Rumors swirl around Dredthorne Hall like snowflakes in a blizzard: the handsome war hero who lives there never sleeps; he never allows women to enter; worst of all, the Hall is haunted. But Meredith Starling will hear none of it. Instead she finds it enchanting.Though prone to accidents and mishaps, Meredith rides by the Hall at every opportunity. For her the rundown manor evokes a grander time. … grander time. She looks past the broken gate and moss covered statues and sees the imposing facade’s elegant lines and graceful charm. In fact, she is determined to see inside.
But Colonel Alistair Thorne rebuffs all callers without exception—and not for the sake of being a recluse. He avoids women because of his family curse. The master of Dredthorne is doomed to fall in love with a lady who spends a night at the Hall. Though love would be welcome, its consequences would not. All of the mistresses of Dredthorne have vanished, gone mad, or suddenly died.
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Author Hazel Hunter jumped into the Gothic Romance waters with a splendid splash. Mistress of Fortune is a wonderful switch from her Immortal Highlanders series.
The accident-prone protagonist, Meredith, is delightfully independent, while Alastair is the typical brooding retired military hero. Together, they make an incredibly likable couple as they fall in love while solving the mystery of the curse of Dredthorne Hall.
The role players are well-developed and add a great deal to the storyline.
From start to finish Mistress of Misfortune will hold your attention. Pick up a copy today so you can root for the good guys and boo the villains.
I recommend this book to all lovers of light romance with a little heat.
I received a preview copy of the book. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
I have been a long time fan of this author’s time travel immortals, so when I saw she was going to write a different kind of historical, I had to see for myself if I could love this just as much.
This story made me feel like I was in another time. It was wonderful to be transported to that era of innocence surrounding relationships and the importance of appearances. I had that dastardly villain pegged from the get go, but there was indeed a huge surprise to go along with it.
I love how Meredith is strong, yet naive and Alistair is the strong silent type, albeit a little broken after his time serving King and country. I liked how the author did a second romantic couple too…it wasn’t over the top and didn’t divert your attention from the MCs, but it was a very nice addition and made the side story arcs that much more interesting.
If you’re a fan of historical romance, I recommend you don’t let this one slip by.
Whew! I was worried because I usually LOVE Hazel Hunter’s books, but this one was a departure into a new genre and timeframe. I shouldn’t have worried. One of the things I especially love about this author’s books is the characters feel and act real, given the circumstances. The storyline supports the characters and they always learn and grow. There is a mystery and a curse and a love story. There is even a second romance. Fast and easy read, you won’t want to stop. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).
Mistress of Misfortune
Dredthorne Hall Series #1 : A Gothic Romance
Hazel Hunter
https://www.facebook.com/HazelHunterAuthor/
Release date 02/04/2020
Blurb :
Rumors swirl around Dredthorne Hall like snowflakes in a blizzard: the handsome war hero who lives there never sleeps; he never allows women to enter; worst of all, the Hall is haunted. But Meredith Starling will hear none of it. Instead she finds it enchanting.
Though prone to accidents and mishaps, Meredith rides by the Hall at every opportunity. For her the rundown manor evokes a grander time. She looks past the broken gate and moss covered statues and sees the imposing facade’s elegant lines and graceful charm. In fact, she is determined to see inside.
But Colonel Alistair Thorne rebuffs all callers without exception—and not for the sake of being a recluse. He avoids women because of his family curse. The master of Dredthorne is doomed to fall in love with a lady who spends a night at the Hall. Though love would be welcome, its consequences would not. All of the mistresses of Dredthorne have vanished, gone mad, or suddenly died.
My review :
When a miss fallowed by bad luck enters a home renowned to be cursed, who is more in danger …
I have discovered Mrs Hazel Hunter through her time travel paranormal series, so when I learned about a true historical romance to be soon released, I was over the top.
While I thought it would be a classic historical romance with a dark twist, I was surprised to see it is a multi voices tale, which I should not have been as she often offers her many characters time to express their thoughts.
I wonder if I do not loved Lucetta more than Meredith.
She is one to voice her concerns and act, when Meredith follows simply the path set for her never questioning it. Still, both find their way in the intricate shadows and webs surrounding them.
Meredith has suffered all her life from her clumsiness, she is no merely one to knock down a glass, she is of those throwing themselves from staircases, she endured more broken limbs and torn flesh than damp gowns.
So when one more mishap put her on the path of the freshly arrived new landlord of the house of her dream, she for once sees it at a show of good omen.
If only …
She is a sweet natured miss, deeply honest. Belittled by her kin, seen only as an inconvenience. Despite her being of age, she still bends her head until she finally finds the strength to stand for herself and act accordingly to her ideas.
Alistair is back in England after 15 years away, so he is unprepared for the country gents peering at his door to see the new very wealthy owner of Dredthorne. While he swore to himself to never engage in a marriage like the one his parents had, he sees himself now as unfit for it as war left him with visible and invisible scars.
Yet Meredith intrigues him, her bad luck is quite unsettling, much more when each new event seems to endanger her more and more.
