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Francesca Cahill Deadly #9
Deadly Vows
On the morning of her wedding to Calder Hart, amateur sleuth Francesca Cahill is lured away to a private viewing of a portrait that could destroy her entire the nude Hart commissioned of her. Her desperate quest to recover the scandalous portrait leads her into a dangerous trap with no way to escape—until it's too late. And when Francesca finally arrives at the church, it's vacant. She has unintentionally jilted Hart at the altar.
When Hart tells her their estrangement is for the best, Francesca is devastated. With a blackmailer intent on destroying her reputation, Francesca turns to Rick Bragg, the city's powerful police commissioner. Together they scour the sordid streets of lower Manhattan, following a deliberately laid trail of clues in a race against the clock. And once it becomes clear that Bragg's marriage is failing, Francesca must war with her feelings for him, battle Hart's jealousy and escape a killer—all as she fights to win Hart back. But sometimes, passion just cannot be denied….
When Hart tells her their estrangement is for the best, Francesca is devastated. With a blackmailer intent on destroying her reputation, Francesca turns to Rick Bragg, the city's powerful police commissioner. Together they scour the sordid streets of lower Manhattan, following a deliberately laid trail of clues in a race against the clock. And once it becomes clear that Bragg's marriage is failing, Francesca must war with her feelings for him, battle Hart's jealousy and escape a killer—all as she fights to win Hart back. But sometimes, passion just cannot be denied….
379 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
39 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Joyce
106 books1,298 followersBrenda Joyce is the bestselling author of forty-one novels and five novellas. She has won many awards, and her debut novel, Innocent Fire, won a Best Western Romance award. She has also won the highly coveted Best Historical Romance award for Splendor and Two Lifetime Achievement Awards from Romantic Times BOOKreviews. There are over 14 million copies of her novels in print and she is published in over a dozen foreign countries.
A native New Yorker, she now lives in southern Arizona with her son, dogs, and her Arabian and half-Arabian reining horses. Brenda divides her time between her twin passions—writing powerful love stories and competing with her horses at regional and national levels. For more information about Brenda and her upcoming novels, please visit her Web sites: www.brendajoyce.com, www.thedewarennedynasty.com and http://mastersoftimebooks.com.
A native New Yorker, she now lives in southern Arizona with her son, dogs, and her Arabian and half-Arabian reining horses. Brenda divides her time between her twin passions—writing powerful love stories and competing with her horses at regional and national levels. For more information about Brenda and her upcoming novels, please visit her Web sites: www.brendajoyce.com, www.thedewarennedynasty.com and http://mastersoftimebooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 8, 2011
I'm a chump. I read these books when they first came out starting in 2001 and was obsessed. Then, nothing. I grew out of Brenda Joyce's wrting and moved on to other things. And now there's a new one. And I bought it. Because I'm sentimental, and I still remember the old ones. Nothing had changed. Not the writing style, not the increasingly dull story. The characters haven't grown, the plot hasn't esculated...I want my 8 bucks back. Boo.
April 16, 2016
This story takes place about three weeks after the previous novel, Deadly Kisses, ends. It’s June 1902, twenty-one year old Fran and Calder’s wedding day and Francesca receives shocking information. That information leads Francesca on the hunt for the missing portrait. For Francesca it’s a race against time to find the person(s) responsible for trying to ruin her. It’s very hard to not give spoilers so I’ll just say that I was very entertained by all the characters and couldn’t wait to find out who was behind the theft. What I liked best about this paticular book is that Francesca is the one smack-dab in the middle of her own mystery. There is another crime to solve within this story too and Francesca and the gang do not disappoint!
In this novel, Calder’s violent temper comes out. He’s also more jealous and insecure than ever. I don’t like his personality in this novel.
Poor Leigh Anne, Rick’s wife, continues to decline emotionally and I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens with her in future novels.
Bartolla Benevente shows us, in more ways than one, even more of her awful true colors and the answer as to whether she’s pregnant by Fran’s brother Evan or not is revealed.
Things heat up between Evan and Maggie Kennedy and I really like where the author may be going with that. I do love the Kennedy clan. Unfortunately for them, something terrible lurks ahead. Will Francesca be able to help?
Are there wedding bells for Fran and Calder? Do they finally consumate their relationship? You’ll have to read it and see.
It was a very satasifying read and was worth the almost five year wait between this and the previous one. I so hope that there are more to come in this series.
The books in this series are:
1 Deadly Love 2001-01
2 Deadly Pleasure 2002-03
3 Deadly Affairs 2002-04
4 Deadly Desire 2002-05
5 Deadly Caress 2003-04
6 Deadly Promise 2003-11
7 Deadly Illusions 2005-02
8 Deadly Kisses 2006-02
9 Deadly Vows 2011-03
In this novel, Calder’s violent temper comes out. He’s also more jealous and insecure than ever. I don’t like his personality in this novel.
Poor Leigh Anne, Rick’s wife, continues to decline emotionally and I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens with her in future novels.
Bartolla Benevente shows us, in more ways than one, even more of her awful true colors and the answer as to whether she’s pregnant by Fran’s brother Evan or not is revealed.
Things heat up between Evan and Maggie Kennedy and I really like where the author may be going with that. I do love the Kennedy clan. Unfortunately for them, something terrible lurks ahead. Will Francesca be able to help?
Are there wedding bells for Fran and Calder? Do they finally consumate their relationship? You’ll have to read it and see.
It was a very satasifying read and was worth the almost five year wait between this and the previous one. I so hope that there are more to come in this series.
The books in this series are:
1 Deadly Love 2001-01
2 Deadly Pleasure 2002-03
3 Deadly Affairs 2002-04
4 Deadly Desire 2002-05
5 Deadly Caress 2003-04
6 Deadly Promise 2003-11
7 Deadly Illusions 2005-02
8 Deadly Kisses 2006-02
9 Deadly Vows 2011-03
July 14, 2011
This was easy and fairly pleasant to read, because I'm still fond of the characters and enjoy the crazy Nancy Drew melodrama of Francesca's life. And it was a relief to see things mostly wrapped up, except for one character that certainly does not get the happy ending he or she deserves.
But the repetition of the language, the shallowness of the plot and the characters, the go-nowhere back and forth of the conversations all added up to a pretty unsatisfying book. I felt like I'd read it all before, especially when Hart got on his high horse about Francesca being too good for him, again. It was more interesting when he was hurt and humiliated by her.
Note that there are many spoilers for previous books, so if you care about the mystery aspects at all, you'll want to read them in order. They're really more soap opera than mystery though.
