Ravishing Camille

Cerise Deland is another author that a joy to read. “Ravishing Camille” was such a fun and delightful book.

When Killian Hanniford married Olivia Bereston they became a blended family each having children of there own. Camille was 15 and Pierce was already a man. They never felt like siblings, Camille fell in love with him from the start.

For the past 10 years Pierce Hanniford has been traveling the world making his fortune. Camille has grown into a lovely young woman and a successful author. Pierce has come home to settle down and finding Camille all grown up, intelligent and beautiful throws him off guard.

Secretly loving him all these years and finding no other that could hold a candle to him she couldn’t let it go as hard as she tried. But now that he’s back it’s practically impossible so she’s determined to have him on her own terms and determine that he sees her as a woman and not a little sister. Not only overcome with desire for Camille, he admires her and her intelligence though he is hesitant to pursue his attraction because of his age and their family.

This story has that wonderful wow factor that the author is known for. The characters are all so charming. I loved the new found relationship between Pierce and Camille. It was exciting to see these to dance around one another with witty banter, teasing and flirting.

This is a complicated love story with a dazzling, complex characters. The age difference has allowed peers to pursue his dreams whereas Camille it’s just starting out. I loved how they navigated their feelings, the angst, and emotions as adults. Their chemistry sizzled and sparked in this passionate romance set in France. Rich with historical details, imagery, dazzling scene setting, and evocative characters, this novel entranced me from the first page and didn't let me go until the very last word.

Thank you so much Ms. DeLand for such a fun, truly romantic love story.

At long-last, it is step-siblings Camille and Pierce's story as they suddenly come face to face after years apart to discover each is now a highly desirable, successful and independent adult. This hearty Notorious American series is compelling reading with excellent character development. Although this novel is capable of standing alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series in order as the detail of lives lived over decades is built upon and slowly revealed in the most tantalizing and satisfying fashion.

Camille can have any man she wants, but her heart has always secretly belonged to Pierce. He struggles at first to see her as a woman, not the child he left behind a decade ago after their parents married. As his admiration grows for all that she has achieved as an author and wants to accomplish for woman's rights going forward, he finds it increasingly difficult to deny his growing passion. Will she fight to have it all with her career, her love for him or will his adventures across the globe keep them apart? He struggles to ensure their love will not crush her dreams, but, rather enhance her life-long desires to be together.

This robust novel is primarily set in late 19th century France, but has wonderful details and insights into Chinese and Japanese culture, trade markets and contemporary city development. As with all Cerise DeLand's novels, steam rises off the pages, but also you put the novel down having gained historical insight into the time period and culture challenges of the day.

I highly recommend Ravishing Camille. I was gifted a copy of this book in advance.

They became step siblings when Killian Hanniford married Olivia Bereston. Ten years later, Camille Bereston is an accomplished author and Pierce Hanniford has come home from the far east a wealthier and successful businessman. These two are perfect for each other. Camille has been in love with Pierce since she was fifteen. They never really saw each other as brother and sister. When Pierce returns, he finds a beautiful, intelligent woman. Their attraction for each other brings about a new relationship. As with the other couples in the series, their chemistry sizzles. There is some uncertainty about their own feelings and about how the family will react. It may surprise you, or not. I enjoyed reading about the Hanniford family again. They are quite a group. Much of the story takes place in France. The descriptions of the lush countryside, the art, and innovations such as the Eiffel Tower are fantastic. This is a great story with wonderful characters, and a lovely and entertaining epilogue.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.