Saturday, May 21, 2011

Early Review of Seduction & Scandal (The Brethren Guardians, #1) by Charlotte Featherstone

Seduction & Scandal (The Brethren Guardians)
  • Title: Seduction & Scandal (The Brethren Guardians, #1) 
  • Classification: Adult Fiction
  • Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense
  • Format:  Paperback, 384 pages
  • Publisher: HQN Books (June 21, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 0373775873
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373775873
  • Notes: I was honored with being able to read the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book. 

Fun Facts I Found:
The Knights Templar were originally created to escort pilgrims to the holy lands. On Friday, October 13, 1307 many of the order were arrested in France and later killed. Some believe this is the reason Friday the 13th was first thought to be unlucky. The abrupt disappearance of Templars from Europe in 1312 lead to speculation and the formation of legends....

The Mystery:
Four knights escaped the fate which their fellow Templars faced in France. One, however, became corrupt by the temptation of power and was thought to have been killed. That left three to care for and guard the holy relics. Those three Templars and their descendants are known as the Brethren Guardians (series name). Their mantra, "Never tell what you know. Never say what you are. Never lose faith in your purpose, for the kingdom to come will have need of you and your sons."

Unfortunately, two of the ancient relics that were intrusted to the current Brethren have gone missing. Legend has it that these relics when used together with the blood of an innocent can give knowledge and immortality to the user.

The Romance:
Isabella Fairmont is not a stranger to scandal. Not her own, but that of her mother's. She knows first hand the consequences of giving in to one's desires. She, along with her mother, suffered the consequences.

Two years ago after an "unfortunate event" she was taken in by her Uncle. She is determined not to follow in her mother's footsteps. She will make a proper match. Passion be damned!

"From the moment he had first seen her on the bustling streets of Whitby, he'd been drawn to her. It was as if his soul had recognized her as his. For two years he had thought of nothing but her" After meeting Isabella, Jude Sheldon, earl of Black, is determined to have her. Isabella will learn that some things are "unavoidable, inevitable, inescapable"....

The Review:

If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be AWESOME. I absolutely loved it. On the back drop of the hot and steamy  romance is a suspenseful mystery involving Templar Knights and Holy relics. I love it when an author takes a piece of history and brings it into their stories. Featherstone breathes life into her characters and bewitches you with her tales. The chemistry between Black and Isabella practically ignites the pages. I look forward to seeing where this one will go, and  have my suspicions about who one of the villains may be. This book has a bit of everything - mystery, murder, romance, deceit and a touch of history all bound under a beautiful cover. This is my favorite book by Featherstone thus far. Can't wait to find out if my suspicions are correct and read the next book. December is a long way away. I HIGHLY recommend it. I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.    


Next book in the series:











Pride & Passion (Coming December 2011)

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