Page Princess: DARK SURRENDER by Erica Ridley

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

DARK SURRENDER by Erica Ridley

Title: DARK SURRENDER

Author: Erica Ridley

Publish Date: 02.28.14

Publisher: Intrepid Reads

Category /Genre: Romance

Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content and adult topics.

Grammar/editing: B – a few small errors

Received from: Intrepid Reads via Netgalley.com (in exchange for an honest review)

Goodreads link: Dark Surrender

Date completed: 03.26.14

Description from the publisher:

Violet Whitechapel committed an unspeakable crime to save a child. To escape the hangman’s noose, she takes refuge in a crumbling abbey with secrets darker than her own. When its master offers her a temporary post, Violet cannot say no. Just as she begins to see him in a new light, her past catches up to her and endangers them all.

THEIR PASSION BURNS BRIGHT . . .

Alistair Waldegrave keeps his daughter imprisoned in the black heart of his Gothic abbey. As he searches for a cure to the disease the villagers call demonic, his new governess brings much needed light into their lives. But how can the passion between them survive the darkness encroaching from outside their sheltered walls?

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This is a stand-alone romance.

How exciting – because I have previously reviewed several other books from Ms. Ridley, her publishers contacted me through NetGalley and asked me if I would be interested in her newest release. Obviously, since I’m writing this, the answer was a resounding ‘yes!’ I am so glad I did. I have loved every book that I have read from her and this may be her best yet.

Violet was born to nothing, not even a real name of her own. Through luck, she is taken in at the Livingstone School for Girls in Lancashire. Because of her talent, she later became an instructor in art. Unfortunately, for those born with nothing, bad luck becomes normal and expected. When the school is closed and one of her students is attacked, Violet finds herself on the run with only the clothes on her back, a few coins, and her wits. When she falls on the doorsteps of Waldegrave Abbey, Alistair Waldegrave instructs the staff to provide her with bath, food, and a night of rest. One night as a Good Samaritan recipient becomes a temporary position for Violet as governess to Alistair’s daughter, Lillian.

There are many avenues of passion in this story – art, parental love, and romantic. All are well-written and all-consuming. The story is well-paced and continually moving forward. I never wanted to put it down to deal with real life. This was definitely a book to get lost within the pages. I look forward to many, many more stories from Ms. Ridley.

Who should read it: Anyone who likes romance, a touch of crime novel, and a hint of paranormal activity.

Also from Erica Ridley: