The Black Rose

I just finished this book - quite long at close to 500 pages but the story was so fast paced that I found myself staying up quite late (for me) to finish it! The story is rich in historical detail set during the time of the Napoleonic wars between England and France.It is the story of Tess Leighton - the "Ice Queen" beautiful, inn-keeper at the "Angel" who harbors secrets and nightmares she shares with no one. Tess, who gave her heart and soul to a Dane St. Pierre, the Viscount of Ravenhurst who deserted her five years before. She, now plays the inn keeper by day, and a smuggler by night. Dane, only knows that she betrayed him and now he is out to catch the `Romney Fox' leader of the smugglers. He knows that Tess is involved and is out to unmask the `Fox' and scourge her from his soul at the same time. The last five years have been torture for Dane - war could not erase the longing for, nor the pain of her treachery from his soul. Even though they both still `burn' for one another their stubbornness and willful pride, lets neither know the entire story of what happened to one another on that fateful night.This story is filled with adventure and intrigue and very descriptive and sensual love/lust scenes. While the first part of the book, seemed somewhat choppy rather than flowing along nicely and left me scratching my head a few times - the second half took off like a rocket! The fainthearted reader may be upset by a very explicit rape scene but don't let that deter you. After all, these were brutal times. I was quite amazed at the turn-around and also the way the story went. Up until then I thought I had this story all figured out. I was so torn, at one point over the direction our heroine was going that I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was not what I thought - can't tell you anymore or it ruins the story! I will only say that this story had me biting nails (again) and it is a marvelous love story!

Christina Skye has done it again! This time, I couldn't put it down! Dane and Tess's story is by far her best. The poor Tess has been helping 'The Fox' with his smuggiling, and getting herself in some risky situations! But when Lord Ravenhurst shows up, a dark man from her past, she dosen't know if she can keep the identity of The Fox a secret for much longer, nor the feelings for the ruthless Lord that she's kept so long in the darkest, blackest part of her soul. I have to say, some things needed working on, but, all in all, a very well written, edge-of your-seat-story. Enjoy!

This was the first Skye book I have ever read, and she easily beats out some of the best. The characters are intriguing, believable, and touch your heart with what they have faced in their lives. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to fall in love again.

I am an avid romance reader with a personal library of more than 200 romance novels and this book is one of the best I have ever read. I enjoyed this book because it promotes an alternative way of how a romance can develop. This is not one of those soppy romances one sees so many of. A definite must.

I loved the setting in the book and could almost feel the wind swirling in off the ocean. Add smugglers and high-seas adventure, a passionate pair of lovers, and a mad parrot and you've got a winning combination. The use of Breton language was unusual too. Romance in the high style!