Seduced by a Stranger Book

3.5 stars

It was simply eight words. 'Please come. I beg of you. Please come.'

Catherine Westin had known Madeline St. Aubyn from her days at the Browning School For Girls. At the time, each of them were estranged from their families but their circumstances were different. Then a horrific accident occurred and Madeline saved Catherine's life. For this reason alone, she would travel the long distance to attend to her old friend.

The year was 1828. A wicked person was lurking the streets of London and murder was on this demented person's mind. The author did a wonderful job causing some 'What the...?!?' moments. I had to go back and re-read several passages for a clue I thought I had missed.

He made her uncomfortable. A kind of darkness swirled about him; she had been warned to keep him at a distance. Away from Gabriel St. Aubyn, with his fierce looks and patience: his allure. Their relationship became a game of chess, each one thinking of the next play. Or fencing with words instead of swords, outsmarting the other with clipped answers and cool looks. It was give and take and being careful. Oh, so very careful. Catherine and Gabriel had some secrets that they did not want the other to know.

And then there was the crumbling St. Aubyn estate. Was Madeline correct when she told Catherine she thought she was being poisoned? And what was the reason that the housekeeper, Mrs. Bell, was frosty and hateful? And why did Catherine feel shivers travel up her spine when she just knew she was being watched?

If you are looking to take a break from the cushy historical romances you have been reading as of late, try Seduced by a Stranger. It contains a very dark theme with some mysterious elements, steamy sensuality, an anti-hero and his savior. *But be warned, this suspenseful gothic-like story is not for those that are faint of heart.*