But the repetition of the language, the shallowness of the plot and the characters, the go-nowhere back and forth of the conversations all added up to a pretty unsatisfying book. I felt like I'd read it all before, especially when Hart got on his high horse about Francesca being too good for him, again. It was more interesting when he was hurt and humiliated by her.
Note that there are many spoilers for previous books, so if you care about the mystery aspects at all, you'll want to read them in order. They're really more soap opera than mystery though.
March 4, 2011
Let me just say I am soooo torn about this book, that I don't know if I loved it or hated it! I have waited for years, YEARS for this book to come out. I followed this series and was just completely frustrated when it ended without a thorough conclusion. Then I hear that finally it is going to (hopefully) have an ending.
I tore through this book. I enjoyed reading this book. But it also emotionally exhausted me. Let me first say that I used to like Francesca a lot, but in this book she just got on my nerves. How stupid can you be - oh, I'll just pop over and retrieve my stolen portrait and still make it to my wedding on time. Right. And if I don't my fiance (an extremely unpredictable man) will just forgive me even though I jilted him at the alter. Right. So I say to Francesca....you need to use that brain of yours and have some common sense.
The mystery with the portrait was only so-so. It seemed peripheral to the love triangle between Calder-Francesca-Bragg. I thought it was not the strongest mystery and there could have been more to it. This book was probably trying to tie up a lot of the loose ends (and I thank Brenda Joyce for that) but it seemed rush and too convenient.
And then there was Francesca and Calder. For the record, I've always been a fan of Bragg and not so much of Calder. I've never been at ease with Francesca with Calder simply because I don't understand that attraction to dark, brooding, and violent men. But...they love each other and I'm glad that this storyline had a conclusion and they eloped. I was tired of the back and forth between her and Calder and Bragg. BUT I was emotionally torn because of Bragg. I had hoped he would find love again with his wife, but he didn't. Then I hoped that his wife would be killed off and Francesca could be with him. That didn't happen. So at the end...it's yet another cliff hanger. What is going to happen with Bragg???? (Not to mention some of the other peripheral characters like Maggie and Evan). All in all, one story was fulfilled but so many weren't. I hope that there is another book to wrap them ALL up...maybe books that follow the traditional romance book series vein in that they are all stand alone books that have actual endings.
I liked this book enough to give it four or five stars. BUT I am so emotionally conflicted about the entire thing I bumped it down to three.
I tore through this book. I enjoyed reading this book. But it also emotionally exhausted me. Let me first say that I used to like Francesca a lot, but in this book she just got on my nerves. How stupid can you be - oh, I'll just pop over and retrieve my stolen portrait and still make it to my wedding on time. Right. And if I don't my fiance (an extremely unpredictable man) will just forgive me even though I jilted him at the alter. Right. So I say to Francesca....you need to use that brain of yours and have some common sense.
The mystery with the portrait was only so-so. It seemed peripheral to the love triangle between Calder-Francesca-Bragg. I thought it was not the strongest mystery and there could have been more to it. This book was probably trying to tie up a lot of the loose ends (and I thank Brenda Joyce for that) but it seemed rush and too convenient.
And then there was Francesca and Calder. For the record, I've always been a fan of Bragg and not so much of Calder. I've never been at ease with Francesca with Calder simply because I don't understand that attraction to dark, brooding, and violent men. But...they love each other and I'm glad that this storyline had a conclusion and they eloped. I was tired of the back and forth between her and Calder and Bragg. BUT I was emotionally torn because of Bragg. I had hoped he would find love again with his wife, but he didn't. Then I hoped that his wife would be killed off and Francesca could be with him. That didn't happen. So at the end...it's yet another cliff hanger. What is going to happen with Bragg???? (Not to mention some of the other peripheral characters like Maggie and Evan). All in all, one story was fulfilled but so many weren't. I hope that there is another book to wrap them ALL up...maybe books that follow the traditional romance book series vein in that they are all stand alone books that have actual endings.
I liked this book enough to give it four or five stars. BUT I am so emotionally conflicted about the entire thing I bumped it down to three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2012
Disappointed by this conclusion.
January 20, 2012
First off I’m writing this review to spread the word about this Deadly Series – so it covers my thoughts on all 9 books.
I owe my romance reading comeback to Brenda Joyce. I took a break from reading romance in the early 90’s for a few years. I picked up a Brenda Joyce novel in about 1995 and I’ve been on reading romance frenzy since.
This Deadly series actually has everything that I hate in a romance novel – BUT IT WORKS SO WELL in these books. There is a love triangle (hate), misunderstanding between H/H (really hate) and TSTL Heroine (totally hate). Brenda Joyce has made it work so well, that I’ve read these books twice.
The “who done it” in each book is actually a non event in my opinion. But I really didn’t read this series for the mystery. The characters are what brings readers back for each book. Francesca is an amateur private eye who’s always getting kidnapped, shot at and other dastardly stuff. She usually runs off on her own and is ether saved by Rick Bragg or his half brother Calder Hart. So much stuff happens through out this series that you just can’t wait to read the next book.
In the first book you come to love police commissioner Rick Bragg – but wait until his brother, Calder Hart is introduced. Wow – hands down he is one of my FAVORITE heroes ever written. He’s so alpha, strong, damaged, sexy, hot, angry etc, etc……. I would read this series again and again just to read about Hart.
If you are looking for something different in historical romance – I would take a look at this series. One word of caution – the first book is kind of frustrating and I almost didn’t pick up the second book. Someone is introduced at the end of the first book and it made me continue. So glad I did, because now I have a series that I will cherish and reread (and recommend to all of my reading friends).
I owe my romance reading comeback to Brenda Joyce. I took a break from reading romance in the early 90’s for a few years. I picked up a Brenda Joyce novel in about 1995 and I’ve been on reading romance frenzy since.
This Deadly series actually has everything that I hate in a romance novel – BUT IT WORKS SO WELL in these books. There is a love triangle (hate), misunderstanding between H/H (really hate) and TSTL Heroine (totally hate). Brenda Joyce has made it work so well, that I’ve read these books twice.
The “who done it” in each book is actually a non event in my opinion. But I really didn’t read this series for the mystery. The characters are what brings readers back for each book. Francesca is an amateur private eye who’s always getting kidnapped, shot at and other dastardly stuff. She usually runs off on her own and is ether saved by Rick Bragg or his half brother Calder Hart. So much stuff happens through out this series that you just can’t wait to read the next book.
In the first book you come to love police commissioner Rick Bragg – but wait until his brother, Calder Hart is introduced. Wow – hands down he is one of my FAVORITE heroes ever written. He’s so alpha, strong, damaged, sexy, hot, angry etc, etc……. I would read this series again and again just to read about Hart.
