Old School Romance, lots of angst, fairly steamy, Cinderella story with a side of revenge ( )

FALLEN is the story of the very plain, but sweet and kind, Izzy Temple and Julian Blackworth, handsome and a bit of a playboy. The story starts off with Julian seducing Izzy in her bed while the two are at a house party -- except he thinks she's someone else and she's so frightened that she knocks him unconscious with a candelabra, bringing everyone at the house party running to her room to see what all the noise is about. Izzy and Julian are forced into a sham betrothal to satisfy his father, who has threatened to disinherit him for despoiling an innocent virgin.

This is a very cute story. Izzy has a delightful -- sweet and kind without being cloying or forced -- personality. She is rather plain-looking, and I *loved* that, even when she is made over with new clothes and a hairstyle, she's still plain. But, of course, Julian gradually comes to think of her as quite beautiful (even though he's alone in that opinion). Julian and Izzy have delightful chemistry, and they become good friends before they're lovers, which adds a deeper dimension and weight to their eventual romantic relationship. They have an easy, lovely rapport together that I enjoyed *so* much.

The writing is nice, but the plot, especially at the end, tends to be a bit uneven. This is Celeste Bradley's debut book, though, so that's understandable. Still, it's a very nice romance and I had a lot of fun reading it. Will be looking to read more by Celeste Bradley in the future; I recommend this book; it's a good, cozy comfort read. 4.5 stars = A grade. ( )

I'm really tired after reading this book. so much happened, maybe too long for me. ( )

FALLEN by Celeste Bradley is an exciting Regency historical romance. "Fallen" is a special re-issue of this author's debut novel. Meet Isadora "Izzy" Temple, a society wallflower and Lord Eppingham Julien Blackworth, a reckless,scandalous bachelor with a bit of laughter,drama,and tears as they try to make the best of a bad situation. When mistaken identity,mistaken room and a little drunkenness a disaster could happen as a scandal is ensured when Lord Julien mistakes Issy's room for another and is found in her bed. Of course,she did bring the house in when she screamed. "Fallen" is filled with witty banter,a scandal or two,passion,desire,sensual tension,secrets,lies,romance,and love. Lord Julien is considered a bad boy and threaten to be disinherited if he does not marry Izzy at once by his father. She on the other hand wants no man to control her,but sees the advantage of a betrothal. She refuses to see Julien ruin by his father. Written with interesting characters,and an interesting plot. A Cinderella story with a twist. Can one's relatives been as spiteful,hateful and underhanded as Izzy's, I think so. But a shame. Izzy will soon have her happy ever after or so we hope. If you enjoy fairy tales with a bit of a twist,historical romance, redemption,honor,and Regency you will enjoy this title. Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at the author's website,St. Martin's Press, and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews ( )

From BackCover:
Her Wicked Dreams

When Izzy went to bed, she never expected to awaken to disgrace. Of course, it felt wonderful. . . warm hands on her flesh, rough stubbled skin on her cheek. It all seemed some wonderful dream. But that hardly mattered to the ton. To them, she was ruined, for Lord Eppingham Julian Rowley had been discovered in her bed, and she'd claimed him as her own. Why had she done it? Why had she brought ruination to her name and dishonor to her family—dishonor that could only be erased by marriage? She had not wanted to trap the handsome rake in wedlock. Though she might fall forever into his golden-brown eyes, marriage to any man was not something she sought. Nor had she acted from any true fear of the ton's disdain. It had been something in his touch, his kiss. Something had called out to guard Julian from ruination, to place herself in the way. If to save this man meant to be fallen, so be it. And in saving him, she just might save herself. ( )