Tuesday, December 18, 2012

MY RUTHLESS PRINCE by Gaelen Foley



Publisher:   Avon
Date published:   December 2011
ISBN:  978-0062075918
Genre:   Historical Romance
Book format:  Paperback
Obtained via:  Publisher
Reviewed by name and email address:  Gina Ginalrmreviews@gmail.com



Beat almost beyond recognition, his memory taken from him, Drake, Earl of Westwood has turned away from the Order of St. Michael and joined ranks with their arch enemies, the Prometheans.  What his brother warriors do not know is how much Drake has revealed of their names, families, homes and interests. Despite the Order having him back in their hands for a short time the wily agent managed to escape. Now, in the wilds of Bavaria he stands by his new mentor’s side and plots Promethean world domination.

Emily Harper’s father was the Westwood family woodsman and Emily learned survival skills from her father.  She can track, hunt and shoot an arrow with unerring accuracy. Emily has also loved Drake since childhood. As children the pair shared adventures and secrets including Drake telling her of his future in the Order. But Drake’s parents would never condone more than retainer and servant between Drake and Emily and as a young man he abided by their wishes. Emily had little choice in the matter and accepted what she could from Drake. Now as an adult she knows her heart and nothing will keep her from the man she loves. To that end Emily not only helps Drake escape his friends, she follows him to Bavaria, determined to bring him home and help him regain his memory.

When Drake finds Emily has followed him to the Promethean stronghold he first tells her she must leave then, believing it for her safety, relents. Emily does her best to convince Drake to return with her—and to do so before his fellow Order agents track him down. Can Drake remember the girl he loved before he loses her once again?

Gaelen Foley’s MY RUTHLESS PRINCE is by far my favourite book in her Inferno Club series. We first learn about Drake in book 1, MY WICKED MARQUESS, when he is first captured by the Prometheans and something about him just caught my attention. In each book we learn a bit more about him and in this, his story, we see him in full warrior mode as well as the vulnerable man inside. Ms. Foley takes us into his mind where the fears of what was done to him reside and at the same time, through Emily, shows us, as she tells Drake, the sun and sky.

Portions of the story, particularly at the end, are reminiscent of the Indiana Jones movies with daring rescues and wonderfully dramatic explosions. Well thought out Ms. Foley engages the reader’s imagination and takes him or he along with Emily and Drake.

There were times when the dialogue felt a tad forced--as if the author got the characters into a box and wasn’t able to get them out. But the force of Drake’s character outshines whatever weaknesses the story might have.

I liked Emily for her determination and forestry skills. She’s courageous and doesn’t falter in the face of overwhelming danger. The romance between Drake and Emily is highly emotional and really well done.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

 

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