I haven't read a "bodice ripper" in decades but, for some reason, this one caught my attention. I was so startled at the depth and complexities of this novel I would happily recommend it to anyone. The characters were not run-of-the-mill, their situations were neither outrageously ridiculous nor too impossibly conveniently solved. The frissons of tension remained throughout the story and were resolved, not easily or simply, but just right. Overall, this was a rather amazing love story: told well with logical twists and turns, written well with lovely imagery throughout, and resolved perfectly...Thank goodness.
I read this book shortly after it was released and was completely enthralled. It was strange and offputting in places--like other reviewers of other editions of this story have stated, I was not nuts about hero the maintaining a mistress throughout.
But I adored his fascination with fireworks and the heroine. Spectacular book in that it was so original as compared with most historical romances.
But I adored his fascination with fireworks and the heroine. Spectacular book in that it was so original as compared with most historical romances.
After the death of her elderly husband, Lady Submit Channing-Downes is left with one last wifely obligation to fulfill. Her husband has let it be known through his will that she is to deliver a small, black box to its rightful owner - Graham Wessit, The Earl of Netham.
The delivery of this box ,however, is not so cut and dried as Submit had originally assumed. Upon meeting the notorious Lord Wessit, she becomes entangled deeply into his life and all of the troubles and relationships that comprise it. During this time as Submit and Graham grow closer, Submit makes many new and shocking discoveries about both her late husband and herself.
"Black Silk" was a dark, intelligently written story. Miss Ivory has an obvious love for her work and for words. She weaves this tale and all of its pieces together seamlessly.
The delivery of this box ,however, is not so cut and dried as Submit had originally assumed. Upon meeting the notorious Lord Wessit, she becomes entangled deeply into his life and all of the troubles and relationships that comprise it. During this time as Submit and Graham grow closer, Submit makes many new and shocking discoveries about both her late husband and herself.
"Black Silk" was a dark, intelligently written story. Miss Ivory has an obvious love for her work and for words. She weaves this tale and all of its pieces together seamlessly.
The lovely main character is penniless and alone, and entrusted with delivering a small black box to its rightful owner, the notorious Earl of Netham, whose life is marred by rumor and scandal.Passion and mystery abound with a great ending.
Could not put it down. Not because it was such a hot steamy story but because it was so well written. Layers of the plot unfolded until the very end. If your looking for hot and steamy action every other chapter this is not it (and I do enjoy steamy). But, If you also enjoy a great story that engages your mind and heart this is one to read!!