If you are looking for something different in historical romance – I would take a look at this series. One word of caution – the first book is kind of frustrating and I almost didn’t pick up the second book. Someone is introduced at the end of the first book and it made me continue. So glad I did, because now I have a series that I will cherish and reread (and recommend to all of my reading friends).
April 16, 2011
Dear Ms. Joyce,
I realize that turn of the century American ladies had relatively few options open to them. Since you chose to have your heroine break those rules, might you have also widened her vocabulary? I think there are many synonyms for words like jilted, worried and thugs. Also, I realize that ladies were often confined to euphemistic phrases rather than direct speech, but I'm sure they had a wide variety and thus would not repeat constantly cliched phrases such as "we shall always be friends" or " oh, he is a good man" or "he has such a dark nature."
I might also delicately suggest that your hammering of repetitious lines and phrases might hint at a skimpy plot in which the characters, being so limited in vocabulary, might also be limited in depth. Then again, perhaps that's just me. Color me disappointed. I was hopeful that a sleuthing heroine working in conjunction with turn of the century New York Police Department might be complex and nuanced such as the characters in Caleb Carr's The Alienist or The Angel of Darkness. Forgive me for hoping that the landscape would be richly detailed with well researched historical accuracy.
My mistake. Alas, once again, literature and the grocery store make for bad bed fellows.
Love,
Viv
I realize that turn of the century American ladies had relatively few options open to them. Since you chose to have your heroine break those rules, might you have also widened her vocabulary? I think there are many synonyms for words like jilted, worried and thugs. Also, I realize that ladies were often confined to euphemistic phrases rather than direct speech, but I'm sure they had a wide variety and thus would not repeat constantly cliched phrases such as "we shall always be friends" or " oh, he is a good man" or "he has such a dark nature."
I might also delicately suggest that your hammering of repetitious lines and phrases might hint at a skimpy plot in which the characters, being so limited in vocabulary, might also be limited in depth. Then again, perhaps that's just me. Color me disappointed. I was hopeful that a sleuthing heroine working in conjunction with turn of the century New York Police Department might be complex and nuanced such as the characters in Caleb Carr's The Alienist or The Angel of Darkness. Forgive me for hoping that the landscape would be richly detailed with well researched historical accuracy.
My mistake. Alas, once again, literature and the grocery store make for bad bed fellows.
Love,
Viv
April 2, 2015
I just finished reading Deadly Vows by Brenda Joyce.
After waiting 5 years for a wrap up, we finally get one for Francesca, Rick Bragg, and Calder Hart. This last book is as entertaining as all the others that came before it.
On her homepage, Joyce says there may be others to follow in the series (she never quite wraps up all the loose ends); that any more to follow will depend on how the sales go on this one. This leaves me quite conflicted. While I hope there will be others in the Deadly Series, I resent the implication that her readers are responsible for any further books. It was the publisher who pulled the plug, after all, and Ms. Joyce, ever anxious to get her royalty fee to pay for her expensive horse hobby, who willingly went along with the idea. ("I can't help it; I have to write what they tell me to write!") Maybe we should mention Connie Brockway's solution to coersive publishers and that she could earn more money by going the self-pub route via Amazon and eBooks.
ETA: typos and link Deadly Vows (Hqn)
After waiting 5 years for a wrap up, we finally get one for Francesca, Rick Bragg, and Calder Hart. This last book is as entertaining as all the others that came before it.
On her homepage, Joyce says there may be others to follow in the series (she never quite wraps up all the loose ends); that any more to follow will depend on how the sales go on this one. This leaves me quite conflicted. While I hope there will be others in the Deadly Series, I resent the implication that her readers are responsible for any further books. It was the publisher who pulled the plug, after all, and Ms. Joyce, ever anxious to get her royalty fee to pay for her expensive horse hobby, who willingly went along with the idea. ("I can't help it; I have to write what they tell me to write!") Maybe we should mention Connie Brockway's solution to coersive publishers and that she could earn more money by going the self-pub route via Amazon and eBooks.
ETA: typos and link Deadly Vows (Hqn)
April 15, 2012
Read the first six books, maybe seven and eight, maybe. Skip this one. Imagine the HEA you want for each character and call it good. Even skipping to the end, which made no sense, then skimming to try and get sucked in (like previous books) failed.
The voice/tenor/tone is off, as is if someone or a group is trying to match the original author's work. That only books seven and eight are listed as previous works doesn't help dispell the feeling. Six or so years since reading the rest of the series may have fuzzed my memory of the books, and my reading tastes certainly shift with time, but I don't think that is the case with this book.
Examples would be the dialogue between Francesca and her mother; referring to her father by his first name; the complete lack of wedding details; even Francesca's inner dialogue; the lack of details for clothes, even Francesca's sleuthing skills and brain seem to be missing.
The convoluted mess of half siblings. The even more convoluted mess of Rick and Calder's personalities.
Very disappointed....like 'Phantom Menace' disappointed.
The voice/tenor/tone is off, as is if someone or a group is trying to match the original author's work. That only books seven and eight are listed as previous works doesn't help dispell the feeling. Six or so years since reading the rest of the series may have fuzzed my memory of the books, and my reading tastes certainly shift with time, but I don't think that is the case with this book.
Examples would be the dialogue between Francesca and her mother; referring to her father by his first name; the complete lack of wedding details; even Francesca's inner dialogue; the lack of details for clothes, even Francesca's sleuthing skills and brain seem to be missing.
The convoluted mess of half siblings. The even more convoluted mess of Rick and Calder's personalities.
Very disappointed....like 'Phantom Menace' disappointed.
February 5, 2011
Francesca is eagerly anticipating her wedding to Calder Hart when she receives a note inviting her to an art gallery. The nude picture of her commissioned by Calder and then stolen has resurfaced. Its existence being made public would cause a great scandal. She thinks she has time to recover it before the wedding but, instead, is locked in the gallery and misses her wedding. Calder is embarrassed and deeply hurt. In fact, he tries to convince himself and Francesca that it is for the best to break off their engagement. Francesca spends most of the book trying to convince Calder that they are perfect for each other but it is difficult to convince him. Meanwhile, they are also trying to track down the painting and determine who stole it. Between the two of them they have a very large cast of suspects. Good romance and good mystery for followers of the Francesca Cahill series.
January 5, 2014
I have read the whole serie back to back and I loved it, but this "book" just doesn't belong. It felt like the work of a gost-writer: Hart was thrown under the bus, Hart/Francesca didn't have the spark they used to, they acted out of character and their story turned in circles through the whole book.
