Their love brought scandal and demons.Lucy Easton, an aspiring novelist, will do anything to help boost her chances at publication—including betraying her family. But when she crosses paths with the charismatic Alexander Melling, her aspiration for success pales in comparison to the attraction she feels towards him. Alexander is a young lawyer from a powerful family, striving to free himself from … striving to free himself from his father’s shadow. The more time he spends with Lucy, the more desperate he becomes to shed the secrets of his past—a past which can destroy both himself and the woman he’s falling in love with.
While Alexander struggles with his past sins, Lucy must decide whether loving him is worth risking her own safety…and her heart.
From gossip magazines to gleaming Mardi Gras balls, Lucy and Alex navigate the Edwardian era in the Deep South with both passion and guilt.
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A beautifully written Southern Gothic with many unexpected twists.
Exceptional characters in a realistic setting with an awesome story to tell. Awesome adult read.
This is a great step back in time, full of interesting characters! Alexander & Lucy shouldn’t be together….she’s a society girl, while he has a bit of a reputation, yet they fall for each other, & fall hard. How will their story end? This author takes you on a ride through Mobile’s Mardi Gras season & beyond, with their trials & triumphs on the road to true love. If you are a fan of romance, no matter what genre, you will enjoy Alexander & Lucy’s story.
Perilous Confessions (The Possession Chronicles Book 1)
By Carrie Dalby
Rated 4 stars
I was way wrong about this book. With the cover photo and The word possession in the series name. I thought this was a demonic story. But it doesn’t seem to be that way at all. It a love affair back in the early years. Where ladies were meant to be respectable and the men rakish. This deals with that as well as the darker side of those days. How can a love survive when everyone and everything is against them?
I enjoyed the characters but felt the story was overly long. It was repeated telling of the devotion and love for the main couple. Near the end it picked up and got crazy. I kept waiting for something to happen. The other “proverbial” shoe to drop. Each of the main characters was adventurous and wanted to live outside the norms of society. Tough to do with family obligations. Edward and Fredrick were nice secondary characters. They added charm and appeal. Eliza is not at all what I expected. She is a free spirit who enjoys what life has to offer.
I enjoyed the story. Alex and Lucy were lovely and I really rooted for them. I loved that he called her: “My queen…..”. At the ending and after reading the epilogue I am left with more questions than answers. Then I read the sneak peak of the next book and am even more confused. This is a first time author for me. It was easy to get into the story and learn to like the characters (flaws and all) but I was wishing for a more satisfying ending.
Let’s just start out with what a book!! First time reading the book and anything by the author. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the book, but I loved it!! The ups and downs of a passionate love will remind you of all the best love stories! You can tell the passion this author has. She will go far and do amazing things! I can’t wait till I get to read the second book!! It’s going to be so good!!
Aspiring writer Lucy Easton was an innocent young lady whose lively imagination meant she was ripe for seduction. Her brother Edmund’s friend Alexander sets his sights on her and she is swept up in his passion.
In the background, family friend and recent widower, Freddy is also captivated by Lucille. Younger sister Opal is the only one to notice the goings on but her brusque manner means that no one believes she is doing any more than causing trouble.
As Alex pursues Lucy through the book I found myself rooting for him, and not thinking he was the “cad” he had first appeared to be.
I liked that the opening of this book introduced us quickly to the time period of the book. At once I could imagine the sumptuous surroundings of the age and put myself in a room with the main characters. This author is an excellent storyteller, her descriptions of the clothing, the house and beyond were lovely and left nothing to the imagination, we were transported to 1905 Mobile and happily stayed there for the whole novel.
I am thrilled that this is the first book in a series as I can’t wait to see where the author takes the characters next. A 4.5 star read for me.
Perilous Confessions (The Possession Chronicles Book One) by Carrie Dalby is the first book i have read by this author and I was not disappointed in any way. This Gothic Romance pulled me right on with amazing storyline, strong characters, and so many secrets that are lurking everywhere. The ups and downs mixed with such emotional truly grab a reader. The author did an amazing job grabbing the reader’s from the get go to the very end of this book.
Parents and family always want what is best for their children but even then it does not always mean its best for them and their happiness. Alex and Lucy both are dealing with this and once they come together in this book you are shown an era that is filled with sadness, guilt, love, passion in the deep south. So much can happen when a young lawyer and aspiring novelist are lead by desire and love, and show the families that surround them, that they are each other’s happiness
I give this book 4 stars and so can not wait to read the next one in this amazing series! .
