Title: Untouched
Author: Anna Campbell
First published November 27, 2007
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780061234927 (ISBN10: 0061234923)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
“I am many things,” Lord Blackwell said, his voice cold as ice. “Gentlemanly is not one of them.” Lady Elizabeth Ashton has every reason to believe his words.
After all, she was forced into marriage with this man, a man with a reputation for being cruel and ruthless. But Elizabeth is no ordinary bride.
She plans to escape, to run away from this man who terrifies her. However, Blackwell isn’t easily fooled, and he is determined to keep his bride under lock and key.
Yet, as the days pass, something changes between them. Elizabeth begins to see a glimpse of the man behind the mask, the man who was once kind and caring.
Blackwell, too, starts to feel something stirring within him, something he thought he had buried long ago. Together, they must navigate the treacherous waters of their marriage, facing danger at every turn.
And when the truth about Blackwell’s past is revealed, Elizabeth must decide whether to flee or surrender to this man who has claimed her as his own.
About the Author
I have written 11 award-winning historical romances for Hachette Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins. I have also authored more than 30 bestselling indie romances.
Currently, I am working on a series called Scoundrels of Mayfair, which is set in Regency London, a time of glamour and sensuality. The Worst Lord in London and The Trouble with Earls are currently available, while The Last Duke She’d Marry and The Duke Says I Do will be out in 2023.
When I’m not seeking inspiration for my passionate stories by touring the world, I reside on the beautiful east coast of Australia. Reading has always been a passion of mine, and I enjoy delving into many different genres.
Some of my favorite authors include Dorothy Dunnett, Elly Griffiths, Michael Lewis, and Loretta Chase.
If you’re interested in learning more about my work, please visit my website. You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter, under the handle AnnaCampbellOz. My books are available on Amazon and Bookbub.
I love hearing from readers, so please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Editoral Review
Untouched by Anna Campbell is a historical romance novel published on November 27, 2007. Anna Campbell is an Australian author of romantic fiction, and this book is in line with her signature style of weaving romance with history.
The story is set in the Regency-era London of 1817, and it follows Ariadne, a young and beautiful heiress who has been living a secluded life in the country estate of her guardians. Her life takes an interesting turn when the rakish and determined Gabriel, Duke of Lyndhurst, enters her life with the intention of winning her heart.
As Ariadne navigates the complexities and scandals of London society, she finds herself drawn to Gabriel, but this also puts her into a position of vulnerability. Anna Campbell does a masterful job of portraying the characters and the setting of the novel.
The characters are well rounded, with their motivations and intentions clearly defined. The protagonists, Ariadne and Gabriel, are painted in vivid detail, and readers get to know them on a deeper level as the story unfolds.
The setting of the novel is also beautifully captured, with descriptions that transport the reader back to the Regency era. The backdrop of London society, with all its rules and customs, is especially well-done, and it adds depth to the story.
The theme of societal expectations and their effects on individual lives is prevalent throughout the novel. Anna Campbell provides a nuanced commentary on the strict codes of conduct and unwritten rules that governed the upper echelons of society during the Regency era.
She also touches on the constraints placed on women during that time and the societal judgment they faced if they dared to step out of line. Her thoughtful exploration of these themes makes the novel both engaging and thought-provoking.
In terms of weaknesses, the pacing of the novel can be somewhat slow at times. Some readers may find themselves losing interest as the story moves at a leisurely pace.
Additionally, the plot is predictable in places, and readers may find themselves anticipating certain developments before they occur. Overall, Untouched by Anna Campbell is a beautifully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of historical romance.
The characters are engaging, the setting is vividly portrayed, and the themes are thoughtfully explored. While there are some weaknesses to the novel, they are overshadowed by its strengths.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written and engaging romance novel. Based on my impression of the book, I would give it a score of 4 out of 5.
