This was quite an exceptional book and a pure pleasure to read, even though there were some dark moments here and there. Nevertheless, as a whole these didn’t detract from the overall storyline. Grace and Adam were never supposed to be together; initially it was all just revenge as far as Adam is concerned. Nevertheless, the more time they spend together the more they become attached to one another, and Grace eventually accepts Adam for more than the monster he is. This book may not be to everyone’s taste and while it may have triggers for some, I found it quite a captivating read, and certainly a book I would have no hesitation in recommending.
The Delaney family is ruled by their Grandmother and their power and influence is ruthless. Grace is not like the others; she has strength, courage and compassion. When Grace overhears her Father and Uncle talking about Patrick and the secrets he has found out, Grace is determined to get justice for him no matter what. Adam comes from an old world family going back centuries. When his parents were murdered, Adam sought revenge. He was only 15-years old at the time and killed everyone involved in their murder; he is a controlling man, one to be feared. Grace and Adam meet at a fundraiser and Grace has an immediate attraction to Adam; an alliance such as theirs is just what her Grandmother would approve of, since his families’ wealth and prestige was even better than theirs. Adam realises Grace is not like the rest of the family and because of that he knows she will be able to endure what he has in store for her. Adam finds that Grace is at odds with what he expects, but nevertheless he puts his plan into action. Uncle Ned is Grandmother’s favourite son, never once paying for all the atrocities he has carried out. Adam uses Grace as leverage, going to extreme lengths during her capture; but no matter what Adam does to Grace her strength and courage never waivers. Grace’s Grandmother refuses to comply with Adam’s demands, until one final debase act changes her mind and she relents. But Adam doesn’t get the revenge he really wants for his friend and mentor Rolf. Eventually Grace is released, but never lets on who her captives were. Meanwhile, Sebastian challenges Adam for leadership, but what is supposed to be a fair fight is anything but, leaving Sebastian with animosity, and a thirst for revenge. When Adam returns to New York, he and Grace meet up, but when Adam hears Sebastian is in New York, he knows Grace is in danger and takes her back to his ancestral home. Knowing all the hidden passageways in Adam’s ancestral home, Sebastian mounts an attack and when Adam is injured, Grace sacrifices herself for Adam and becomes Sebastian’s hostage. Adam is eventually able to rescue Grace and they come up with a rouse to return to New York to finally get justice for Patrick. But what they discover leads to far-reaching repercussions. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.