Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Addicted by Charlotte Featherstone



I saw this book over at Lovin' Me Some Romance, and I was intrigued. I wasn't really sure, I couldn't see how a book about an opium addict would be that good, but Oh My God - I am so glad I picked up this book!! Definitely a keeper!

This book is set in 1850, and Lindsay Markham is in love with his childhood friend, Anais Darnby. He's loved her for years and has not told her. Since he went off to college he's turned to opium to dull the feelings because he doesn't know how she feels about him. Now they're adults, and he doesn't know it but she feels the same way about him.

He takes a chance one evening and they have a passion filled encounter in the stable, and he promises his undying love and asks her to meet him at a costume ball the next week. Anais agrees, but is betrayed by a friend and finds Lindsay, high as a kite, in a compromising situation with her friend. She doesn't care that he thought the friend was Anais. Anais runs off and says she never wants to see him again.

The story picks up several months later, Lindsay is back from the exotic East, having spent the first few months looking for Anais, who ran off to France, and the last few months in an opium-induced haze. He's back in England, and wants to see Anais. As he returns, there is a fire and her house burns to the ground, necessitating her family briefly staying at Lindsay's family estate. Lindsay finds out Anais has been ill and has turned to another childhood friend, Garrett, for comfort. Lindsay is jealous, and tries to win Anais back, but she tells him it can never be. There are some very steamy scenes, both real and imagined, and Anais has a secret she's keeping from Lindsay, just as he's keeping the degree to which he's dependent on the opium from her.

There is no way I can do a review that would do justice to this book. Everytime I thought I had the plot figured out, surprise - it's not what I thought; this happened several times. I liked both Lindsay and Anais, and wanted them to be together; however, some secrets may be too damaging for forgiveness. I liked how they kept breaking apart and coming back to each other, mirroring his addiction and denial of same. And Ms. Featherstone's description of his addiction was so sensual, she really turned the story into a love triangle instead of just a story about a couple.

Excellent read. I can't wait for her next book, Sinful, out in May 2010.

8 comments:

  1. I like these dark romances, never been a huge fan of the happily ever after...everything is perfect books. Thanks for the review.

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  2. I am very glad that you liked the book! I absolutely love this book and it will stay on my shelf as a keeper for the rest of my life!!! And when I think of a tortured hero and sexy as hell man... Lindsay comes to mine... And Matthew... Oh, his story is next...
    I hope you are having a great day!

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  3. I am very curious about thsi one since everyone seems to love it. And that cover is just stunning

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  4. ParaJunkie - definitely NOT an everything-is-perfect book!

    Cecile - very tortured hero - I couldn't help but love him!

    Mandi - Oh, yes, I definitely recommend this one!

    Blodeuedd - I went into this book skeptical and came out adoring it! And yes, the cover is gorgeous - I'm not a huge fan of typical romance covers, I prefer these.

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  5. Patti! Lovely review! I'm so glad you loved 'Addicted'. This book was such an emotional rollercoaster for me and for any novel to instigate that kind feeling, is something to be treasured.

    Charlotte has an amazing author voice and I hope you pick up 'Sinful' which is about Lindsay's friend, Wallingford.

    Also, Charlotte's work under her Sophie Renwick name is really good as well. She has a steamy contemporary out call 'Hot In Here' that is finger lickin' good!!

    ;) VFG

    P.S. Thanks for the nod!!

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  6. I might have to try this. I'm a huge fan of the happily ever after, so I might finish the book frustrated that they didn't end up together. But it sounds so good anyway!

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