I read a lot of it, and found the characters and plot interesting. I get thrown out of the narrative when authors use the word "weeping" for body parts that are not eyes, especially in love scenes. I might try again. ( )

This historical romance about people with special gifts had a good plot and moved right along until near the end it seemed like forever to catch the bad guys so I skimmed some. Lady Alethea has a vision of a man in danger. That man is Lord Hartley a spy for the Crown.
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It's no secret that I'm a total Hannah Howell fangirl. I own every book she's ever written - and multiple copies of my favorites. I stopped reading the Murray series awhile back because I felt it was becoming very repetitive, but that hasn't stopped me from buying them.

Alethea is a strong woman, but not as in-your-face about it as many other Howell heroines. She has a core of inner strength, but she isn't a warrior or a fighter. Her strength is more emotional. Each of the members of her family, The Vaughns, and their close relations, The Werelockes, have some kind of special "gift". Alethea's is visions. If she touches something belonging to something else she will often have visions of that person and what they were doing while touching the item. She also has "knowings" or strong feelings about things to come. She doesn't really see the future, so much as have visions of things that have happened or might happen in the future.

Hartley was my favorite type of hero. He was strong and capable, yet willing to acknowledge the softer emotions. He cared greatly for his family, and he makes no secret about wanting a true marriage with Alethea. He doesn't really believe in love, but he believes in companionship, trust, loyalty and fidelity. He's protective, but not smothering. Best of all, he appreciates Alethea's gift and those of her family. It took a bit of convincing, but once he realizes the truth behind what they can do, he's totally supportive.

Overall I enjoyed the story. The characters were well drawn and delightful, especially Alethea and her family. I was somewhat disappointed in Hartley's niece and nephew, though, I expected them to be more traumatized than they were. I would have liked to see that aspect explored a bit more.

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Very good and balanced a wonderful suspenseful romance ( )

I absoutly love this new series by Howell. The family they are based on the Wherlockes & Vaughn are easy to fall in love with and I find myself wanting to know more about each and every one of them ( )