Limecello’s review of Three Nights of Sin by Anne Mallory
Historical Romance released by Avon on 29 April 08
I’ve never read a book by Anne Mallory before, and now I find myself wondering why. I don’t think it’s her writing style that different from other authors so much as her tone, but I found it enjoyable and refreshing, and look forward to reading more of her books.
While the plot itself isn’t something particularly new, Ms. Mallery puts a fresh spin on it. The impoverished noble family on the edge of ruin, and in a lot of trouble – but the twists and turns keep the reader surprised and guessing.
Marietta Winters has a problem. Her younger brother, Kenny, has been imprisoned, accused of being the Middlesex murderer. Her older brother, Mark, is a spendthrift, and pretty much useless. This would make anyone crabby, but Marietta takes it to a new level. She’s rather venomous especially in the beginning of the novel. I know she’s trying to overcome her attraction to Gabriel, and she’s ruined, but it made her very hard to truly like. Marietta probably should have remembered that she was indebted to Gabriel.
Gabriel, the hero, is in a way, typical. He’s handsome – gorgeous, frighteningly attractive. Women on the street stop to stare at him. They simper and scrape and their eyes glaze over. (I found this a bit hard to believe.) Even more so, because Gabriel acts as an investigator, and if he’s so gorgeous and noticeable, it’d be hard for him to accomplish anything. People would remember him wherever and whenever he showed up due to his stunning good looks. However, being so attractive is more of a burden for him. The fact that Gabriel doesn’t celebrate his effect on women is to his credit. He’s also obscenely wealthy.
Yet, both characters are likeable, and you find yourself sympathizing with them. They’re both good people at the core, and are willing to sacrifice themselves for those they love.
I’m not quire sure I entirely believed the developing relationship between Gabriel and Marietta. However, once it’s established, both characters truly begin to develop and become human. The investigations Marietta and Gabriel conduct are interesting and engaging; I felt all the various threads of the story were tied up nicely.
While I didn’t think the title fit the story very well, it was catchy, and I enjoyed reading it. The tone was a bit more stark and darker than what I’m used to for a historical romance, but it worked with the story perfectly. I recommend reading this book, especially if you’re a fan of historicals.
Grade: B-
Summary:
Three nights of danger . . .
When her brother was arrested for murder, the ton shut its doors to Marietta Winters. No one would help her save him from the gallows – no one but Gabriel Noble. In exchange for taking the case, Gabriel requests three favors from the desperate young beauty, and Marietta has no other choice but to make a deal with the sinfully handsome devil.Three nights of pleasure . . .
Searching for clues in the rough underbelly of London, Marietta must masquerade as a shamelessly wanton wench – much to Gabriel’s delight. But Marietta swears to herself that her passionate moans are just for show. She could never fall in love with such a maddening, arrogant, seductive stranger . . . could she?Three nights of sin . . .
Night after night, she satisfies his wicked cravings. But soon Gabriel wants more from Marietta than just three nights of sin – and even a sordid secret in his past won’t prevent him from trying to possess her forever.Read an excerpt here.
I have read Anne Mallory before and honestly wasn’t at all blown away. So when the ARC came in for this I admit I was in the act of putting it in Lawson’s pile when I don’t know what caught my eye.
But I started the book and finished it that night. And sooooooooo thought Lawson would LURVE it. The brat didn’t make it past the first 2 chapters before she was asking if she could go on to her others and have someone else review this.
So I am glad you read and reviewed it.
I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of this and LOVED it. All I could think as I read it was, “She’s so freakin’ clever! Why can’t I be this clever??”
But you are Jami! In fact I have Caught in the mail on it’s way to me right now… (at least it should be…) hmmm maybe I should wait until AFTER reading it to decide you ARE clever… heee
LOL Sybil – glad I got Lawson’s sloppy seconds. I’m interested in reading Anne Mallory’s other books now. She has a tone and writing style that I find different from most other historicals.
Jami – Glad you liked it :).
Do you mean the author? Or the heroine? If the heroine, I’m afraid we’ll have to agree to disagree.
All she did was read a few statutes and play dress up (or down) while getting mauled.She did hold it together nicely in the end – and had good initiative to start… but over all, I felt more “eh” about Marietta.I meant the author is clever, but I didn’t have a problem with Marietta. I just liked the way Mallory put unraveled each thread of the mystery, doling out just the perfect amount of clue to keep me engaged.
And Sybs, be gentle with me. Don’t scrimp on the KY 🙂
Jami – Have you read Seduction of an Unknown Lady”? I felt like that one engaged the reader and kept us guessing even more. I did like the twist at the end for this book. Quite clever, and very twisty. (And sad- that may be why I didn’t really focus on it.)
Haven’t read that, Limecello. And yes, I agree – sad end – I had to reread to convince myself it was true 🙁
I loved this book, too! It is definitely Anne Mallory’s best yet. Wonderful romance…superb mystery…great book!
I’ve got to say what made me give this one back to Sybil was the “everyone lurves Gabriel and women pant for him” thing and also Marietta is desperate for anything to save her brother, but still wanted to be in control because she’s the only one that can save her family from ruin. So she wants to make herself a martyr but still control her circumstances.
Just couldn’t get past that.
I know what you mean, Lawson – that’s exactly why I wrote
-I also didn’t think I should write in the body of the review, that she’s a bitch.
Also
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It’s why the book didn’t get a higher grade – I think I told Sybil – I liked everything but the characters. 😛
Oooh! I love reading Anne Mallory’s books. I have read the excerpt and reviews and this is the one I’m buying first.
Kimmy – fun! (Also – does that mean you’ve read AM’s books but haven’t bought any yet?) And also – no judgment here. I’m a library girl.
I plan on looking into Ms. Mallory’s backlist for sure.