THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE

Author: Laura Mills-Alcott ISBN:1594140898 12/2003 HISTORICAL Publisher: FIVE STAR
Time Period: Regency

THE BRIAR… One moment Raven is alone in the world and working as a maid in the gardens of a grand estate in Ireland; the next she finds herself handed the life of a lady by the dark and handsome Marquess of Castlereagh. Devan insists his intentions are honorable, and that he only wishes to help reunite her with her family. But Raven finds herself in a constant struggle to deny the smoldering attraction between them, and in her secret heart, wishes he wanted more. THE ROSE… Devan, Marquess of Castlereagh, is tormented by his past and determined to live out his days in quiet solitude at his Ireland estate. That is until Raven enters his life. With the face of an angel, the body of Aphrodite, and the tongue of a drunken Irishman, he’s never met any woman so infuriating... so seductive... so... his match. THE LEGEND… From historical Ireland and its mystical legends to the elegant ballrooms of Regency London, together Devan and Raven discover the truth of the past and a love so strong it cannot be denied.. Read more about this book and its author at http://www.romancereport.com/authors/laura/

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Excellent.

Laura Mills-Alcott is a new author and what a wonderful imagination she uses in creating this novel loosely based on an ancient Irish folktale. Although it's being touted as historical fiction, I see it as a historical romance -- not a ton of historical detail or political background, just a wonderful, interesting love story. Her writing style gets better and better as the book moves along, and she gains her voice. The hero, Devon is strong yet somewhat tortured by his past and the heroine is utterly sweet and untouched by the the world's cynicism. The story, intermingled with dreams, shows great ingenuity on Ms. Mills-Alcott's part, and the only thing I could suggest is she elaborate more on the beginning of the story as the two become aquainted and fall in love, so the reader can get to know them and fall in love with them just as quickly.

I see only good things in the future for this author. What a joy to find a refreshing "new" voice in the romance genre.

Vickie House