I'm fairly certain the writer had a change of heart about Rick/LeighAnn, that's not where they were headed in the previous books. Not that I care about Rick's happiness, the change was just too palpable to ignore.
The mystery bored me and was almost predictable.
If it was a stand alone It would have been OK (I wouldn't have looked at the autor twice though) but as a part of a serie, it was way too disjointed. So for those who started out with this one, know that it doesn't reflect the serie at all, it's way better than this.
I'm fairly certain the writer had a change of heart about Rick/LeighAnn, that's not where they were headed in the previous books. Not that I care about Rick's happiness, the change was just too palpable to ignore.
The mystery bored me and was almost predictable.
If it was a stand alone It would have been OK (I wouldn't have looked at the autor twice though) but as a part of a serie, it was way too disjointed. So for those who started out with this one, know that it doesn't reflect the serie at all, it's way better than this.
October 20, 2018
Sonunda hikayenin en heyecanlı kısmı, yani herkesin ve her şeyin bir sonuca bağlanacağı kitaba geldim. Önceki kitapla bunun arasında 4-5 senelik ara mevcut.
Biliyorsunuz ki Francesca'nın portresi çalınmıştı. Evleneceği gün kendisine bir not gelir ve portresinin bir müzede bulunduğu yazılmaktadır. Francesca portreyi geri almak için düğününden ayrılmak zorunda kalır, müzede portresini bulur. Tahmin edeceğiniz gibi aslında kendisine tuzak kurulmuştur. Sonrasında Francesca kurtulsa da kendi düğününe geç kalmıştır. İlk iş hemen Calder'ın yanına gidip durumunu açıklar. Hikaye de bu andan itibaren yokuş aşağı gitmeye başlar.
Biliyorsunuz ki Francesca'nın portresi çalınmıştı. Evleneceği gün kendisine bir not gelir ve portresinin bir müzede bulunduğu yazılmaktadır. Francesca portreyi geri almak için düğününden ayrılmak zorunda kalır, müzede portresini bulur. Tahmin edeceğiniz gibi aslında kendisine tuzak kurulmuştur. Sonrasında Francesca kurtulsa da kendi düğününe geç kalmıştır. İlk iş hemen Calder'ın yanına gidip durumunu açıklar. Hikaye de bu andan itibaren yokuş aşağı gitmeye başlar.
July 5, 2011
A beautiful “sui generis” series! Brenda Joyce has saved the best for last! Delicious! Deadly Vows is the perfect ending! The Deadly Series also known as the Francesca Cahill Series is a gem. I began reading the series in 2001 and was blown away from the very beginning. If anyone would of told me that I would be reading a historical novel set in New York City in 1902, I would have been dubious. It is now one of my all time favorites. Deadly Vows continues the unique sleuthing series, with intelligent dialogue, in depth characters, and page oozing sensuality. Brenda Joyce’s second to none writing style draws us into this unique world, rich with history and intrigue. Deadly Vows gave us back, our beloved Hart. Calder Hart is all that is dark, moody, and sexy as hell. We feel his love for Francesca with each of his penetrating stares. Brenda’s descriptions of Hart leave us hungry and eager for more! Francesca drives us crazy as she puts herself in harms way on the streets of New York. We love her to death, and want Hart and her to tie the knot. I highly recommend this series, you will not be disappointed. For more information on the series and other works by the talented Brenda Joyce visit her site http://www.brendajoyce.com/ or http://www.francescacahillseries.com/. Thank you Brenda for giving this fan her wish!
* Fan Note: I have waited five long years for this book to be published. I emailed Brenda and begged for the conclusion of Hart’s and Francesca story, on many an occasion, only to learn that Brenda could only do so if her publisher gave the ok. I was stricken with lose and devastation, the series had become one of my loves, it was like I had been reading and incredible story and then was left with no ending. I was never going to be able to ever finish the story, this was short of death for me. Kind Ms. Joyce would always let her fans know how much she wished she too, could finish the story. Fans of the series petitioned for the last book in the series, we watched and eagerly waited for news of any possibility of our ending coming to fruition. We would read every update posted on Brenda’s site in hopes of news. Our dreams came true this past summer when Brenda announced that she was given permission to write the next book in the series. Finally, we wet our lips in anticipation of what Hart would do with Francesca and how the story would end. I want to give HQN & Mira a heart felt thank you, thank you for allowing Brenda to complete her work of art. The series was ended just as it should have and was absolutely perfect!
* Fan Note: I have waited five long years for this book to be published. I emailed Brenda and begged for the conclusion of Hart’s and Francesca story, on many an occasion, only to learn that Brenda could only do so if her publisher gave the ok. I was stricken with lose and devastation, the series had become one of my loves, it was like I had been reading and incredible story and then was left with no ending. I was never going to be able to ever finish the story, this was short of death for me. Kind Ms. Joyce would always let her fans know how much she wished she too, could finish the story. Fans of the series petitioned for the last book in the series, we watched and eagerly waited for news of any possibility of our ending coming to fruition. We would read every update posted on Brenda’s site in hopes of news. Our dreams came true this past summer when Brenda announced that she was given permission to write the next book in the series. Finally, we wet our lips in anticipation of what Hart would do with Francesca and how the story would end. I want to give HQN & Mira a heart felt thank you, thank you for allowing Brenda to complete her work of art. The series was ended just as it should have and was absolutely perfect!
August 7, 2012
Deadly Vows was the first book I read by this author, I loved allot of things about this novel, including the premise of the novel, the relationship between Calder and Francesca in the beginning, the angst between the characters, and the challenges they face throughout the story. Sadly I felt things got repetitive very quickly, especially between the hero and heroine. After the first few chapters they are going in circles with each other. Francesca pursues, Calder relents, they say hurtful words that contradict their actions and then they start it all over again.
It was my impression the author's style of writing is to have intrigue, mystery and detective elements in her work. Kind of like a Sherlock Holmes feel to the story line. Although I understood this I feel like she put a little too much emphases on these elements to where it took away from the main characters of the novel. Basically it became a distraction instead of an enhancement.
The main thing I found difficult to read about was Rick Bragg's relationship with Leigh Anne, it was so heartbreaking and sad. It clouded the main story for me and took away from Francesca and Calder as a couple. The ending note between Rick and Leigh Anne put a shadow over the last chapters of the book, I actually went away from the novel feeling a bit depressed. I'm not sure if the author has plans to write Rick's story next, She never hinted at it. Yet being that she comes out with novels in this series every 5 years or so it's disheartening thinking we might have to wait that long.
