Regal Reward

Blackstone #1

by Elaine Violette

Marielle Henley, privileged and betrothed to Richard Craymore, has a secure future until her rebellion leads her into the path of the ruggedly handsome highwayman, York Blackstone. York, the first son of an Earl, turned thief, lives to avenge his family’s demise. His captive’s beauty and her sauciness makes it difficult for him to keep his focus on the prize, a hefty ransom for her return; that is, until she reveals the name of her betrothed. He discovers that she can bring him something money can’t buy, his birthright lost to him when his father was falsely accused of treason. Marielle is unable to dismiss York’s contradictory behavior, one moment a tyrant, the next a gentleman, a much too attractive one. Is York Blackstone a fiendish rogue or the orphaned elder son of a once highly respected aristocrat? York’s cunning and invulnerable nature, hardened by life on the streets, is tested by Marielle’s alluring presence, but he will stop at nothing or allow anyone, including his lovely captive, to divert him from avenging his father’s disgrace. York and his unlikely conspirators join together to bridge the gap between the power of the privileged and the determination of the discarded in society. York and Marielle’s passion for one another is seemingly lost in the web of conflicts. Could a meddling elderly aunt create the perfect plan to bring the two lovers back together?

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2007

About the author

Elaine writes British and American Historical Romances. Part of the fun of writing Historicals, she says, is doing research into the past and creating characters that live and love in those sometimes glorious and sometimes harrowing times. A veteran English teacher, Elaine holds a BS in English Education from the University of CT and an MS in Educational Leadership from Central CT State University. She presently teaches public speaking part time at a local community college. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and CT Romance Writers (CTRWA). Residing on the Connecticut shoreline with her golfing husband, Drew, she delights in being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Other favorite activities apart from reading and writing are nature walks, kayaking, and baking yummy desserts.

Reviews

[Pansy]

This was a fun and entertaining story for me. But then I do like an historical romance and all the ways the different authors write about the machinations of the era. Elaine Violette did a very fine job.

Marielle is the daughter of Lord Henley, but has often happens, it was the servants, Gerald and Matty, who did the actual care giving. In historical romance terms, she is a bit of hoyden – running wild and free. In spite of that she is quite compassionate, loving and loyal, if a bit on the naive side. But that is to be expected of a young country miss.

Now York Blackstone on the other hand, has had to learn to survive on the mean streets of London and has hardened his heart to emotions. He has a mission in life and doesn’t plan to deviate from it. But, he wasn’t always that way. He actually has some rather poetic moments. “When your tongue wakes up, it chirps and flutters like mother birds skittering in the grasses to find food for their young,” York teased as he brushed aside her tousled curls.

Finding Marielle on the side of the road guarding her pet hound who has just given birth (I loved this opening scene of Beatrice giving birth) messes with all of York’s plans. The daughter of a rich land owner should bring in some income. When York finds out who she is engaged to, Richard Craymore – son of the man who destroyed his family, thoughts of revenge dance in York’s head. But, what are these feelings he his having? He isn’t supposed to have them.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book. From the vile Lord Craymore to delightfully interfering Aunt Cornelia. They were all well developed and added to the joy of this story. The action was nicely paced and exciting. From the kidnapping of Marielle to the exposure of Lord Craymore’s crimes.

What surprises me is that I enjoyed this wonderful romp and it was not filled with a lot of cussing, though there was definitely some cuss worthy moments, and the sex was rather pg rated. This was not an erotic romance. It was kind of refreshing to read a sweet historical romance reminiscent of Georgette Heyer. Well done.