Book by: Sarah E. Ladd
What an interesting foray into phrenology during the Regency period! This “science” used to be the rage in Europe – the ability to determine one’s personality merely by the shape of their head.
The heroine, Eleanor Wilde, is determined to expose the fallacy that phrenology is. Especially since her family estate is hosting a symposium of the natural sciences with the leading expert on the “science”. Gabriel Rowe, a former student of the Wilde family’s School for Boys, is a solicitor, fulfilling a request from a client to make sure the leading expert pays his debts. What ensues is a fantastic mystery with some didn’t-see-that-coming-twists.
Ella is a sweet heroine who only has her family’s interests at heart. Gabriel is a noble hero, fighting for justice and being the voice of those who can’t speak for themselves. What started as a friendship long ago turns into a slow-burn romance, despite Ella’s father’s determination to find a suitable husband for her.
The cast of characters are as varied as they are colourful. The narrative pulls readers in from the first page, creating a Regency world easily pictured. There are some intense moments that some readers may have difficulty reading (death, abuse, kidnapping), but readers are spared graphic detail.
I quite enjoyed this regency romance.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.