"I recognized you as soon as I saw you," he said, his hands pinning hers to the bed. "We're two of a kind, you and me. Do you know how rare that is? Sometimes it frightens me."
"Me too," she whispered into his mouth. (ch. 12)
The Dark Rose:A Novel by Erin Kelly
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books, Viking (February 2, 2012)
Genre: thriller, dark romance
My comments: Louise is a 39-year-old woman with a past, which she escapes by disappearing to work on renovating Tudor ruins and a beautiful garden, far from London. She has a dark secret, one involving her former lover Adam. At the ruins, she meets a young worker, Paul, many years younger than herself, who reminds her strongly of Adam. Paul himself is hiding out, afraid of repercussions after turning in his former cohort who has been charged with murder in London.
Paul and Louisa come together, find what they have in common, and are drawn together in another dark romance. They hide their secrets, plot darkly to save themselves, as their pasts creep up and threaten to destroy them.
An excellently written novel with two interesting plots that come together to form a fascinating third, The Dark Rose is haunting. I recommend it for those who would like a thriller, romance, and a look at the dark side of desire.
About the Author: Erin Kelly is the author of the acclaimed thriller The Poison Tree. Previously, she worked as a freelance journalist for ten years. She lives in north London with her family.
GIVEAWAY: I have a second copy of the novel to giveaway to a reader in the U.S., thanks to the publisher. To enter by Jan. 20, leave me a comment with an email address. No post office boxes, please.
UPDATE: The giveaway was won on Jan. 20 by Sue. Congrats!
Thanks to Sonya Cheuse of Viking for a complimentary review copy and a giveaway copy of this book.
© Harvee Lau of Book Dilettante. Please do not reprint without permission
I am so excited to receive this book; it's supposed to be coming in the mail for me soon (fingers crossed). The Poison Tree was amazing (I just read it this month) and I kicked myself for not having read it sooner since I had it on my bookshelf since 2010! I can't wait to read The Dark Rose!
ReplyDeleteThe Poison Tree is next on my list! Glad you liked it. I'm sure you'll like the Dark Rose too.
DeleteI have to admit that I am intrigued by this one, and would love to read it. The dark side of desire? Oh yes, please count me in! Great review by the way!
ReplyDeletezibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
Sounds great. Count me in!
ReplyDeletebettonglak@hotmail.com
Sue
What a great review. this intriguing novel has captivated my interest. Many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI would enjoy this enthralling book. Just my type. thanks for this great giveaway and the wonderful review. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI don't read much romance, but when it's mixed with other elements, I don't mind it at all. This sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteI saw this book on Kaye's blog Pudgy Penguin last week and was immediately drawn by the cover...fantastic!!! Now it sounds like the story is a winner too!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds a nice read
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your review of this book. Sounds like a good book to read. Your friend at bookblogs.ning
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds great. Thanks for the review and the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing this to my attention. Love the sound of it and I've heard of other work The Poison Tree. Thanks Harvee.
ReplyDeleteLove the new look too!
Sounds like a good one. It's been a while since I've read a romance, but a darker, more thriller romance sounds like a book that I might really enjoy.
ReplyDeletecarolsnotebook at yahoo dot com
Sounds like a good read—please enter me to win!
ReplyDeleteskkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
Wow sounds really good. "Haunting" is a great description for a good book.
ReplyDeletejuliecookies(at)gmail.com