Tori's Review: The Spurned Viscountess by Shelley Munro

Obtained: NetGalley
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series:
1. The Spurned Viscountess

Shelley's Website
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E-book
Price: $5.99
E-ISBN: 978-1426890581
Released: September 20, 2010

Cursed with the sight and rumors of witchcraft, Rosalind's only chance at an ordinary life is marriage to Lucien, Viscount Hastings. She doesn't expect love, only security and children of her own. Determined to go through with the wedding, she allows nothing she encounters at the gloomy Castle St. Clare to dissuade her.
 

Recently returned from the Continent, Lucien has no time for the English mouse his family has arranged for him to marry—not when he's plotting to avenge the murder of his beloved Francesca. He has no intention of bedding Rosalind, not even to sire an heir.
 

Though spurned by her bridegroom, Rosalind turns to him for protection when she is plagued by a series of mysterious accidents and haunted by terrifying visions. Forced to keep Rosalind close—and tempted into passionate kisses—Lucien soon finds himself in grave danger of falling in love with his own wife...
 

Refreshed version of SECOND SEDUCTION, newly revised by author.

My Rating:

My Opinion:
I've been on a historical fiction spree as of late. Actually, ever since I've read THE MASTER AND THE MUSES, I've been salivating for more books to read of that nature. So when I discovered THE SPURNED VISCOUNTESS, a historical fiction with paranormal elements, I was more than excited to dive straight into this tale.

Before I begin, it is important to note that the paranormal aspects do not play a huge role in this tale. I was warned of this before I read the novel, so I didn't have any expectations about that part.

Overall, this is an enjoyable read. The storyline kept me intrigued from the first page all the way to the last. I kept wondering how Rosalind was going to win Lucien's favor. I wanted to know what would happen between the two, and whether or not Hawk, our bad guy, was going to get caught earlier rather than later. I wanted to know what was going to happen to Mary, despite how annoying she was.

The twist at the end--Hawk's identity--caught me by surprise. I definitely did not expect that person to be Hawk. Though now that I look back, it does make more sense.

I had a few problems with the tale. For starters, I found myself craving for more showing over telling. We have all of these events transpiring, and yet, I didn't always feel emotionally invested with what happened to Rosalind and Lucien. At these points, I felt more like an impassive bystander looking through binoculars.

Rosalind had a tendency to lift her chin up a lot. I would have enjoyed a few other actions used to explain her defiance or stubbornness; perhaps clenching her fists, placing her hands on her hips and narrowing her eyes, pursing her lips... there's so many. After a while, I began to roll my eyes whenever there was something about her chin. Then I began to wonder if Rosalind had a weird chin. Was it big? It always seemed to grab Lucien's attention first.

I thought Lucien's appearance towards the end was way too convenient. I also thought Rosalind should have used her powers before she wandered off with the two men she left with, especially when she began to catch glimpses of some weird thoughts. I don't know, that's what I would have done the second I felt something was off, despite any reservations about my mind reading abilities.

A word of warning for those of you using NetGalley: Formatting, I've noticed, is very wonky when it comes to NetGalley titles on a Kindle. This story is no exception, and I struggled with POV swaps because of said format. So if you decide to get this title via NetGalley, please keep that in mind.

Despite a few bumps in the reading experience, THE SPURNED VISCOUNTESS was, nevertheless, a fun read. When I reached the final page, I gave a sigh in relief, now that I knew Lucien and Rosalind finally had their happily ever after.