Fire At Midnight
Rachael Penrose has been confined to Bedlam by her wicked uncle Victor, who frames her in order to steal her inheritance. Unfortunately for Victor, Rachael isn’t insane—nor is she willing to let him take her money and murder her baby brother. She makes her escape and is thrust directly into the arms of Sebastien Falconer, a French smuggler who believes that Rachael is responsible for his problems with the law. Sebastien knows who Rachael is, but he keeps his identity concealed so he can exact his revenge. As Rachael and Sebastian get to know each other better, they realize their attraction. Will they still care for each other when their secrets are revealed, and can Rachael save her brother and her inheritance from her greedy uncle?
The Great Storm of 1703 figures prominently in this historical romance set on the English coast, providing a dramatic backdrop for this suspenseful tale. The romance between Rachael and Sebastien is sensual but not graphic, and the mistaken identity plot, a cornerstone of the romance genre, is handled nicely. There are a number of secondary characters, and an interesting subplot regarding Sebastien’s parentage. Overall, this is a fast, enjoyable read set in an atypical era for historical romance.
