Nocturne – Syrie James

Another Enrapturing Romance By Syrie James!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Near-death experiences, a charming and enigmatic stranger, concealed dark secrets, forbidden love – Syrie James latest novel is an exquisite feast of passion, turmoil, adventure and intrigue. Diverging from her magnificent and highly acclaimed historical/biographical fiction novels (The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë , Dracula, My Love), Syrie James traverses a new path in this contemporary romance about two star-crossed lovers being snowbound together in the Colorado mountains.

A blizzard is coming, the roads have been closed and won’t be plowed for days. After rescuing Nicole Whitcomb from a terrifying car accident and certain death, Michael Tyler realizes that there is no alternative but for her to remain under his roof and in his care until the roads clear up. Predicting that it will take four days for the snow to stop and the roads to be cleared, the reclusive and inhibited Michael begins to wonder if he will be able to survive the four day seclusion with a stranger. Will his secrets be safe? Will she be safe? Will his heart be safe?

What a gloriously romantic story! Having devoured and cherished all of her previous novels, I think it fitting to classify myself as an ardent admirer of Syrie James! Whether its Charlotte Brontë and Arthur Bell Nicholls, Mina and Dracula, or Nicole and Michael, Syrie James creates beautifully romantic stories with characters that come to life and enthrall you. This whirlwind tale about forbidden love and star-crossed lovers is one of her most impassioned and emotionally intense novels yet! (Note: There are some scenes suitable only for mature audiences.) The only flaw I could find Nocturne is that there was a predictable moment or two, but those didn’t hinder my pleasure in reading this novel at all!

In a way, Nocturne reminded me a little of Beauty and the Beast! Michael is a bit ill-mannered and secretive, sort of like the Beast. And Nicole is beautiful, perceptive, and kindhearted, like Belle. In addition, similar to Beauty and the Beast, the characters bond over their discovered shared interests, such as reading and gardening. Even the cover art resonates with Beauty and the Beast!

Very aptly named, Nocturne is evocative, expressive, and filled with emotion. I like my literature like I like my classical music – dark and passionate, and this contemporary romance by Syrie James satiated my desire for a compelling and haunting romance. It would make me exceedingly overjoyed if Ms. James wrote a sequel! (hint hint Vanguard Press!)

 

CHECK OUT:

MY REVIEW of Dracula, My Love

MY REVIEW of The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë

 

5 comments

  1. I definitely am going to be reading this one–the Colorado setting had me going for it already, but I love B&B; it’s my favorite fairy tale, and I actually think P&P is really a B&B story when you get right down to it.

    I’m definitely in the mood for a “compelling and haunting romance.”

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