Review: The Dark Lady by Maire Claremont

Title:  The Dark Lady
Author:  Maire Claremont
Genre:  Historical Romance
Pages:  313
Published:  January 2013
Publisher:  Signet
Source:  Publisher
Buy Link:  Amazon

Synopsis:

The Victorian era was full of majestic beauty and scandalous secrets—a time when corsets were the least of a woman’s restrictions, and men could kill or be killed in the name of honor...

Lord Ian Blake has returned from India a broken man. Years ago, he pledged to Lady Eva Carin—his childhood companion and first love—that he would bring her husband back alive. His failure haunts him. But even his jaded soul can’t anticipate the shocking sight of beautiful, independent Eva confined in a madhouse.

Locked in an asylum, forgotten by society, Eva is adrift in both body and mind. For Ian to break her free, they must cross a powerful enemy—and prove her sanity to England’s unforgiving aristocracy. But the biggest danger of all may come when the secrets of Eva’s tragic past are finally unlocked.

After the death of her husband, Eva tragically loses her child and is locked away to protect her and her family.  Unfortunately for Eva, this is one of the most horrible places she could be – drugged to keep quiet, at the mercy of other inmates, the staff and independence curbed.

Society believes Eva is away at a “spa” taking the waters to improver her health.  No one really knows what’s happening to her – aside from one family member and Ian – a man who loves her beyond all else and is willing to do anything to protect her.

Lord Ian was best friends with Eva’s husband, who lost his life while serving in India.  He returns to England a changed man and finds out what really happened to Eva.  Taking matters into his own hands he rescues Eva from the madhouse and whisks her away to recover and return to a normal life. 

Unfortunately for Ian and Eva someone doesn’t want Eva outside the madhouse and they aren’t going to stop until she’s found and put back.  I felt for Eva and kept cheering for her to stay one step ahead of those who would harm her and to fight with all her strength to get back on her feet and into society.  I loved Ian and his stubborn nature determined to get Eva well again.

Would I recommend this book?  Yes!  It’s a very intense read, with so much darkness surrounding the characters.  I thoroughly loved this story and couldn’t put it down.  I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.  Would I read this author again?  Most definitely!