Series: Darkest London #3.5
Genre: Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance
Published by: Forever on November 5, 2013
Format: eARC
Pages: 117
Source: NetGalley
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Eamon Evernight has always lived in his older brother's shadow. While his brother is fair of hair and lithe in body, Eamon sparks fear with his fiery locks and massive frame-and rumors of a mysterious power. But when his brother has the good fortune to be betrothed to a beautiful stranger, it's Eamon's help-and quick wit and romantic heart--that he needs. Eamon agrees to write the noble lady...a generous offer that will forever leave him a changed man.
Lady Luella Jane Moran has no interest in an arranged marriage and tries valiantly to dissuade her betrothed from afar. Though her own letters plainly state her case, the words her husband-to-be writes her leave her aching for his touch. Will Lu give in to the desire the missives have kindled within her? Or will desire turn cold when she discovers their true author?
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
ENTWINED is a sweet and romantic novella with a touch of paranormal, another great addition to the Darkest London series!
This sweet and smexy novella set in the fabulous Darkest London world introduces us to two unlikely characters, Lady Luella Jane Moran and Eamon Evernight, a virgin bride and blacksmith brought together for an unexpected, but charming romance. It all begins when Eamon’s brother Aidan gets the news of his betrothal to Lady Luella. With a plot to end the engagement, Aidan enlists the help of his younger brother Eamon by asking him to write to his fiancee in his place.
Being a good brother, Eamon decides to help Aidan and begins a correspondence with Luella, but to his surprise he learns that she is not the wilting flower he thought she’d be. As the years go by, Eamon and Luella continue to write to each other forming a strong bond. Things become a little complicated when an a family tragedy brings Luella to the Evernight home to meet her future husband and the man she’s fallen in love with…only she soon realizes they are not one and the same!
It’s not an easy task to tell a compelling story that readers connect with in just a few chapters, but Ms. Callihan brilliantly delivers with this short installment! The foundation of the romance between Eamon and Luella is set early on via letters which makes their relationship believable when they actually meet. I love that it’s somewhat of a forbidden romance, given that Luella is Aidan’s intended bride which keeps you wondering if things will end in a HEA for the couple, especially with a couple of twists Ms. Callihan throws in.
Luella or Lu as Eamon calls her, is a bright and sweet character, but is not to be underestimated. She is able to figure out the truth before it was even revealed and stayed true to her heart, instead of feeling betrayed as is customary of some leading ladies in her shoes. Eamon is the perfect counterpart for Lu. He’s a bit of an outsider in his own family but has a pure heart and good intentions. Their flirty banter and lack of experience is great to witness throughout the story. While these two have a few secrets about themselves that eventually come to light, their affection and chemistry is never in question.
This novella is light on the paranormal elements but filled with tender moments, humor and a little bit of smexy. There is no huge link to the previous books in the series making it a good stand alone story for anyone wanting an introduction to Ms. Callihan’s exceptional writing. ENTWINED weaves a short but intriguing tale of secrets and swoon-worthy romance that have made me a huge fan of Kristen Callihan’s storytelling!
Books in the Series:
I haven’t read this series yet but it sounds like I need to. I’ve added them to my TBR stack and look forward to reading them 🙂
Thanks for the great review!
I really enjoyed Firelight and Moonglow. Ember was alright, but I didn’t know there was another novella and a few more books in the series I need to read 🙂 Thanks for the review.
I read and did not like book 1 (ducking around the corner), but I do love the covers of these books.
I love Kristen Callihan’s writing; even if this one was only a novella, I’m happy for any excuse to spend a little extra time in her Darkest London universe.