Over all this book is well written, all of the factors included in the novel might not have been my cup of tea but I still applaud the author on her work and I wouldn't rule her out all together. I can see how readers would enjoy what she writes and if she ever comes out with Rick Bragg's story I would definitely be curious enough to read it.
It was my impression the author's style of writing is to have intrigue, mystery and detective elements in her work. Kind of like a Sherlock Holmes feel to the story line. Although I understood this I feel like she put a little too much emphases on these elements to where it took away from the main characters of the novel. Basically it became a distraction instead of an enhancement.
The main thing I found difficult to read about was Rick Bragg's relationship with Leigh Anne, it was so heartbreaking and sad. It clouded the main story for me and took away from Francesca and Calder as a couple. The ending note between Rick and Leigh Anne put a shadow over the last chapters of the book, I actually went away from the novel feeling a bit depressed. I'm not sure if the author has plans to write Rick's story next, She never hinted at it. Yet being that she comes out with novels in this series every 5 years or so it's disheartening thinking we might have to wait that long.
Over all this book is well written, all of the factors included in the novel might not have been my cup of tea but I still applaud the author on her work and I wouldn't rule her out all together. I can see how readers would enjoy what she writes and if she ever comes out with Rick Bragg's story I would definitely be curious enough to read it.
February 22, 2011
My Thoughts:
Set almost immediately following the last novel; Deadly Vows begins on Francesca & Calder's wedding day. Of course nothing is easy when it comes to this pair! Francesca is 'called' away by a mysterious note just before the wedding is about to begin. Known for getting herself into all sorts of trouble, she is locked 'accidentially' away and misses the most important day of her life. Now what could be so important to draw her away from that? The portrait of course!
Francesca is one of my favorite characters, she's a very modern woman for her time. She's a top sleuth, funny, smart, witty - all the ideal qualities that both Rick and Calder admire! Her relationship with Rick and Calder are both complicated ones. This triangle is at times can be very entertaining, the banter, the quips... Rick would really like to have a relationship outside of sleuthing with Francesca, but he is married to Leigh Anne. Calder would really like Francesca to be with someone like Rick or with Rick.
"I happen to believe that my brother (Calder), as rotten as he can be, is not entirely rotten. You bring out the best side of him, Francesca. The only problem is that a leopard cannot change his spots." - Rick Bragg
Calder and Francesca have a lot of trust issues to worth through in this story. After Francesca jilted her beloved at the alter; Calder refuses to give her another chance. He believes he doesn't deserve her - that she needs to be with someone more moral then he is.
This story has a bit of everything - robbery, kidnapping, romance, mystery..
Brenda Joyce did an amazing job with this story. Anyone who enjoy historical romance or a good mystery novel will love this series!
Set almost immediately following the last novel; Deadly Vows begins on Francesca & Calder's wedding day. Of course nothing is easy when it comes to this pair! Francesca is 'called' away by a mysterious note just before the wedding is about to begin. Known for getting herself into all sorts of trouble, she is locked 'accidentially' away and misses the most important day of her life. Now what could be so important to draw her away from that? The portrait of course!
Francesca is one of my favorite characters, she's a very modern woman for her time. She's a top sleuth, funny, smart, witty - all the ideal qualities that both Rick and Calder admire! Her relationship with Rick and Calder are both complicated ones. This triangle is at times can be very entertaining, the banter, the quips... Rick would really like to have a relationship outside of sleuthing with Francesca, but he is married to Leigh Anne. Calder would really like Francesca to be with someone like Rick or with Rick.
"I happen to believe that my brother (Calder), as rotten as he can be, is not entirely rotten. You bring out the best side of him, Francesca. The only problem is that a leopard cannot change his spots." - Rick Bragg
Calder and Francesca have a lot of trust issues to worth through in this story. After Francesca jilted her beloved at the alter; Calder refuses to give her another chance. He believes he doesn't deserve her - that she needs to be with someone more moral then he is.
This story has a bit of everything - robbery, kidnapping, romance, mystery..
Brenda Joyce did an amazing job with this story. Anyone who enjoy historical romance or a good mystery novel will love this series!
March 6, 2015
I have been waiting for this book for many years. I was a little bit worried that I would not remember everything that happened in the previous 8 books in the series but that was not the case. From the first page I was pulled back in to the fast paced life of Francesca Cahill. The great thing about this book and the series in general is that it gets the reader emotional involved. You feel the inner turmoil that the characters have about their feelings and it makes them more real. I enjoy getting emotionally involved in the books I read but rarely do they achieve it as good as this series does. The stories are remarkably realistic for a series that is in the Romance section. I would go so far as to say it is more mystery than romance. Sure the romantic triangle does play a role but because it spans over 9 books it is the mysteries that propel the books on at such a fast pace that it feels like it was just one large book. Anyone who likes strong female characters and a well thought out complex supporting ensemble then this is the book for you.
September 7, 2011
This is what can happen when an author takes a fairly long time between books in a series. I read the first books in the series in a mad frenzy right up until Joyce decided to focus on some of her other books. It's been years since I have read the previous book. There are still elements I enjoy - complex morality/weaknesses of secondary characters, mystery, set in early 1900 New York, but I could not stand Francesca and Hart in this one. They both did things or reacted to things (Francesca in particular) out of character simply to create tension or plot points, it seemed like an excuse to drag every former bad guy into the book, and the ending - while happy - was weak and the mystery solved only through Fran's stupidity, not intelligent sleuthing.
I don't know if I've changed or the books were always this tiresome, or if I just REALLY was not in the mood for pure escapism, but I only finished this through sheer perseverance and the fact that it's due back at the library this morning. Don't actually care. Can tell you I am done with the series with no regrets.
I don't know if I've changed or the books were always this tiresome, or if I just REALLY was not in the mood for pure escapism, but I only finished this through sheer perseverance and the fact that it's due back at the library this morning. Don't actually care. Can tell you I am done with the series with no regrets.
August 18, 2013
Contains SPOILERS - Don't read if spoilers bother you!
I am conflicted about this book. Since I read them all back to back, it was awful that Ms. Joyce chose to have Rick Bragg and Leigh Ann to be so at odds in this book esp. since they were reconciling at the end of book 8. And, why did Ms. Joyce choose to make Leigh Ann out to be a bad mother when she had been such a good mother to the two girls she and Bragg were fostering in the other books. I was glad that Calder Hart and Francesca finally did have their happy ever after; but would a woman really take off on her wedding day to try to retrieve a stolen painting - even if it was a nude of her? Seems like Francesca should have been suspicious. I did enjoy the Evan and Maggie parts and that the Countess finally got her comeuppance. I do recommend the series just be aware that the characters don't always hold true to what was in the other books.
