The Ruin of Evangeline Jones

Julia Bennet

Book 2 in the series:Harcastle Inheritance

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The Ruin of Evangeline Jones by Julia Bennet is a dark and sensual historical romance novel that delves into the Victorian society's fascination with spiritualism. The book follows the story of Evie, a survivor from humble beginnings, and Alex, the Duke of Hardcastle, as they navigate their passionate feelings for each other amidst societal expectations and personal struggles. The writing style is described as impressive, immersive, well-written, and poetic, with realistic and steamy romantic scenes that are highly erotic.

Evie, a charlatan medium, and Alex, a duke dedicated to exposing fraudsters, are portrayed as complex characters with dark pasts and intense emotions. The attention to historical detail, engaging plot, and eloquent romance scenes make this book a standout in the historical romance genre. The author, Julia Bennet, seamlessly weaves together intricate details of Victorian society, spiritualism, and romance, creating a compelling and intense read that keeps the readers captivated until the surprising conclusion.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Evangeline and Alex, are complex and reflect moral ambiguities, showcasing growth and depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is poetic and visceral, with immersive detail, though certain descriptions may feel melodramatic to some readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is dark and sensual, featuring complex characters and high stakes. It culminates in a surprising resolution while exploring themes of survival.

Setting:

The setting is richly detailed, rooted in Victorian society and the spiritualism movement.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally engaging, though some readers found the middle slower; overall, it's a gripping read.

Notes:

The book is not a typical romance; it's described as dark, sensual, and gritty.

Evangeline Jones, or Evie, is a non-traditional heroine with a survival story from humble beginnings.

The story features a duke named Alex, who is dark, brutal, and a complex character.

The narrative contains high stakes and an unpredictable ending.

Evie is a spiritualist medium involved in fake séances, which reflects on Victorian society's fascination with spiritualism.

The author Julia Bennet's writing style is praised for being both poetic and visceral.

The novel is part of the Harcastle Inheritance series but can be read as a standalone.

The story includes elements like sexual tension and the theme of overcoming personal manipulation by father figures.

There are several interesting romance tropes used creatively in the book, including 'Carriage Hookup' and 'Secret Goodbye Hookup.'

The book has a high level of historical detail, particularly regarding spiritualism and its practices during the Victorian era.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are references to abuse and themes of manipulation that could be triggering for some readers.

Has Romance?

The romance is central to the narrative and is developed with intensity and complexity.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Alex Stanton just inherited a dukedom but his true passion is uncovering charlatans and frauds wherever he finds them. Spiritualist and medium Evangeline "Evie" Jones is the biggest fake of all and he's determined to expose her lies. Her prim manner and ladylike airs don't fool him. He can't deny the dark undercurrents of lust between them.

Evie worked her way up from the gutter and she's not about to abandon the life she's built for fear of this aristocratic dilettante. She sees the attraction simmering beneath his animosity, and she knows how to use it to keep him off balance. They strike a bargain. He has one week to prove she's a fake. If he fails, he has to abandon all further attempts. If he succeeds, she'll not only retire but make a public statement explaining all her tricks.

Neither expects to find anything in common, not to mention anything to love, in the other. Both are blindsided by the affinity and blossoming tenderness between them. But even if it were possible for a lowly charlatan to live happily ever after with a duke, more is going on than either suspects. Someone else has brought them together for a sinister purpose of his own.

Contains mature themes.

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