GUEST REVIEW: ‘Devil’s Desire’ by Laurie McBain
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May052011
by Carolyn • Posted in 3.5 Star Reviews, Authors M-P, Book Reviews, Guest Review, Historical Romance
Title: Devil’s Desire
Author: Laurie McBain
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: 2nd November 2010 (First published 1975)
Paperback: 304 Pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Review Copy
Women mean but one thing to Lord Alex Trevegne, whose jet black hair, golden gypsy eyes, and arrogant ways have earned him the name “Devil,” until circumstances-and passion-conspires to bind him to the beautiful Elysia. Fleeing the brutality of an aging and spiteful aunt, Elysia encounters Alex at an inn. When the two are discovered in a compromising situation by a guest with a grudge against the “Devil,” they are forced to marry. Alex is determined to leave his bride and their marriage of “inconvenience” behind at his isolated estate in Cornwall but soon discovers the innocent Elysia awakens emotions he believed himself incapable of feeling.
REVIEW:
As a huge fan of historical fiction and romance novels I was really looking forward to reading this book and it did not disappoint.
Elysia Demarice, the protagonist in the novel is an enlightening character whom I adored straight away. An orphan after her parents’ untimely death, Elysia displays all of the characteristics of a fairytale heroine; headstrong, beautiful and determined to take control of her own life after the tragedy and virtual imprisonment that has befallen her by her evil Aunt Agatha. Elysia and Lord Alex Trevegne are fatefully pushed together in a revengeful plot and despite initial disgust and fear on Elysia’s part they’re surprised when sparks seem to fly between them after their unpredicted marriage.
I loved Elysia’s character, she is the ultimate heroine. However, I found myself disappointed by the character of Lord Alex Trevegne, I thought that he was just too mean and arrogant at points! I also found that some parts of the story particularly concerning Elysia’s brother Ian seemed a little far fetched and perhaps unnecessary.
The setting of the novel couldn’t be more fitting with the Cornwall landscape reflecting the devilish temperament of Alex, adding to what I felt was a gothic element of the story. The plot is quite slow to begin, but soon picks up speed and becomes quite captivating with many elements of surprise along the way. My only real negative comment would be that I did find a few parts, particularly concerning Elysia’s brother and her horse to be a little far fetched.
VERDICT:
Overall, ‘Devil’s Desire‘ is full of adventure, suspense and surprise. I found I had to just keep on reading. If you like happy endings and ‘love conquers all’ stories then you will love this book.
Also, this book was first published in 1975 and I felt that the age was apparent. It was also quite slow to start off with, but really picked up after the second chapter. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed reading ‘Devil’s Desire‘ and I would recommend it to other fans of romance novels.
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1 Comment
Nice review.
It's interesting when you read books (even historicals) that were written 20+ years ago isn't it as the age does seem to always show.
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