I have to say that I was impressed with Perilous Confessions by Carrie Dalby. I went in blindly, not knowing what to expect with this story. I am glad that I did it this way, because I got a storyline with well developed characters. I loved seeing both Lucy’s and Alex’s story, how they grew individually and where their journey took them. It was definitely a refreshing book, one that I enjoyed and look forward to seeing more from this series. It was a 4 Star book for me!
Carrie Dalby’s Perilous Confessions is the first book of the Possession Chronicles. This gothic romance was a style that I had not previously read, but at the same time, was a refreshing view of a different take on romance outside of what is available mainstream. The author provided excellent detail to touch on the historical aspects of the story, while still holding on to some of those items you always look for in romance stories – intrigue, raw emotion, passion, longing… Lucy and Alexander are captivating characters. Lucy, an aspiring author and Alexander, striving to break free – their story is just waiting to unfold along with all the twists and turns that are included. I would recommend this story/series to anyone willing to take a step outside the traditional romance, it is notable and definite worth the read!
I read this book and fell in love with this story! Perilous Confessions is book 1 in The Possession Chronicles by Carrie Dalby. This book is one that I would put down as a classic and re-read must! I loved this era because no one really writes from this era, which makes it unique. Not only does this era make this story amazing but adding the fact that they are in the South, which adds more of a scandalous tale. This book is set in the very late 1890 or very early 1900’s and follows Lucy Easton, an author who aspires to be published one day. She is very desperate to become published and will try and work her way into the publishing world. Then she comes across Alexander Melling, a young lawyer, who is captivated with Lucy and over time became very entranced by her. Lucy on the other hand has been warned off of Alexander by her brother. However, Lucy didn’t scare so easily and fell to her attraction to him. Alexander promised Lucy realism to her writing and with that came secretive interludes. Hot, heavy and steamy interludes. I love this author’s writing style. It’s very captivating and surprisingly easy to read. I was surprised because it wasn’t what I expected but I’m sure glad that I read it! I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone regardless of whether or not you read historical books.
Perilous Confessions (The Possession Chronicles Book 1)
By Carrie Dalby
5 stars
Perilous Confessions was a gripping, exciting read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. When I first read the blurb for this book I instantly felt like I was going to enjoy it, it was intriguing, the author was new to me so I was really excited to get started. It didn’t take me long at all to become completely invested in everything that was going on in the story. The detail that the author used meant that I could imagine everything that I was reading; I always find this a huge positive when reading historical reads – I want that extra detail to help me envisage what the characters are doing – especially the lavish parties!! The author certainly got this spot on with this story.
The characters, Lucy and Alex, were fantastic and their chemistry was amazing, you really could feel it between them. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author in the future and definitely recommend this wonderful story!
PERILOUS CONFESSIONS Book One of The Possession Chronicles by CARRIE DALBY
Four Stars
I’m not sure how I felt about this story. I usually love Historical stories. The time was so different men treated certain women with respect and laid freely with others. Women were property they had no rights or say so. I love the concept of courting. It’s so refreshing and special. Now guys don’t talk you on romantic walks or open doors for you. Lucy was a confusing character. She cried a lot and couldn’t make up her mind. You either forgive someone of their past or you don’t. You don’t forgive but hold it over their head. Alex was tiring to read about. He has major issues. Over all it was interesting to read the authors view of that time period. How free the author was with character affection towards each other.
Perilous Confessions Book One of The Possession Chronicles by Carrie Dalby
5-stars
Perilous Confessions was beautifully written and I found it easy to get wrapped up in. The characters and setting were easy to visualize even with it being at a different time in history. The fashion for the time was easy to visualize as well. I loved this story although I rooted for Lucy to choose Freddy over Alex the whole time. I did not expect the way it ended but I was happy with the way it all came together. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Perilous Confessions (The Possession Chronicles Book one) by Carrie Dalby is an amazing 4 star read for me.
Diving into the depth of historic romance of courtship, scandal and the family that’s good high standing within society. Back to the days of being escorted to balls, accompanied to tea and never being alone with a man if your were a young beautiful attractive women.
Lucy and Alex are the most unlikely couple you’d expect but their courtship is something most girls/women only ever dream of happening in this time.