I am conflicted about this book. Since I read them all back to back, it was awful that Ms. Joyce chose to have Rick Bragg and Leigh Ann to be so at odds in this book esp. since they were reconciling at the end of book 8. And, why did Ms. Joyce choose to make Leigh Ann out to be a bad mother when she had been such a good mother to the two girls she and Bragg were fostering in the other books. I was glad that Calder Hart and Francesca finally did have their happy ever after; but would a woman really take off on her wedding day to try to retrieve a stolen painting - even if it was a nude of her? Seems like Francesca should have been suspicious. I did enjoy the Evan and Maggie parts and that the Countess finally got her comeuppance. I do recommend the series just be aware that the characters don't always hold true to what was in the other books.
December 28, 2020
one of the worst books I've ever read; the author must have used s/he "cried" a million times; for a period romance it was too modern: the F word was used too liberally; ripping off chemises and ripping off jackets was overused as were such words as hungrily, virile, dark, & the irritating expression "in his arms"
May 24, 2011
After waiting so long for this book, it was very disappointing to me. I love the characters, especially Calder Hart, and I did not feel this book did justice to the passion of his character.
December 18, 2015
Triste d'avoir fini cette série. Calder me manquera :p. Contente d'avoir enfin eu la fin après tant d'années. Peut-être un jour......
February 25, 2011
I loved this book for 2 words...Calder Hart.
February 21, 2022
I needed to read a "bodice-ripper" for my book group's challenge.
I am not interested in this genre so I just picked this one without realising it is part of a series which has many adoring fans.
Let me start by saying that either the joke was on me, or there are people out there who actually liked this book. Judging by the GoodReads stars, I think it's the former.
Note to self: the author is a "New York Times Best-Selling Author" only because of her fans - definitely NOT for her writing quality.
The whole thing was absolutely awful and an utter chore to get through. Here's an attempt to summarise my reasons why.
WARNING - this could be the most scathing review I've written since my review of "Roots" by Alex Haley.
There's an exclamation mark on almost every page!
Overused phrases and words include:
i) facial blanching, blushing, flushing, reddening, paling, draining or deepening of colour.
ii) eyes which are "impossibly dark", smouldering, glaring, glimmering, widening, wild, smiling, staring, ablazed
iii) banal phrases: "incredibly concerned", "seemed aghast", "seemed confused", "his warm amber regard" (!!?). He smiled. She smiled back. They smiled at each other. His tone was hard. She cried. She screamed. She inhaled. She shuddered. She shivered. She hugged herself. He hugged himself. (People be hugging themselves a lot for a bodice-ripper). She touched him. She took his arm. He took his arm. He whispered. She tensed. She started. She wept. His eyes were dark now. He sighed.
I could go on but if you want more - read the book.
Sudden and inexplicable liberal use of the F-word in one chapter only.
There is negligible description about settings, other than they are either inside a mansion, gallery, bordello, small apartment, penitentiary or riding up and down Lexington Ave in Manhattan. Never did I get a strong sense of place or atmosphere. This story was set in a vacuum.
Hang on, did I say "story"? Oops. There's scarcely a story.
The main character, Francesca, is an irritatingly energetic, highly melodramatic, precocious 21-year old virgin and amateur sleuth who comes from a wealthy family. She is ostensibly a Bluestocking -that would be interesting, but it was never elaborated - who basically teases and flirts with two intensely jealous half-brothers. It pains me even to recall and write this... So I'll stop. Again, read this nonsense for yourself if you want more.
What an unnecessary jumble of characters! They are principally a litter of detestable half-siblings and perps that come and go at random. It was immensely annoying that these dysfunctional people even interacted. They are histrionic, highly emotional, hysterical, pathetic, melodramatic and stupid. They should just all stay the hell away from each other with their jealousy, competitiveness and bad blood. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.
Structure is shaky and story-telling is confused. Flow is interrupted and jerked around by sudden mood changes. There are next to no plot devices. Seriously, I think a 15 year-old could do a better job. But I doubt they could reach the pinnacle of melodrama that the "best selling author" has reached. This is professional level.
I need to go bathe my eyeballs and rinse my brain after this horrendous waste of time.
0/5 stars
I am not interested in this genre so I just picked this one without realising it is part of a series which has many adoring fans.
Let me start by saying that either the joke was on me, or there are people out there who actually liked this book. Judging by the GoodReads stars, I think it's the former.
Note to self: the author is a "New York Times Best-Selling Author" only because of her fans - definitely NOT for her writing quality.
The whole thing was absolutely awful and an utter chore to get through. Here's an attempt to summarise my reasons why.
WARNING - this could be the most scathing review I've written since my review of "Roots" by Alex Haley.
There's an exclamation mark on almost every page!
Overused phrases and words include:
i) facial blanching, blushing, flushing, reddening, paling, draining or deepening of colour.
ii) eyes which are "impossibly dark", smouldering, glaring, glimmering, widening, wild, smiling, staring, ablazed
iii) banal phrases: "incredibly concerned", "seemed aghast", "seemed confused", "his warm amber regard" (!!?). He smiled. She smiled back. They smiled at each other. His tone was hard. She cried. She screamed. She inhaled. She shuddered. She shivered. She hugged herself. He hugged himself. (People be hugging themselves a lot for a bodice-ripper). She touched him. She took his arm. He took his arm. He whispered. She tensed. She started. She wept. His eyes were dark now. He sighed.
I could go on but if you want more - read the book.
Sudden and inexplicable liberal use of the F-word in one chapter only.
There is negligible description about settings, other than they are either inside a mansion, gallery, bordello, small apartment, penitentiary or riding up and down Lexington Ave in Manhattan. Never did I get a strong sense of place or atmosphere. This story was set in a vacuum.
Hang on, did I say "story"? Oops. There's scarcely a story.
The main character, Francesca, is an irritatingly energetic, highly melodramatic, precocious 21-year old virgin and amateur sleuth who comes from a wealthy family. She is ostensibly a Bluestocking -that would be interesting, but it was never elaborated - who basically teases and flirts with two intensely jealous half-brothers. It pains me even to recall and write this... So I'll stop. Again, read this nonsense for yourself if you want more.
What an unnecessary jumble of characters! They are principally a litter of detestable half-siblings and perps that come and go at random. It was immensely annoying that these dysfunctional people even interacted. They are histrionic, highly emotional, hysterical, pathetic, melodramatic and stupid. They should just all stay the hell away from each other with their jealousy, competitiveness and bad blood. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.
Structure is shaky and story-telling is confused. Flow is interrupted and jerked around by sudden mood changes. There are next to no plot devices. Seriously, I think a 15 year-old could do a better job. But I doubt they could reach the pinnacle of melodrama that the "best selling author" has reached. This is professional level.
