Angeline’s Review – When Passion Rules by Johanna Lindsey

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Description:
Forced to flee Napoleon’s rampaging army on the continent, orphaned Alana Farmer and her eccentric guardian make a new home for themselves in London. There, Alana enjoys every privilege a daughter of the nobility could hope for, plus an education fit for a queen. Now, on the eve of her debut into London Society, she learns the shocking secret of her birthright. Can it be true? Is she really the lost princess of the European kingdom of Lubinia?

Persuaded by her guardian to return to their homeland to quell a bloody revolt, Alana finds herself in an isolated, mountainous country whose customs strike her as medieval! With controversy and intrigue brewing around the beautiful newcomer, Christoph Becker, the captain of the palace guards, arrests Alana on suspicion that she is either a wily imposter or a seductive spy working for the shadowy figures determined to depose the king. No stranger himself to seduction, Christoph uses every means at his disposal to draw the truth from his alluring prisoner, even if he must lay his own life on the line to protect her from harm. Now, as a fiery passion flares between Alana and the man who has wrongly imprisoned her, the fate of a nation rests in their hands and on their hearts.

Angeline’s Thoughts:
I read some of the other reviews for When Passion Rules by Johanna Lindsey before I knew I was reviewing it myself. They were all over the place. What I found interesting is that those that did not rate the book very high wrote very unkind reviews. It’s those kinds of reviews that are not helpful to readers. They are not helpful to authors either. Honest, constructive opinions win out over malicious, unhelpful negativity every time.

I am a longtime fan of Ms. Lindsey’s writing. She brings to life a historical romance in such a way that I feel as though I am right there in her stories. When Passion Rules is no exception. This is a sweet historical romance that I found refreshing.

Alana was raised by a man she thought was her uncle. Educated in the ways of male nobility, including weaponry, Alana was capable of protecting herself with her mind as well as her hand. I loved that she was intelligent and handy with a dagger. What I loved more was that Ms. Lindsey did not go over the top with Alana’s character having her physically fight a bunch of battles or be so far out of place during that time that she was unbelievable.

Our hero, Christoph, is smart and very good at being in charge. After past attempts of imposters claiming to be the King’s daughter, Christoph arrests Alana, keeping her close to him. Although he believes Alana is not who she says she is, he listens to her. They have great conversations. The attraction between the two is felt. There may not be as much passion as the title states, but it’s there. After many twists and turns, I didn’t see coming, the truth comes out.

The ending came quickly thereafter and all loose ends were answered. I enjoyed how Ms. Lindsey found a way for there to be many facets of the happily ever after. I would give away too much of the story if I explained this further. I guess to see what I’m talking about you need to go get this book and read it!

When Passion Rules, a sweet romance that made me think and try to figure out the truth. I really liked it and I think you will too…

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