Despite many flaws, I'm giving this book four and a half stars. Let me tell you why. While reading this book, I wrote down my thoughts on a notepad for my review. I've got a good solid page only halfway through and it's not at all complimenting. But afterwards? Just one sentence. How could a story with such a tired plot and a clumsy start turn out to be so mesmerizing? I know the answer well, at least for me, it's Anne Stuart. There's a way about her writing I consider her signature that's very unique. The dark, formidable, erotic tension between the leads. The ability to maintain such tension throughout the book. In this book she takes it to another level. Reckless is not just sizzling, but scorchingly hot. Although, I was not crazy about the heroine at first, I warmed up to her as the story went on. Let me just say it's quite refreshing to see some defiances from the girl especially after the deeds.
The secondary romance is also skillfully done. Rarely did I find myself equally invested in both pairs, but I did in this book.
What prevented me from giving a perfect score card was a lot of times that the author telegraphed her plot. You can certainly expect something to happen a few pages ahead when those things are brought up as warnings. Portal of Venus, check. The arm band, check. The maze, check check.
Two final thoughts. The scene in the carriage, WOW. And what activities people could do in such a place called the chapel of perpetual erection.
5/5
Read it for yourself.
