Eleanor is a little bit of an unworldly ingenue, who didn’t realize that her going anywhere alone is not at all a practical or safe plan. On the very night Eleanor takes her precipitate flight, she finds herself needing to be rescued…badly. And whose path does she cross but none other than Lord Blackmore’s! What happens when Henry Blackmore takes a concern in Eleanor and her plight? Will their fortuitous encounter be as beneficial for him as it is for her?

What a spectacular debut novel!! These characters immediately captivated me with their heart-wrenching pasts, their endearing natures, and the drama that unfolds in their path! With her enthusiasm for adventure, charming naiveté, and positive attitude, Eleanor reminded me a little of Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey. In addition, I really loved that she was an empath and could easily sense Henry’s pain. Her intuitive detection of his moods and her earnest desire to bring him happiness and relief easily won my approbation and admiration. In addition, Henry makes a fantastic brooding and tortured hero. He has more reasons than most for his despondency and dwelling on the past. I continuously admired Henry’s selfless and protective care of Eleanor, but what I really loved was observing all the ways she brought light into life and encouraged him to once again feel something.

In order to avoid spoilers, I must be vague about the action and the surprising series of events that Eleanor and Henry experience together. However, I will say that there is travel, unexpected developments, a shocking encounter, and a most remarkable villain who creates confusion, havoc, and suffering every chance they get. I commend Rebecca May for creating a villain that readers will both abhor yet feel sympathetic towards at the same time. That takes some special skill and craft!

I thoroughly enjoyed how this story progressed. Ms. May does an excellent job of keeping readers in suspense, building up the tension, and surprising them with unexpected reveals! I loved the fast-paced action and eventfulness of this story, and the perilous drama in the third act felt very akin to Georgette Heyer’s style of writing – which I adore. My only quibble would be that I wouldn’t have minded a little more dynamic and depth to Eleanor’s character, she was very much a quintessential good girl needing to be rescued.

Roses and Shadows is a compelling and touching story about reclaiming your life and selflessly caring for others. Readers who enjoy the romantic suspense of Julie Klassen’s novels, the heart-stirring moments between Julianne Donaldson’s characters, and Georgette Heyer’s flair for exhilarating drama will love this splendid debut! I cannot wait to read more from Rebecca May!

Add to Cart   I   Add to Shelf