Blue Ribbon 4.5
Natasha Winridge, the daughter of Baron Monroe, would give just about anything to be able to escape the annual Sweet Pea Ball. Her parents are determined that she become betrothed before the season is over and before she is labeled a spinster. Natasha's evening takes a turn for the better when her eyes meet the heated stare of the ruggedly handsome stranger across the ballroom.
She catches her breath as he strolls toward her, presenting her with a rose. Natasha's body craves his touch in a more intimate manner when he gently kisses her hand while introducing himself.
Seth is stunned to see that Natasha hates the trappings of society, yearning for the freedom that few women of her stature in society will ever know. It has been fifteen long years since Seth has set his feet back on London soil. His decision to see his mother one more time before he heads back to Ireland is not a good one. Her dreadful response to him is immediate as she excuses herself from his presence, never acknowledging that he is indeed her son.
Desperate to conceal his hurt, Seth leaves the ballroom in search of a quiet place where he can get his emotions together. Natasha finds him alone and tries to sooth him. Seth has never witnessed such compassion before.
To be such an innocent woman of the world, Natalie shows courage beyond her years, knowing full well that if anyone were to walk into the room at this time, her reputation would be ruined. He has no doubt Natasha wants him as badly as he wants her, but will she feel the same when she discovers his troubling past?
I enjoyed FORBIDDEN so much, I couldn't wait to review the sequel, DANGEROUS BEAUTY. Anastasia Black has shown us how Nastasha has grown into a fiercely independent woman who knows what she wants from life, no matter the cost. Ms. Black also examines the heartless acts of society who are blind when it comes to protecting their own reputation and greed at the cost of the innocent. DANGEROUS BEAUTY is a dynamic continuation of FORBIDDEN that you will not want to miss.
DANGEROUS BEAUTY 2005 (ebook) During the night
of the annual prestigious Sweet Pea Ball, two lives are
about to be changed completely. Natasha is one of the most
beautiful women in London. Thanks to Vaughn Wardell, the
man she once thought she loved, she has learned not to suffer
fools, and finds most men arrogant beyond tolerance. Her
mother, however, will have her married before the end of
this, her third season, no matter what it takes. Natasha
will fight her every step of the way. Seth Harrow is an
uncouth Irish sea captain fresh from the colonies of Australia.
He's dressed as a lord and carries a secret that will tear
London society apart if it is revealed. He's in London for
one small task before heading to Ireland to help an old
friend. He has no time for giddy debutantes and the hypocrites
of society, but must deal with them both to achieve his
goal. In one watershed night, Seth and Natasha will face
hatred, bigotry and soul-searing passion. The outcome of
that night will plunge them into a churning maelstrom of
love, life.and death.
Romance Reader By Heart
With Ms. Black's eloquent writing style and
vivid description she makes Dangerous Beauty come alive.
You will fall in love with Natasha and Seth, they are strong
well defined characters that will tug at your heartstring,
especially Seth, who has gone through so much, both physically
and emotionally. These two characters will pull the reader
into their lives and make you care what happens to them.
When death comes calling at her lovers door, will Natasha
be able to save Seth's life in time.
The plotline moves at a realistic pace, and gives the reader
time to get to know the characters. The sensual tension
is high and the love scenes are erotic and sensual that
fit well with this couple. The addition of the returning
characters of Vaughn and Elisa (from Forbidden) are not
only essential to the storyline of this book, but also a
wonderful way to see that Vaughn and Natasha have worked
out their difference and are now good friends. Ms. Black
also introduces us to Natasha's half-brother, Rhys, who
I'm hoping will be getting his own story soon.
Dangerous Beauty is a love story of two people that will
have to overcome bigotry and hatred if they have any chance
at being together. If you enjoy a well written historical
romance, then I recommend you pick up Dangerous Beauty,
you won't be disappointed !
Note: it's not necessary to read Forbidden to enjoy this
story.
