Devon’s review of The Dark Viscount by Deborah Simmons
Historical Romance released Harlequin Historical 1 Oct 08

Gothic fans rejoice! If you are like me you will absolutely devour The Dark Viscount. There is so very, very much to enjoy: eerie atmosphere, nice mystery, a crackling romance. Unfortunately, if you are like me, you might also find yourself gnashing your teeth and shaking your fist at sky when you reach the end of the book. It isn’t often that the ending of a book can make you lower a grade so much.

Siblings Kit and Sydony Marchant are on the verge of destitution when Kit receives an inheritance from a distant Aunt. Of course when they arrive at their new home, Oakfield, on a October day, they find the estate deserted, dilapidated and partially boarded up. Even stranger, Kit’s childhood best friend, Viscount Bartholomew Hawthorne, who they’ve long grown apart from, shows up at Oakfield practically on their heels. It soon becomes apparent that Oakfield harbors secrets, as does Barto, and Sydony is determined to figure them out.

As I said, there is plenty to enjoy here. There are the classic Gothic elements: the naïve girl sleuth, the mysterious mansion, the superstitious villagers, the untrustworthy hero(?). The central mystery is quite interesting, and the creepy autumn atmosphere is well captured. I enjoyed the three main characters: the curious and suspicious Sydony, the mellow fellow Kit, and the strong, brooding Barto. The childhood camaraderie amongst the three is well drawn, and explains the dynamics amongst the three during their present.

I love Love/Hate relationships between a hero and heroine. The banter, the suspicion, the uncontrollable longing. It’s hard to do without the characters seeming unnecessarily mean or petulant. The chemistry between Sydony and Barto was fabulous. Their mutual desire and distrust was vivid. There was a bit of protesting a bit too much, but overall there was a great balance between the two emotions. I could not wait for these two to get together.

So what was the problem? I could not understand Barto’s suspicions towards Kit and Sydony. It seemed a bit far fetched, even as the details were revealed. I was also confused about their ages. At the beginning of the book, I thought Sydony was 17 and Kit (and therefore Barto) were 19. Later on, I thought they were older. Neither of these issues really bothered me, but the ending did.

The Dark Viscount has a much lower level of sensuality than I am used to. This is not a problem in and of itself. Sometimes nothing is sexier than witty banter, repressed desire and some passionate kisses. As the climax of the mystery plot was reached, I realized there wasn’t much time left for the climax of the romance (not in a dirty way, people). Instead we get Sydony remembering Barto’s declaration of love (which happened offscreen) and their passionate evening together (which happened offscreen). Wh-what? That’s just not right. I’ve been with Sydony and Barto through the danger and desire and the hurty feelings. Can I get an “I love you?” A smooch and a promise? Nothing makes me feel more gypped than missing out on the big moment.

My disappointment in the ending took the book out of the A range. It may not bother others as much, though. Those who looking for a Halloween treat, or who love a good Gothic, should give it a go. It’s got suspense, romance and atmosphere in spades. I will definitely look into Simmon’s other works.

Grade: B

Thunder claps, lightning strikes and her imposing new mansion looms high, but Miss Marchant is not one to be afraid. Not willful, beautiful Sydony Marchant.

If the house doesn’t shock her, the arrival of Viscount Hawthorne does. No longer the boy she once kissed—Bartholomew is a man with a ruthless glint in his eye.

He’s here to uncover a truth and ruin Sydony. But they are soon entangled in secrets darker than they know. And as the tension crackles between them, the memory of their innocent kiss is no longer enough….

Read an excerpt.