What dark secrets lie within those walls?Madness, abduction, imprisonment… murder?The past does not lie quietly.Towering above its island of wave-lashed rock is Castello di Scogliera.Look up at the narrow windows, and you might think yourself watched.Something, or someone, has been waiting for Lady McCaulay to arrive… enchanted by the Castello di Scogliera and its glamorous inhabitants: the Conte di Cavour and, Lucrezia, his beautiful half-sister. However, their lavish welcome hides darker motives and a third resident walks the ancient corridors of the castle, by night, unseen.
Meanwhile, Lord McCaulay and his new bride honeymoon on the Italian coast, unaware that malevolent forces threaten to destroy their new-found happiness.
A sumptuous Gothic Romance, filled with mystery, intrigue, and the lure of the sensuous, from the pen of Emmanuelle de Maupassant.
Italian Sonata is the second volume in the Noire trilogy.
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This book and the first in the series were terrific. I look forward to the next in the series.
As the story opens, we find that Castello di Scgliera lies in Southern Italy. Known to be the seat of disdainful nobility, the castle is only reached by day or night depending on the tide. Conte di Cavour, Lorenzo, is one of it’s residents. Gambling, whoring, drinking and hunting are his birthright; a legacy he cultivates with enthusiasm. He is known for the eccentricity of his tastes and his reputation for debauchery is matched by his renown for bestowing gifts upon the ladies and young men who please him. Titillation, for the Conte di Cavour, lies more in the conquest than the feast. His half sister, Lucrezia, had been rescued from the orphanage where she was raised, but the price of the rescue continued to rise. Maud and Henry, introduced in Book 1 “The Gentleman’s Club” have just gotten married and are taking Henry’s sister, Cecile, to travel through Europe with them during their honeymoon in hopes of broadening her education and introducing her to selected men as a potential husband. She is a young woman of her time, schooled to become wife and hostess to her husband, knowing embroidery, pianoforte and singing, but unbeknownst to others, she has a penchant for wanting to travel and explore. Once again, Emmanuelle de Maupassant has given these characters such personalities they come to life before your eyes. The storyline is gripping and at times will keep you on the edge of your seat. In my opinion, she has another 5 star rating with this one and can’t wait for the next.
Just as amazing as the first book! I felt like I had been transported back in time while I was reading this book. I also feel like I’m reading a work of art more than a Gothic Romance. I know that part of that is the detail that goes into describing everything. I think it is also because you won’t find any modern words of phrases in this story. When I see that I am kicked out of the story and it is ruined. I haven’t experienced that in any of Emmanuelle de Maupassant’s books, and I love that. You aren’t just reading this book, you are swept away by it. It is a magical experience like I haven’t ever found in any other erotic author. Without saying more about this book than is in the blurb, all I can tell you is that this is a very sophisticated erotic novel and there may be things in the story that could make some people feel uncomfortable. If you don’t like darker romances then don’t read this one, but if you enjoy that than you can’t find any better than this. It is wonderful.
I love Gothic, and I love romantic suspense. I also love historical romance, and this superb and sophisticated novel by the talented Emmanuelle de Maupassant has it all! And it’s free today, September 2nd!
I read this second book as part of “Noire” (which contains Books 1 & 2 of this series). In it, readers follow Henry and Maud on a trip throughout Europe on their way to South America with Henry’s young cousin Cecile accompanying them. In Italy, Cecile meets and befriends the mysterious half-siblings Lucrezia and her brother, the dark and dangerous Count. Horrifying events including the loss of Lucrezia’s home lead to Maud inviting Lucrezia to accompany Cecile on the remainder of their voyage to South America. This action caused this reader to wish Maud would sense the danger surrounding Lucrezia – something this reader sensed all along!
These stories are dark, sensual, dangerous and very mysterious. The author gives readers excellent writing with captivating characters that keep readers invested in this unpredictable story. Recommend as part of this captivating series.
I received a free copy of “Noire” and am voluntarily providing my honest review.
course, crude
This story left you with a cliffhanger. You have to read the next book to find out what happens. It was hard to get into this book. I did not feel like there was much of a story.
I am not sure if this would be considered a romance. It is a very twisted dark story that leaves me wanting it to be a bit more clear in the writing, while at the same time feels like a nightmare happening.
I can not say any one thing stands out for me with this story. It has many players in it, based on a 1800 plot. While the book does not state when it was really written and you stumble within the story. It is very hard to follow as you read.
I read a very little into the book but it was so disgusting that I quickly deleted the book from my device. I was so embarrassed that I had even read any of it. It is perverted and I would never ever read anything from the morally corrupt author again, not a word.
It was trash. A waste of time.
Examines the baser side of ppl, I know exist in me & others, I would not like to dwell on this, even though I like some seductive romance. Bit over the top.
Great book . Free read . Will look for more by this author
I like romance historical Romance but I don’t like nasty! You can have sex without it being trash. That is just my opinion so I need to research books more before I get them. I would be embarrassed if my granddaughters saw what I downloaded.
Did not care for this book!
I only read about 1 chapter. This book is pure porn. Sex that is described is not normal. There is nothing good about this book that I can say. I would give it no stars if possible.