Luisa, Cupid's Library Reviews
I have read Ms. Black’s other book Forbidden and
this book is loosely tied to it and may be read alone. However,
for those of you, like me, who must read your books in order
you will probably wish to purchase Forbidden before moving
onto Dangerous Beauty.
The heroine, Natasha, who is considered “on the shelf”
at the ripe old age of twenty, is fighting against the frivolous
life and shallowness of the ton, and what her parents expect
for her. She has seen what love looks like and she yearns
for a semblance of it. Unfortunately, her parents, having
never been in love, are basing her future prospects on the
dictates of the ton and English society. Her mother has
already established that Natasha will marry this final season,
and she will stop at nothing to ensure it happens, with
or without Natasha’s consent. The only way Natasha
has survived is by staying one step ahead of her ambitious
mother and ambivalent father by doing the unexpected, usually
something to turn her prospective groom away from herself.
Sadly, she knows her time has run out and is in quandary
about how to deal with it.
Our hero, Seth, has been in Australia for these past five
years making a living and learning to survive and thrive.
Having succeeded in all this, he returns to England to tie
up loose ends before finally sailing to, what he considers
his home, Australia. Seth heads to the "Sweet Pea Ball"
intending to meet with one of those loose ends, but while
there, his eye is captured by a beautiful woman, one he
cannot resist, or get out of his mind.
Fate intervenes and these two, seemingly an incongruous
couple, meet and lighting strikes. Each is willing to fight
to ensure they get an opportunity to see where these unknown
and phenomenal feelings lead. However, will the world, their
families, and English society give them a chance? Or will
this lead to tragedy?
Dangerous Beauty is a coming of age story for both Natasha
and Seth. Natasha has seen what she could be, both as a
debutante of the ton and as a caring human being. She grows
in character throughout the book and figures out how to
hold on to her convictions, against incredible odds. As
each chapter passes you realize she is growing and learning
what she wants to do and be, which is a pleasure to read.
Seth is a wonderful character who compliments Natasha and
yet is old enough to be comfortable with her growth. He
too comes to several realizations and they slowly unfold
through the story-line. His initial departure from London
was not voluntary; however, his return is. In order for
Seth to move on to his future he realizes he must first
deal with his past.
I absolutely loved this book. This story has intrigue,
sensual love making, teasing foreplay, high drama, death
and characters who have the strength of their convictions
backed by their will. All of this is packaged in a wonderful
story line that slowly draws you in and doesn’t let
go until the end. Get it, you’ll love it.
Reviewed by: Teri
juliemt
writes "Dangerous Beauty by Anastasia Black
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
April 2005
Historical Romance
Sensuous
ISBN: 14199020753
Rating Scheme: 4 Stars
Dangerous Beauty is a sizzling historical romance written
by a hugely talented writer who grabs her reader’s
attention with the very first sentence and does not let
it go until you reach the final page.
Natasha is one of the most beautiful women in London. However,
as she does not suffer fools gladly due to Vaughan Wardell,
the man she thought she loved, she finds most men to be
arrogant and overbearing and will fight her matchmaking
mama every step of the way in her quest to see her married
off to an eligible bachelor before the end of what is her
third season.
Seth Harrow is an ill-mannered Irish Sea captain who has
just come from the colonies of Australia. Dressed as a well-bred
Lord, he has a secret which could tear apart London society.
He is on his way to Ireland in order to do a favour for
an old friend and he does not have time for silly debutantes.
But, when their eyes meet neither can resist the passion
which burns between them…
Dangerous Beauty is a fantastic historical romance that
is extremely well-written and which you will struggle to
put down. It is truly historical romance at its finest!
Featuring an irresistible hero, a remarkable heroine, evocative
descriptions, a gripping premise, sizzling sexual tension
and scorchingly hot love scenes, Dangerous Beauty is a book
lovers of romantic fiction will adore.
Anastasia Black writes books which are romantic, sensual
and gripping and which deserve a place on keeper shelves
everywhere!
Julie Bonello
ECataRomance
Reviews
