True love must break the curse of madness in this dark, emotional Gothic Regency Romance…When Lady Claire Deering’s mother enters an insane asylum, society is quick to scorn her, dubbing her the Mad Daughter. But Claire’s tattered reputation is the least of her worries, as those rumors hold a horrible, terrifying truth: the Deering women are victims of a dark witch’s curse. If Claire marries … witch’s curse. If Claire marries her true love, she’ll spend the rest of her life under the thrall of madness.To save herself, she remains isolated…until a will reading at a mysterious castle on All Hallows Eve places her in close confines with her dearest friend and secret love.
Bashful, scholarly Teddy Lockwood has never met a rule he didn’t rejoice in following. When he unexpectedly inherits the Ashbrooke earldom, he’s determined to turn over a new, more courageous leaf–starting with telling Claire that he’s loved her since they were children. The will reading presents the perfect opportunity to win her heart, even if he’s vastly out of his element at this enigmatic, shadowy Cornwall castle. Soon, the simmering passion between them becomes unstoppable. Now, to save the love of his life, Teddy will do whatever it takes to break the dark magic’s hold on Claire. Will Claire spend her life within the grips of strange delirium, or will love prove the strongest of all?
Previously published in MYSTIFIED
“Monroe at her best. The characters are fierce and admirable, the emotions are intense, and the story evoked memories of a keeper shelf classic…Monroe writes heroines who are flawed, gritty, and relatable.” -Christy Carlyle, USA Today Bestselling Author on The Determined Duchess
The Gothic Brides series: edgy, atmospheric Gothic Romance, exploring the dark, dangerous corners of Regency England. Each book stands on its own.
- THE MAD COUNTESS
- THE DETERMINED DUCHESS
- THE SCANDALOUS WIDOW
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A true gothic romance. Teddy and Claire have been friends since they were children. As they’ve grown older their feelings for each other have also grown. But the curse of madness from an evil witch has taken away their happiness. There must be a way to change it. Straight out from the first page, you can’t help rooting for Teddy and Claire.
An okay book. Claire and Teddy have known each other from childhood and both keep their love for each other secret. Claire is under a spell and fears going mad if she gives into true love. The resolution to their problem is going through a witchs’ coven. Interesting conclusion. I received this book for free from ebBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Their Heart’s Madness Will Save Them
Her mother and her aunt both went mad and died, which is why Lady Claire Deering can never follow her heart. She would never condemn the man she loves to the fate of watching her slowly go mad.
He’s loved her all his life, and no silly curse is going to keep Theodore Lockwood, Earl of Ashbrooke (Teddy to his friends) from someday claiming her as his wife. He just needs to be courageous enough to tell her how he feels, and hope she feels the same.
This tender and sweet love story made my heart smile. For such a quick read, it was very well written with a simple but powerful story. The pace moved quickly and each scene moved the story forward. This piece is both story and character driven. Speaking of characters, I loved the easy friendship between Teddy and Claire that barely hid the love they each have had for the other for many years. Their dialogue was just what I would have expected from very close friends, and their desire for each other was explosive. By the ending, which included an epilogue, I had a satisfied smile on my face.
Content alert: There is some mild swearing and a mildly described sexually intimate scene.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
This was an enjoyable read and I liked that the storyline is a bit different than the usual historical romance books I’ve read. It involves witches, a curse, a hero and heroine who are both virgins, overcoming fears (for both of them) and a friends to lovers trope. Nicely done novella.
A group of authors have spun stories around Castle Keyvnor and a will reading. I’ve not read all, but of what I’ve read, this is my favorite so far.
Claire and Theodore are very likable characters and have been holding back from expressing their feelings until they meet at the castle. Short and sweet.
I always love a good story about childhood friends who become lovers. It was a pretty short story, but the characters are developed enough for their love to be believable. It really was a romantic tale! The writing was really good and even made me laugh and cry… sometimes both at the same time! I loved Teddy and Claire, they were really intriguing characters. Overall a very lovely story!
This is a must read. I absolutely adored this short book and plan to read the rest in the series by Erica Monroe. Teddy and Claire, who have known each other since childhood, are obviously meant for each other. Don’t want to say much more because I would spoil your reading enjoyment. Just get the book.
Please note this book was a gift from the author. This is a voluntary and honest review of what I read.