What do I even say about this book? Intense, titillating, frustrating. The characters are so real and passionate and fall foolishly to their whims tragically. The set up and historical background was really cool and interesting, reminding me of Outlander; although at times it was a bit much and a tad confusing, for I'm not too knowledgeable on the time period. The dark secrets and family drama was intriguing, and I regret a bit that I started with the 7th book, I felt I missed a few bits of information and didn't have knowledge or a connection with the parents like I felt I should. However, most of the important information seemed to be revealed or mentioned in some way. The pacing was really good, other than a bit of political talk at the beginning. What really brought this book up to four stars was the ending. After what happened to Damaris, I was so happy that she found someone she could love because I never really trusted Matt. Jeremy was just so great! We didn't get much of him, but he seemed trustworthy and perfect for Damaris. When they finally found Clarissa I was so happy! The song of the siren metaphor when Carlotta was killed was brilliant! I feel kind of bad saying she deserved it but after the way she hurt everyone in her life... it was a mysterious, stunning and well thought of death. The main characters get such good character arcs it is very entertaining to watch them struggle and figure out life. Overall, an interesting and fun book, might read the others in the series. ( )

Despite saying I wouldn't, I am making my way through the Daughters of England books that I still have not read but they are not standing up too well. Here she goes back to the theme of the bad girl/good girl narrators. Carlotta is the bad girl, already born out of wedlock and raised as another woman's child, she is also a beauty and has the Carr trait of being attracted to dangerous and, to my thinking, thoroughly unpleasant men. Damaris is the good one, plainer, of course, she must be plain and sheltered and naive. They take turns in the narration and the unfolding plot, with the plot points sticking out a mile and much the same story of other books in the series rehashed. Since Carr was starting to compete against the more bodice ripper romances, there is a more frank acknowledgement of sex but it is still a fairly unracy and sadly, pretty predictable, romance.

This is a big improvement on the previous couple of books in the series, though not as good as “Saraband for Two Sisters”.

Like the aforementioned title, this novel features a twin first-person narrative, told by two sisters of very different natures. The diverse viewpoints complement each other well.

Although “bad girl” Carlotta leads the more exciting life, I found myself drawn to the “good girl”, Damaris.

This author, including under her different pen names, is brilliant at portraying child characters. The one here – Clarissa – is the best I’ve yet to encounter. This little girl is so believable & entertaining with her consistent questions.

Plotting is clever, with a few unexpected twists, with the only downside being needless repetition – something this author is guilty of whichever name she writes under. This is what comes out of churning out book after book, rather than spending the necessary time to ensure quality reading takes precedence over quantity of titles.

But overall, this is a very good read. ( )