Starred review from July 29, 2013
Donaldson’s second Regency romance (after Edenbrooke) is riveting and evocative. Beautiful, passionate Kate Worthington, determined to be different from her scandalous mother and sisters, has decided never to marry. She seeks solace in the friendship of Sylvia Delafield and her handsome and intelligent brother, Henry, who will inherit the vast Blackmoore estate. When Henry finally escorts Kate to his ancestral home, where he is expected to propose to the lovely Miss St. Claire, Kate is overcome by the hauntingly beautiful house and its surrounding moors, cliffs, and waters, just as she is by the slow but definite change in her relationship with Henry. As the untamed natural atmosphere unleashes a longing and intensity that both Henry and Kate have suppressed, they must take the risk of making bargains, uncovering secrets, and embracing their truest desires. Readers will be absolutely captivated by the beautiful imagery, sizzling tension (which never manifests explicitly, earning the book its designation of “proper”), and mesmerizing plot.