Lady Penelope Staines is the subject of Eloise’s research this time. Penelope and her husband Frederick, unwillingly married due to a compromising situation, head to India where the political situation is very unsteady. On their way to Frederick’s posting, the couple meet Captain Alex Reid, a British man born and raised in India, convinced that these inexperienced aristocrats are going to be ineffectual. In Penelope, however, Alex finds a courageous woman who has been damaged by years of criticism, far from his expectations.
I really enjoy this series and The Betrayal of the Blood Lily was no exception. The series’s change of location, even if temporary, is totally refreshing and brings in a new political atmosphere. I’ve read a few books set in India lately and this was a different time period, so I appreciated more history. I also felt like, even though this one restores the sex scene to the romance, this is more historical fiction than romance. The romance is certainly present, and very sweet, but there is also quite a bit of intrigue in the Indian court as well as Penelope’s painful relationship with her reluctant husband. It takes a little bit to get used to the different setting, but it’s worth it.
As usual, the modern day storyline with Eloise and Colin is somewhat less interesting. Not much happens, except that they’re still together. It’s hard not to feel for Eloise because she’s a charming character, and I too can imagine very little better than having the ability to delve through historical letters and documents for a day. She finds out some disturbing facts about Colin’s family but not much changes in her own personal or academic life.
I’m left wondering when this series is going to end, but as long as Willig keeps producing stories that are alternately fun and emotional, I’m going to keep reading them.
I am an Amazon Associate. I purchased this book.
I have a few of these books — not really sure what ones though. I have a few friends who really like them. I should give them a try!
.-= Julie P.´s last blog ..Review: Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter =-.
I recently bought the first book in this series but haven’t cracked it open yet. I hope I enjoy these books as much as you do!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Sunday Salon =-.
I have been wanting to read this series forever. I own a few. I must get to them.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Readalong 1: The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien =-.
I think I might enjoy a romance with more history than romance.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Our Life in France – banking, money and numbers =-.
Oh my gosh, there’s a 6th book now? She’s really starting to crank them out. I still haven’t read “Temptation of the Night Jasmine.” I don’t think I can justify paying for these any more, especially in hardback, but I may have to see if my library has these last two.
.-= Jen – Devourer of Books´s last blog ..The Postmistress – Book Review =-.
I know, she really churns them out fast! I bought all but one of the series at a used bookstore for $1 each, so I figured she deserved my money at this point.
I was a bit disappointed with the last book in this series, but I have high hopes for this one. I must confess that I am a bit concerned about the two male characters, so it will be interesting to see how this issue gets resolved.
This sounds like the type of series my mom might like. She enjoys academic mysteries.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Urban/e Vampires =-.