I need to go bathe my eyeballs and rinse my brain after this horrendous waste of time.
0/5 stars
May 13, 2018
J'ai adorée cette série sur les aventures de Francesca Cahill. Je ne peux que la conseiller !
En ce qui concerne ce dernier tome, je suis contente (et un peu triste) de connaître la fin des aventures de Francesca.
Pour sa dernière enquête, Francesca part à la recherche d'un tableau qui pourrait ruiner sa réputation à tout jamais ..
En ce qui concerne ce dernier tome, je suis contente (et un peu triste) de connaître la fin des aventures de Francesca.
Pour sa dernière enquête, Francesca part à la recherche d'un tableau qui pourrait ruiner sa réputation à tout jamais ..
January 8, 2026
I didn't enjoy this book. I assume the previous ones were better, or I'd never have bothered.
Francesca is an annoying, clingy PITA. She also 'cries' everything; why can't she just SAY it?
Thank goodness the series is over, because I am done with it.
Francesca is an annoying, clingy PITA. She also 'cries' everything; why can't she just SAY it?
Thank goodness the series is over, because I am done with it.
August 8, 2017
Sleuthing made fun. Characters are entertaining.
August 28, 2017
I'm disappointed that there is not a final book in this series since this book still leaves some story lines unfinished.
January 15, 2023
I am Kind off disappointed in this last book - the story wasn’t really all that great and I thought there would be different ending. The case this time was really lame.
March 17, 2011
Deadly Vows by Brenda Joyce
Harlequin, 2010
379 pages
Historical Mystery Romance
3/5 stars
Source: Received a free egalley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Summary: It is Francesca Cahill's wedding day, where she will finally marry Calder Hart after clearing his name in the murder of his mistress in the previous book. Unfortunately she receives a note calling her to a gallery to recover the stolen nude portrait of herself that would destroy her reputation if shown; when she arrives, she is locked in and thus misses the ceremony. Calder instead of attempting to understand breaks the engagement and shoves her toward his half-brother and her friend Police Commissioner Rick Bragg as they attempt to recover the painting and figure out who wanted to ruin Francesca.
I did not realize this was the ninth book in the series when I requested it from Netgalley but it looked so good that I couldn't wait until I'd read some of the earlier books before I started it. I struggled a bit with the relationships but I think I had a pretty solid grasp on them by the conclusion. As there are strong elements of three genres, I found it useful to divide my review along those lines.
1. Mystery: This was the strongest element for me; Francesca has investigated and solved cases in eight previous books, leading up to her entanglement in a case as the victim this time. Someone had earlier stolen a nude portrait of her and seemed to be waiting to use it to blackmail her. They also lured her away on her wedding day and locked her up, causing her to miss the ceremony. She has three main suspects, all previously antagonists to her, and I thought the mystery unfolded at a good, logical pace.
2. Historical: Set in 1902 (each chapter opens with date and time), there are mentions of cars, telephones, and the high society of Old New York. I would have liked some mentions of President Theodore Roosevelt but that's just obsessive me. At first, I thought much of the language was stilted and formal but I realized that it was actually very time-appropriate. However she sometimes called her parents Julia and Andrew, which seemed wrong to me. Francesca's general personality is more modern and she doesn't generally feel limited to the norms of the time, as shown by her investigations and her willingness to pose for a nude portrait.
3. Romance: This is where most of my problems were. Now it's a Harlequin so I was expecting a fairly clear-cut romance where there's a heroine and a hero. Francesca is obviously the heroine and Calder Hart is positioned as the hero but I don't find him to be one. He's selfish, cruel, insanely jealous, violent, and in full of anger and guilt. About the only positives are his richness, singleness, and recognition of the heroine as too good for him (too true!) In fact the worst part of her, in my opinion, was her unfailing belief in him; every time she thought about how much she loved him and how she believe in him made me categorize her as an idiot. I hated that Calder commissioned a nude portrait of her even before their engagement (is that historically probable? no one knew that it was nude except for those two, the painter, and then more as the tidbit leaks out), I hated his cruelty when she shows up bruised and with a tattered dress after the missed wedding, and I hated his bitterness. The man I like for hero is Rick Bragg, Calder's half-brother (this is were jealousy and Hart's self-martyrdom comes in) who is unhappily married but who also knows that Francesca is too good for Calder. Alas the ending! SPOILER: Francesca marries Calder thus spoiling a satisfying HEA and leaving me greatly displeased. Perhaps if I'd read the previous books I'd be more sympathetic but other reviews haven't like Calder's behavior either so probably not.
Overall: I mostly like the characters but Calder's general suckiness spoiled the book for me.
Harlequin, 2010
379 pages
Historical Mystery Romance
3/5 stars
Source: Received a free egalley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Summary: It is Francesca Cahill's wedding day, where she will finally marry Calder Hart after clearing his name in the murder of his mistress in the previous book. Unfortunately she receives a note calling her to a gallery to recover the stolen nude portrait of herself that would destroy her reputation if shown; when she arrives, she is locked in and thus misses the ceremony. Calder instead of attempting to understand breaks the engagement and shoves her toward his half-brother and her friend Police Commissioner Rick Bragg as they attempt to recover the painting and figure out who wanted to ruin Francesca.
I did not realize this was the ninth book in the series when I requested it from Netgalley but it looked so good that I couldn't wait until I'd read some of the earlier books before I started it. I struggled a bit with the relationships but I think I had a pretty solid grasp on them by the conclusion. As there are strong elements of three genres, I found it useful to divide my review along those lines.
1. Mystery: This was the strongest element for me; Francesca has investigated and solved cases in eight previous books, leading up to her entanglement in a case as the victim this time. Someone had earlier stolen a nude portrait of her and seemed to be waiting to use it to blackmail her. They also lured her away on her wedding day and locked her up, causing her to miss the ceremony. She has three main suspects, all previously antagonists to her, and I thought the mystery unfolded at a good, logical pace.
2. Historical: Set in 1902 (each chapter opens with date and time), there are mentions of cars, telephones, and the high society of Old New York. I would have liked some mentions of President Theodore Roosevelt but that's just obsessive me. At first, I thought much of the language was stilted and formal but I realized that it was actually very time-appropriate. However she sometimes called her parents Julia and Andrew, which seemed wrong to me. Francesca's general personality is more modern and she doesn't generally feel limited to the norms of the time, as shown by her investigations and her willingness to pose for a nude portrait.
