"Brooding gothic"

The Ravencliff Bride has one of the most sensual covers out this year. But even the best cover cannot prop up a shoddy book. So it's up to the writer to deliver and Dawn Thompson does. This is a Gothic Historical Romance, with a strong paranormal theme, that should thrill those who cut their romance teeth on Gothics or those just learning their fascinating style.

Sara Walvern is traveling along the coast of Cornwall in early 1800s. She has just made a pack to marry a man she has never seen. Quite understandably, she is getting cold feet, but knows she has no choice, but to honor the agreement. She accepted the offer of marriage in order to escape debtor's prison. Only what sort of rich man has to buy a bride? What awaits her at the end of the journey? Will he be deformed, aged or worse - a lunatic?

Sara is shocked when she meets her groom to be. He is handsome, young and displays no tendency toward madness. So why would this handsome man need to purchase a wife?

Though Nicholas is attracted to the wife he bought, that much is clear, he shows no inclination in consummating their marriage, only increasing the mystery to Sara. Sara's one solace in the early days of her new home is Nicholas's dog Nero. Sara is not content to accept life as Nicholas sets as the pace, and despite all, she is falling in love with the mysterious man.

Soon Sara learned there is a curse that hovers of Nicholas life. Only Sara is not going to let that triumph and is willing to fight for her love.

The book is very atmospheric, evocative of the great black and white films of the 50s such as Jane Ayer, Dragonwick etc.

So those who love Gothics, you will want to get this new author a chance to dazzle you.

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted October 14, 2005