These Violet Delights
A Novel
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- $19.99
Publisher Description
Can a star-crossed pair overcome a simmering family feud for a chance at love, in this stunning Regency romance from New York Times bestselling author Madeleine Roux?
Violet Arden is a burgeoning painter who insists on a life of passion, but scandal is heaped on humiliation at her artistic debut in London. It would be one thing to withstand withering critiques, but the night goes from bad to worse when an illicit affair with her art instructor is exposed. She flees the London limelight to her cousin Emilia Graddock’s country estate, where she plans to leave all thoughts of love in the past where they belong . . . until she comes face-to-face with the man who scorned her paintings in front of her friends and family, Alasdair Kerr.
Alasdair has recently set aside his life of travel to return to his family’s estate— the site of a tragic fire that claimed his cherished father’s life. He’s finally ready to rebuild the home that was lost and step into his role as man of the house. But his rakish younger brother Freddie can’t seem to leave the off-limits Graddock woman alone, and his mother has brought an overbearing clergyman into their home who appears keen to stick around.
Violet is determined to ignore Alasdair, which shouldn’t be difficult considering that their families have been in a long-standing feud . . . if only their attempts to end Emilia and Freddie’s secret relationship would stop bringing them together. And when new fires threaten their safety, Violet and Alasdair reluctantly join forces to uncover the identity of the arsonist. But can they ignore the feelings kindling between them, which are but an ember away from igniting into a full blaze?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This tantalizing Regency from bestseller Roux (Much Ado About Margaret) sends budding watercolor artist Violet Arden from London to the British countryside to ride out a scandal after her affair with her French art teacher is exposed. While staying at her cousin's home, she becomes reacquainted with art collector Alasdair Kerr, who was a childhood friend despite the long-standing feud between their families. It's not a happy reunion: before leaving the city, Violet overheard Alasdair dissing her paintings at an art opening. Though she's determined to stay mad at Alasdair, she slowly warms to him, especially when he helps her save a cat caught in a fire at a local theater. Their joint search for the arsonist responsible leads to a tentative courtship, even as Alasdair's mother schemes to keep them apart. Roux steeps this arresting romance in references to art and artists, and uses her passionate and plucky heroine to highlight the unique position of female artists in Regency society. Fans will not be disappointed.
