Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Synopsis:

Secrets, scandal, and passion…

Selina Rosewall had given up on love, but while helping her brother further his merchant fleet business, she meets Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen. Their attraction is mutual, but what James wants from the relationship goes further–much further–than Selina could have expected. And she learns that in the world of the Ton, scandal and deceit are commonplace.

For Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen, it’s hard to say which is more dangerous: being a spy or being considered husband material by the Ladies of the Ton. With political machinations threatening to draw England into the violent wake of the French Revolution, the last thing James expected was to fall in love with Selina Rosewall, daughter of an untitled seafaring family. But when James’ investigation stirs up a hornet’s nest, can he protect Selena from danger that threatens her very life? (Amazon)

Review:

Moonstone Obsession was a delightful romp through Regency England.  Not just a light hearted romance novel, it included blackmail, espionage, treason, slavery, kidnapping, and embezzlement, all wrapped up in the glittery late eighteenth century wrapping paper of the Ton.  The action moved from Cornwall to London to Paris with ease, and this reader felt like she was really there.  Ms. Carter did a skillful job of weaving actual historical figures with fictional characters, and there were many historical facts sprinkled throughout.

The romance between Selina and James was endearing and tender, much more than simply physical attraction and lust.  James was honorable in his actions, and Selina was not merely an ornament, but intelligent and involved.  It may not be true to the period, but Selina’s artistic eye and fluent French contribution to the cloak and dagger dealings were much appreciated.  The hero and heroine were drawn as human, with faults and shortcomings.  This made all of the swashbuckling action all the more believable.  The supporting characters were also thoroughly fleshed, and I enjoyed getting to know all of them, whether dastardly or matriarchal. Abigail, James’ original fiancée, was the type of foil one just loves to hate and see get her just due.  James’ friend, Jackson, and grandmother were also particularly fun.

I recommend this romantic suspense to fans of the Regency period and those who like a meatier romance novel.

*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*