Review: The Spurned Viscountess by Shelley Munro

Synopsis (via Goodreads):

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...

My Thoughts:  This is a dark historical that has both mystery and mayhem.  It comes with a crumbling castle, ghostly goings on, a woman who could be a witch and a scarred, amnesiac hero with a hardened heart.  There might also be a crotchety old aunt and a hidden treasure.  Yeah, it pretty much has all the hallmarks of AWESOME with a side of drafty hallways.

I really liked that the main characters didn't fall madly in love with one another at first sight.  Lucien is mourning his recently murdered wife while trying to regain the memories of his childhood.  He has no wish to remarry, but his title requires it.  Rosalind is resigned to marrying the Viscount even though he terrifies her at first because the alternative is to either be burned as a witch or spend the rest of her days as a burden to her family.  He is literally her last hope.  She takes the hand she's dealt and she makes the best of it.

Watching Lucien fall for Rosalind is sweet.  He's completely against the marriage at first, only agreeing to it for his father's sake.  Slowly he comes to admire Rosalind's strength and kindness and he's able to see that loving her doesn't negate the love he had for his first wife.  Like I said, it's sweet.

A quick, fun little historical with some paranormal elements (Rosalind's gift) and an easy romance.

More books by Shelley Munro

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