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Splendor

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Set in Regency London and war-torn Russia in 1812, 'Splendor' by Brenda Joyce follows the story of Carolyn Browne, a commoner with noble heritage, who writes a gossip column to expose the hypocrisy of the upper class. When she meets Prince Nicholas Sverayov, a Russian colonel married to a princess, their forbidden love story unfolds, taking readers on a journey of passion and betrayal. The plot weaves through societal expectations, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of love, offering a mix of fairy tale romance and harsh reality.

Characters:

Characters are complex, with the heroine showing growth and the hero navigating moral conflicts, accompanied by meaningful supporting characters.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is insightful and character-driven, blending humor and historical detail with engaging dialogue.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a forbidden romance set in Regency London and war-torn Russia, highlighting societal expectations and personal moral dilemmas.

Setting:

The setting spans Regency London and war-torn Russia, reflecting historical context and societal norms.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow with character development but becomes exciting near the conclusion.
Tears slipped down her cheeks. Carolyn hugged her skinny knees to her chest, holding her breath, trembling and afraid. She could not understand what was happening. They never fought. But now they were...

Notes:

The story is set in Regency London and war-torn Russia in 1812.
The heroine, Carolyn Browne, disguises herself as a young man to gather gossip.
Prince Nicholas Sverayov is a married Russian prince and a colonel in the army.
Nicholas has a young daughter whose paternity he questions.
The book features themes of love, morality, and societal hypocrisy.
Readers found the heroine both frustrating and relatable at times.
The narrative provides perspectives from multiple characters, adding depth to the story.
Brenda Joyce is praised for her skill in writing the voice of a child.
The book combines historical elements with romance and adventure.
The chemistry between the prince and the heroine includes humorous and captivating dialogue.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of adultery and potential emotional distress related to the characters' relationships.

Has Romance?

The romance is central to the plot and is portrayed with depth and emotional intensity.

From The Publisher:

She played a dangerous game. Carolyn Browne was a poor bookseller's daughter and an enlightened thinker, delighting London with her scathingly witty columns, written under the name Charles Copperville. Penetrating the town's gilded salons in male disguise, Carolyn soon throws her barbs at the wrong man- the enigmatic Russian prince, Nicholas Sverayov.

He was a dangerous target. His notoriety, extravagances, and indulgent disregard for social convention fuel Carolyn's outrage. Nicholas has moved through the balls and soirees of high society effortlessly, a natural target of gossip, envy, and desire. But Nicholas is furious to find himself lampooned by Copperville, and quickly discovers Carolyn's dearly held secret. Now, as the two spar, a new game begins- a game of deception and pride, of longing and chance.

And they played for the ultimate prize... As Nicholas sweeps Carolyn from the teeming streets and gala balls of Regency London to the splendor and majesty of St. Petersburg, against all odds the unlikely lovers embark upon a whirlwind of passion and peril until there is no turning back- for the stakes have changed, demanding no less of them than the unwavering courage to claim the love of a lifetime.

About the Author:

Brenda Joyce is the author of 26 novels. She lives in Colorado.

 
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