Christina Dodd gushes about THE SECRET PASSION OF SIMON BLACKWELL
1 tormented hero + 1 innocent heroine + 1 forced marriage = the book that kept me up all night reading — and Samantha James’s first New York Times bestselling historical, THE SECRET PASSION OF SIMON BLACKWELL.
PASSION is the kind of historical I adore, with a hero who hides a horrible secret, a dreadful scar, and a determination to subdue his passions forever. Of course, as a dedicated romance reader, I at once knew he needed to be — would be — saved by the love of a good woman. That good woman was Lady Annabel McBride. She is a strong, determined, intelligent woman who finds Simon a challenge — “His hair was like the darkest hour of the night, the same thick black as his brows. The brim of his hat cast a shadow over square, angular features. His eyes … were a pale gray, a shade darker than crystal. And unsettling, in a way she could not discern.”
Anne finds herself in the garden with Simon, overwhelmed by passion, kissing him, compromised and forced to wed. Then the story really gets going. Simon and Anne marry and go to his home in the country, where he announces that after a decent amount of time, they’ll get a divorce. Anne is horrified and dismayed. Here’s a man who challenges her in every way, and he refuses to consummate their marriage. Why? Why? What could be so horrible that Simon refuses to live, to explain, to love?
Okay, I know what you’re thinking — I’ve read so many books where the tortured hero is tortured about something really silly and you think — get over it, man!
Ah, there’s the thing. Samantha James has created a hero who deserves his angst. He hides a terrible secret, and only Anne can save him from a long life lived in lonely desperation.
THE SECRET PASSION OF SIMON BLACKWELL is just the kind of book I adore — the story is big, the emotions are over the top, every moment between the hero and heroine is amazing, poignant, and meaningful. THE SECRET PASSION OF SIMON BLACKWELL is the kind of story I put myself right in the middle of, living the moments, feeling the feelings, and rooting for the happily ever after.
So … have you read THE SECRET PASSION OF SIMON BLACKWELL? What Samantha James books do you recommend? And if you haven’t read Samantha James, tell us — do you like tormented heroes, and which ones have worked for you?
Check back later for information about Samantha James who will guest with us tomorrow!