This romance story offers a double love story. And the second between Lucetta and Harshad is even more sweet as it is a second chance at life and love, both are older, alone in a world not fair for older maid and foreigner with not the right shade of skin. Still none thinks about what should stop themselves from talking to the other, Lucetta’s bitterness finds soothing with Harshad’s philosophical view of life.
5 stars for this awesome tale of love and redemption.
Can’t wait for the sequel out next month.
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If you are looking for an amazing read that you can’t put down, this is it. Alistair and Meredith discover secrets and unravel mysteries that will keep you guessing. I loved the authentic feel of this era and absolutely loved the characters. Danger, intrigue and love fill these pages. Brace yourself for a wonderful adventure.
This book is about a curse of Dredthrone Hall. The Throne men marry, but their brides die or disappear. Colonel Throne has inherited the house, and his father’s fortune. He is a recluse, and rejects all invitations. No woman has entered into his mansion. Meredith does not believe the rumors, and admires the mansion. She is prone to accidents, and has no suitors. Meredith has resigned herself to become a spinster. She has an accident, and Colonel Throne helps her. Due to rain storm, Meredith can not go home. Her cousin Lucetta is living with her brother. She is on a walk, when she meets Colonel Throne’s steward Harshad examining Meredith’s rig. He invites her for tea, and they become acquainted. Lucetta discovers that Meredith is in the mansion, and decides to stay. Lucetta has her troubled past. This story has mystery, romance, passion, secret passages, and journals that explains part of the curse. Will the curse be broken? Will the village accept Colonel throne? This book is very intriguing, and engaging. I received this book as an ARC. This a new series for Hazel Hunter. I was very engrossed with the book, and I could not put it down. You need to read this book!
No magic, spells or time-travelers this time, just an interesting story about people from opposite sides of society and their “limited” choices in life.
The story centers around an officer who returns home to England after he was seriously wounded in India. He was looking forward to some peace and quiet but his peace is short-lived when one of his servants finds a wrecked cart and an injured woman in his driveway…and so the story begins.
Needless to say, there are lots of surprises, some very engaging characters and some unexpected sexual attraction. Oh, what am I saying, this is a Hazel Hunter novel…of course there will be powerful attraction! And, you will enjoy every minute!
I received a reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say I am looking forward to continuing the series.
Hazel Hunter has created an engaging new series. No magic, spells or time-travelers this time, just an interesting story about people from opposite sides of society and their “limited” choices in life.
The story centers around a officer who returns home to England after he was seriously wounded in India. He was looking forward to some peace and quiet but his peace is short-lived when one of his servants finds a wrecked cart and an injured woman in his driveway…and so the story begins.
Needless to say there are lots of surprises, some very engaging characters and some unexpected sexual attraction. Oh, what am I saying, this is a Hazel Hunter novel…of course there will be powerful attraction! And, you will enjoy every minute!
I received a reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say I am looking forward to book two.
Very interesting start to a new series
Wow, this story certainly intrigued me when I read the blurb for the first time and it certainly lived up to the mystery and intrigue. Meredith is fascinated by Dredthorne Hall but the community at large gossips about the happenings of previous mistresses of the house. Now, the owner Alistair, is living in the house and has come back with some men from India and they are working on making renovations.
When Meredith has a mishap in front of the Dredthorne Hall, Alistair goes to her rescue. The whole time I was reading this I was picturing the movie Pride and Prejudice but with more drama and certainly more mysteryI really enjoyed the characters and storyline and I am quite excited to see where Hazel goes with this series
Thank you Hazel for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review
This is definitely something new and different from Ms. Hunter. That being said, I’m reserving my judgement for now. I enjoyed this addition. Looking forward to see what the secrets of Dredthorne Hall have in store for Meredith and Alastair.
*I received an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
Wonderful Gothic tale of mystery, suspense, danger, romance and love. Meredith and Thorne are intriguing characters who have both suffered in the past. When danger threatens their happiness, will they be able to find the ones responsible, or will another Thorne ‘bride’ be killed? This storyline is well-written and certainly keeps you turning the pages late into the night to find out whodunit! I look forward to more in this genre from Ms Hunter. Well worth the read.
This book is entertaining, action packed and thoroughly enjoyable. The chemistry between the characters of Meredith and Alistair is wonderful. I can’t wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
I have long been a fan of Hazel Hunter and this new book for a brand new series did not disappoint. I love her Immortal Highlander series and when I saw this one, it immediately grabbed my interest. I love a good Gothic romance type story and this one did not disappoint. There are twists and turns, a great mystery and two different love affairs. The characters are engaging and the villains those you least expect. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Ms. Hunter is at her finest with another tale…a different setting from her last several series, but just as well-written and with well-developed characters. Thorne and Meredith are great! Definitely recommend this book. Great start to a new series.
Having read the author’s very enjoyable time travel series, I have come to look forward to her new offerings. I was interested in reading this story from the moment I read the synopsis. I wasn’t disappointed, becoming completely captivated by the richly layered plot and the multifaceted characters. The book has it all secrets, mystery, romance and much more. This historical gothic romance by HH was an entertaining journey from the first page to the last.