Page-Turning Romance and Intrigue in Award-Winning Author’s Next Historical Novel Lucy Drake’s mastery of Morse code has made her a valuable asset to the American news agencies as a telegrapher. But the sudden arrival of Sir Colin Beckwith at rival British news agency Reuters puts her hard-earned livelihood at risk. Newly arrived from London, Colin is talented, handsome, and insufferably charming. insufferably charming.
Despite their rivalry, Lucy realizes Colin’s connections could be just what her family needs to turn the tide of their long legal battle over the fortune they were swindled out of forty years ago. When she negotiates an unlikely alliance with him, neither of them realizes how far the web of treachery they’re wading into will take them.
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I would give this book 10 stars if I could. Equal parts fascinating, intruiging, and entertaining. Plenty of rich history for my taste. There were so many twists and turns, I was kept guessing until the last chapter, which resolved everything perfectly. The characters were fully-developed and completely loveable (except the ones you love to hate). I will read everything Camden writes forever.
As a historical romance, I need to say I was much more interested in the historical part. The lawsuits and family rivalry was exciting and I wanted to see how it would all play out.
I loved Lucy’s character in the beginning. She was strong, brave, bold, determined, witty, and smart. She was such a strong character and having her go up against her uncle was exciting.
I did not like the romance. While I understand the set up I’m sure is accurate. Colin needed money to restore his family home and he was going to marry for money. I get that. But, through the whole book it felt like he was making Lucy out to always be his second option. Like “Well if I can’t have this rich girl I’ll settle for Lucy.” I felt like each time she was trying to move on from him, he would show up to unravel her. I feel her character arc did a nosedive because of this as well. She becomes less driven, unfocused, and almost uncaring.
By the end it seems happy ever after but I didn’t have a satisfied feeling. Even with Nick. Sure he has money now, but he isn’t happy, but Lucy and Colin are happy?
As I said, the lawsuit plot is intriguing and I’d definitely recommend this book based on that, but the romance lacked for me.
A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden is an outstanding story. In an attempt to contain myself — I could easily write a full treatise on how amazing this novel is — I’m simply going to share my top 5 reasons why I believe A Dangerous Legacy is a must-read novel.
1.) A Dangerous Legacy is one of the most engaging novels I’ve ever read. I literally could not put the book down. It was one of those reads where my actual world disappeared. At one point, my daughter called out to me for a full five minutes before I even registered she needed me. I was hooked by the highly-engaging storyline and hated having to put this book down.
2) Attention to historical detail. Camden has included a textbook-amount of detail within the pages of this novel, but I never once felt like I was reading a textbook. I learned about telegraphing, Teddy Rosevelt and his fight for the Panama Canal, plumbing, and life in New York in 1903, and enjoyed every second. In fact, the historical detail added to my engagement with this novel and is a large part of why I stayed up until 1 AM finishing this book.
3.) The romantic tension is superbly done. Colin sees Lucy, Lucy sees Colin, and sparks fly … from page 1. It is clear from the very beginning that Lucy and Colin make the perfect match, but life would say otherwise. Colin needs to marry an heiress, and Lucy can’t marry anyone at all. They attempt to just stay friends, but how is that possible when it’s a soulmate situation?! Lucy and Colin are like magnets — when they are close enough in proximity their chemistry brings them together by an unstoppable force. The best part — their kisses. I may have swooned a little.
4.) Camden portrays evil viscerally. This may seem like a really weird thing to like, but I did immensely. Now, I’m not a creeper or anything like that. I’m not a fan of the devil, and I hate evil tremendously. But, I appreciate when the villain is real-life, super bad because when he falls he falls hard. It makes for a satisfying ending. Ever since I was a little girl, my favorite storyline is the one where justice is served. And in A Dangerous Legacy justice is served for sure!
5.) Camden deals with my #1 fear and reminded me how to overcome. The thing I fear the most is being forced into a really bad situation against my will. I loathe the very idea that someone with enough power and money could manipulate a situation to make it so that I have to do something or go somewhere I don’t want. There is a moment in A Dangerous Legacy where Lucy is forced into an evil, awful thing totally against her will because of a vile, greedy, narcissistic group of people. I was terrified for Lucy. I’m actually not sure I breathed during those chapters. What I appreciated though is Lucy’s recognition that even in the absolute worst of times we are not alone. We may feel alone, but God is always with us. We just have to look for Him. After reading this reminder, my fear level for Lucy went from a 10 to a 1. Because the truth is, God makes us strong enough to face anything this world can throw at us.
A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden is a masterful story that I love so, so much. I am very sad my time with Lucy and Colin is over. I cannot recommend this novel enough. To me, it is a definite must-read!
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on October 11, 2017, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lucy Drake came by her mission to defeat her uncle’s side of the family honestly – she inherited it. Her brother’s ready to quit and have a life; their lawyer is the best they can afford; and Lucy seems to be the only one making headway.
The romantic suspense is artfully introduced though (I thought) clumsily deemed impossible by Colin, the male lead. I never fully got a sense of his desperation, even though the case was carefully built as to why he was seeking a marriage for money rather than love.
In general, I didn’t find the story compelling. Perhaps because it hinged on family in-fighting? Or perhaps because it lurched toward one happy ending, then veered off and settled on another.
I was particularly surprised to find the last-minute character introduction wasn’t the romantic lead sister (who throughout the book was “depending on him from clear over in England”), but instead a basically random person plucked from left field. It’s entirely possible this character plays a lead role in the next book, but I’d been looking forward to meeting the sister, so was disappointed.
I really enjoyed this book it has a little history which builds the world around the wonderful characters that the author has made. This book is a roller coaster of feeling from each chapter.
I loved the ending.
I love novels set in historical contexts. This one set in NYC in the early 1900’s in the world news arena hits the spot.
A very entertaining, informative story about a time in out history that I’m not very familiar with. Great character development, interesting and realistic story. I loved it.
A woman and her brother in New York meet an English Baron. Their struggles with family and money. Loved reading this book. Thank you.
Intriguing!
This is a superb story with an unusual set of characters, tracking an unusual and less written about urban experience a century ago in an America most of would not think about.
Totally enjoyed this book. Full of interesting history from early 20th century America.
Loved how strong each character is and how each character grows. Good read. Loved the mix of history placing reality into the wonderful world these character’s live in. Also like how it touches on the beliefs of these characters and the impact it has on their lives without forcing you to share their beliefs.
Loved this book and couldn’t put it down. The characters were well developed and it was interesting to see how their motivation changed as they went through different experiences. Not what I expected but it was a perfect outcome. Lucy was a remarkable young lady – in many ways living well ahead of her time but learning what is important in life.
Very enjoyable historical fiction with good strong characters.
Good life’s lessons involving all the main “good” characters. It was a “I do not want to stop reading”.
Easy to follow people with genuine life situations.
Along with action and adventure, you were reminded of times in the turn of the century and no mistakes by the author keeping you there.
Excellent writing!
Easy to read, engaging plot, likeable characters, not the standard romance; interesting slant on history.
Love historical fiction. I enjoyed the characters a lot too.
Awesome historical background of telegraph days accented with a terrific plot. I wanted to do a high five when the bad guys got caught!
A peek into the lifestyle in the early 1900’s. I enjoyed this book. The main character was very real; a strong person with a caring spirit.