Sweet Madness by Heather Snow Also in this series: Sweet Enemy, Sweet Deception
Series: Veiled Seduction #3
Published by Signet Eclipse on April 2nd 2013
Genres: Historical Romance, Victorian Era
Pages: 353
ISBN: 0451239679
There’s a fine line between love and insanity.
An Untamed Mind
Ever since her husband’s sudden and tragic death, Lady Penelope Bridgeman has committed herself to studying the maladies of the mind, particularly treating traumatized soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars. It is this expertise that brings the Marquess of Bromwich’s family to her door.
Gabriel Devereaux’s unexpected and unpredictable episodes are unlike any Penelope has studied. The once proud soldier has been left shaken and withdrawn, but she manages to build a fragile trust between them. Strangely, Gabriel seems completely lucid when not in the grips of his mania, and in the calm between bouts, she is surprised by how much she is drawn to him.
Despite his own growing feelings, Gabriel knows that he is fit for no one, and is determined to keep Penelope away from his descent into madness. But even though she knows firsthand the folly of loving a broken man, Penelope cannot stop herself from trying to save him, no matter the cost.
Summary
Penelope Bridgemen, thought that when she married her husband, life couldn’t get any better. Then he died from madness, only six months after they married. Penelope devoted herself to educating on the workings of the mind, and working with those that suffered from mental disabilities due to effects from the war. When she hears that her husband’s cousin, Gabriel, has been put in a mad house, she is determined to save him. Gabriel, feels like he is losing a part of himself, every time the madness overtakes him. He is haunted by memories of the war and battles, with no hope of escaping where his life has led. During a fierce moment of madness, the only person that brings back his sanity, makes him feel safe, is seeing Penelope again, a woman of courage and life and strength. They begin to work together, to discover why he is suffering the madness, but it will unlock secrets…secrets that Penelope will have to uncover if she wants to save Gabriel and set him free…
The Hero
Gabriel, is a soldier, and it has become a part of him. He dedicated himself to serving in the military during the war, but it haunts him and its a dark place he seeks to hide from. The memories give him nightmares, and he is devoted to protecting those that suffered in the war. Gabriel is titled, and has much in his future…but all he sees is the darkness and the horrible memories. While at his cousins wedding….he is drawn into the light with his cousin’s wife, who senses the darkness and they dance a jovial dance, that brings him a measure of peace. Now his life has taken a turn for the worse, its been almost two years later, and he is put in a mad house in the countryside. Gabriel, was a hero that just broke my heart…he is honest and good to the core, he has this strength, and is overwhelmed by memories of his past, but we see his determination to not give up, to keep fighting despite the odds against him.
The Heroine
Penelope, was very young when she got married, and had no idea what her husband was suffering from until it was too late and she had lost him for good. Penelope blamed herself, for her inability to see the early signs and get help for her husband. She has dedicated her life to the study of the mind, and helps with her cousin, in the aid of those ex military officers that suffer from traumatic disorders from the war. Penelope was a heroine I just loved from the beginning. She has this zest and passion for learning about the mind, all that she can. She is quite sassy and smart and I loved her. Snow does create the best characters, most especially her heroines. What I found most endearing about Penelope, was how she never gives up on Gabriel…no matter what. She keeps fighting for him and she is quite sneaky at times that made me want to cheer “bravo”. She is intelligent and quick-witted, she is sweet and caring, but suffers from her own demons.
Plot and Story Line
What was most admirable Sweet Madness was seeing Gabriel and Penelope working together and helping each other from their pasts. This story is the third book in the trilogy, and I really loved the first two books, but there was something “more” to my liking that made me fall in love with this one even more than the other books, probably due to the emotional war that is played out in it. From the beginning, we see a connection between Gabriel and Penelope, but it’s very platonic, but it isn’t until Penelope is a widow, and Gabriel in a mad house….that their connected blossoms into something more than just “friends”. They are both attracted to each other, and even though they try to keep it professional, sparks fly and desire becomes too hard to resist. I was entranced by this story, and what a ride this one turned out to be…near impossible to put down. What made this story fantastic was the characters. We have a great plot, endearing supporting characters…a villain to uncover and much more. We learn quite a bit about how our minds protect us even when we don’t see it. I love having the opportunity to learn a bit more, and seeing this love story develop in the unique way it does. This series is very different from any other historical romance I have ever read, in a way that consumer and enthralls….a story to delight and crave.
The Cover
This is such a beautiful cover, I love the way it captures your attention, with her vivid colored dress, and the night around her…makes you want to grab it up.
Overall View
Sweet Madness is a story that in unpredictable, sweet and spicy, a love story that is much more than simple regency romance…its a tale that worms its way into your heart. With some sexual tension, a smart heroine, tortured hero, a plot to keep you guessing, and a romance to endear you!! COMPLETELY CAPTIVATING!!
0 Comments