3. Romance: This is where most of my problems were. Now it's a Harlequin so I was expecting a fairly clear-cut romance where there's a heroine and a hero. Francesca is obviously the heroine and Calder Hart is positioned as the hero but I don't find him to be one. He's selfish, cruel, insanely jealous, violent, and in full of anger and guilt. About the only positives are his richness, singleness, and recognition of the heroine as too good for him (too true!) In fact the worst part of her, in my opinion, was her unfailing belief in him; every time she thought about how much she loved him and how she believe in him made me categorize her as an idiot. I hated that Calder commissioned a nude portrait of her even before their engagement (is that historically probable? no one knew that it was nude except for those two, the painter, and then more as the tidbit leaks out), I hated his cruelty when she shows up bruised and with a tattered dress after the missed wedding, and I hated his bitterness. The man I like for hero is Rick Bragg, Calder's half-brother (this is were jealousy and Hart's self-martyrdom comes in) who is unhappily married but who also knows that Francesca is too good for Calder. Alas the ending! SPOILER: Francesca marries Calder thus spoiling a satisfying HEA and leaving me greatly displeased. Perhaps if I'd read the previous books I'd be more sympathetic but other reviews haven't like Calder's behavior either so probably not.
Overall: I mostly like the characters but Calder's general suckiness spoiled the book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2011
La 1ère fois que j'ai vu cette série, ce fut lors d'une recherche de titres à me mettre sous la dent sur Amazon. J'ai été intriguée et intéressée par le résumé, mais ne me sentais pas de sauter le pas, car cela me paraissait risqué.
J'ai finalement fini par céder un jour d'avril 2008, et cela a changé ma vie. J'ai dévoré les 6 premiers volumes qui étaient parus chez "J'ai Lu Pour Elle", et ne concevais pas de rester sur ma faim. M'armant de courage, j'ai tout naturellement pris le risque de lire la suite en VO. Mes études d'anglais étaient loin derrière moi, je n'avais pas pratiqué depuis longtemps, et doutais un peu de mes capacités, mais ô surprise, c'est passé comme une lettre à la poste! En un matin de juillet 2008, j'ai dévoré le 7ème, puis le 8ème volume, et me suis transformée en une lectrice inconditionnelle de romans en VO.
Cette série m'a donc ouvert la voie à un univers où la frustration d'attendre l'acquisition et la traduction de romans n'existe pas, où la liberté est totale et les possibilités multipliées par 100. J'avais fait mon entrée au Paradis!
On comprendra que depuis, je garde une tendresse particulière pour cette série. J'en avais fait mon deuil à la fin du 8ème car j'étais persuadée qu'elle était fini, jusqu'à ce que je découvre sur GR que le 9ème était en cours. Bonheur suprême!
J'ai donc retrouvé avec grand plaisir, l'un de mes couples préférés. J'adore Francesca Cahill à laquelle il est dur de rester insensible, et suis plus que séduite par Calder Hart, qui est un personnage fascinant. L'une est intelligente, douce, têtue, confiante en la nature humaine et généreuse lorsque l'autre est sombre, endurcis, cynique et vient de loin. Pourtant, ils vont bien ensemble et se complètent. ♥
Bien que publiée dans une collection Harlequin, cette série ne s'y apparente pas vraiment. On se laisse autant séduire par la large palette de personnages (les principaux comme les secondaires)avec lesquels on communie presque, que les enquêtes, qui demandent l'expertise de nos héros. De même, j'aime beaucoup le cadre spatio temporel dans lequel se déroule l'histoire, NY tout debut du siècle en 1902, période où le sexe et la classe sociale érigeaient encore des barrières, et dictaient les comportements; de quoi donner appui à des situations intéressantes.
La saga des Deadly est à ne pas rater, car vraiment riche et passionnante. J'espère surtout que ce tome ne sera pas le dernier car cela la situation ne semble pas réglée pour tout les personnages.
A quand le 10ème?
J'ai finalement fini par céder un jour d'avril 2008, et cela a changé ma vie. J'ai dévoré les 6 premiers volumes qui étaient parus chez "J'ai Lu Pour Elle", et ne concevais pas de rester sur ma faim. M'armant de courage, j'ai tout naturellement pris le risque de lire la suite en VO. Mes études d'anglais étaient loin derrière moi, je n'avais pas pratiqué depuis longtemps, et doutais un peu de mes capacités, mais ô surprise, c'est passé comme une lettre à la poste! En un matin de juillet 2008, j'ai dévoré le 7ème, puis le 8ème volume, et me suis transformée en une lectrice inconditionnelle de romans en VO.
Cette série m'a donc ouvert la voie à un univers où la frustration d'attendre l'acquisition et la traduction de romans n'existe pas, où la liberté est totale et les possibilités multipliées par 100. J'avais fait mon entrée au Paradis!
On comprendra que depuis, je garde une tendresse particulière pour cette série. J'en avais fait mon deuil à la fin du 8ème car j'étais persuadée qu'elle était fini, jusqu'à ce que je découvre sur GR que le 9ème était en cours. Bonheur suprême!
J'ai donc retrouvé avec grand plaisir, l'un de mes couples préférés. J'adore Francesca Cahill à laquelle il est dur de rester insensible, et suis plus que séduite par Calder Hart, qui est un personnage fascinant. L'une est intelligente, douce, têtue, confiante en la nature humaine et généreuse lorsque l'autre est sombre, endurcis, cynique et vient de loin. Pourtant, ils vont bien ensemble et se complètent. ♥
Bref, après moult aventures arrive le jour où nos 2 tourtereaux doivent enfin se marier. Seulement, attirée par un message énigmatique, Francesca se retrouve prise dans un piège, et pose un lapin à Calder "à l'insu de son plein gré". Ce dernier y voit un signe, annule donc complètement le mariage et rompt avec elle. Aïe! C'est bien joli, mais bon, il faut mener l'enquête pour savoir qui œuvre dans l'ombre pour les séparer et nuire à Francesca.
Bien que publiée dans une collection Harlequin, cette série ne s'y apparente pas vraiment. On se laisse autant séduire par la large palette de personnages (les principaux comme les secondaires)avec lesquels on communie presque, que les enquêtes, qui demandent l'expertise de nos héros. De même, j'aime beaucoup le cadre spatio temporel dans lequel se déroule l'histoire, NY tout debut du siècle en 1902, période où le sexe et la classe sociale érigeaient encore des barrières, et dictaient les comportements; de quoi donner appui à des situations intéressantes.
La saga des Deadly est à ne pas rater, car vraiment riche et passionnante. J'espère surtout que ce tome ne sera pas le dernier car cela la situation ne semble pas réglée pour tout les personnages.
A quand le 10ème?
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