Carrie has captured the realm of historic romance to a tee and this is a well written start to what I can only imagine being a great series.
Perilous Confessions by Carrie Dalby is my first read by this author. It was a great first introduction to her writing. I enjoyed her writing style. I am not a history person because I cannot remember dates, on the other hand I can remember eras and remember what makes them important. Dalby was true to the time period and I really appreciated the darkness of the story, others call it gothic and that is a great description as well. The story of Lucy and Alex is one of mystery, secrets, passion and guilt. Lucy knows what she wants to do and has the drive to get it done. Alex has been groomed by his parents to be a certain male role. He is learning what is important to him and should he abandon everything he has been doing so far. Will there be a happy ending for Lucy and Alex? Will families keep apart what others had put together? You will have to read the book to find out.
Perilous Confessions (The Possession Chronicles Book 1) by Carrie Dalby is well written, and is a historical romance. It is a story where women are still chaperoned anything to do with romance is considered scandalous. The main characters relationship is complex and laden with improprieties. It is a love so strong that it will destroy souls but the actions of the men in this story leave me wanting to smack each and every one of them. I am not a fan of historical romances but this one was ok.
Lucy has found the love of her life and for love there are a lot of things she is willing to leave in the past but ultimately it is that past that will rethink what she needs and wants.
Alex has been raised to be a certain way but he found the love of his life and treasure her for eternity but certain vices that keep coming back to haunt him that will be his undoing. For all Alex’s faults he had me hoping against hope he would get his HEA.
Perilous Confessions by Carrie Dalby is the first book in the Possession Chronicles series. This book will draw you in immediately and completely take over your entire attention.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I found her work to be extremely detailed and riveting. I wasn’t overly blown away by the blurb however the cover of the book really caught my attention, which was enough for me to give it a go. And I’m so glad that I did. The story wasn’t what I was expecting. I felt very connected to the characters and everything they were going through. I felt their emotions and as if I were taken on a journey with them.
This is obviously going to be the start of a great new series.
Perilous Confessions was a great 5 star read and book one in the Possession Chronicles.
It has been awhile since I’ve read a historical romance and I was pulled right in.
Lucy wants to be a writer and when she meets Alexander at a party she quickly falls for him. Alexander is a lawyer with a past that holds some demons. Can these two make things work and have a HEA? Will Lucy be able to handle the secrets that Alexander has?
I really liked Alexander, there was something about him that drew me in. Lucy was a strong woman and I really enjoyed reading their journey. All of the secondary characters were great. We get passion, drama, secrets and so much more. My emotions were all over the place. Carrie Dalby pulled me right in with her writing and I didn’t want to put it down until I was done. I look forward to reading more from this series.
I did not read the full title of this book before diving in. Only after reading it did I see that it is “Southern Gothic” that was a new phrase to me, so I had to look it up… As described in the “Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Literature” – “Southern Gothic is a mode or genre prevalent in literature from the early 19th century to this day. Characteristics of Southern Gothic include the presence of irrational, horrific, and transgressive thoughts, desires, and impulses; grotesque characters; dark humor, and an overall angst-ridden sense of alienation.”
I am not a fan of “historical romance” because typically it’s all lords and ladies and the degradation of women (in the most subtle ways). “Southern Gothic” might be the way for me to get around my lackadaisical reaction to the genre.
This was a multi-layered story that built upon itself as the story unfolded. There is great world-building and character development. Each character was well explained in their role and certain characters (I’m looking at you, Opal) morphed as the story continued. It is dark and dense in it’s telling. It is also extremely detailed and I could visualize the clothing worn and the looks given.
While it’s still not my favorite genre, it gave me a new appreciation of the style.
4 Stars
Perilous Confessions is the first book in The Possession Chronicles by Carrie Dalby. This is a fantastic historical romance with a definite Gothic feel to it- there is plenty of drama, secrets, intrigue, passion, guilt, and lots more.
This story is only the second story that I have read of Ms. Dalby’s, and I was intrigued to see what she had in store for us, with this first book in a new series. I love the way Ms. Dalby is able to build vivid images with her words, bringing her story and characters to life and allowing us, the readers to fully immerse ourselves in the story. Her attention to detail is second-to-none!
The characters were really well crafted- given their own complex personalities that gave them believability. I always enjoy anything historical, if it’s done well- which this book certainly was. I am quite looking forward to the rest of the series now!
Thank you, Ms. Dalby!