The Hidden Heart (Victorian Hearts #1)

I. First read this book to learn the backstory of the Ashlands. They are a critical element in \”The Shadow and the Star,\” which is also a fantastic book. Laura Kinsale\’s pattern in her books begins with a tragically damaged hero and a woman who can heal him. The characters are always compelling, and the plots are absolutely convincing. I\’ve read everything she\’s written and was never disappointed. The combination in this book of a man who watched his family die and has no way to regain his identity, with Tess, the daughter of a passionate naturalist, who is a crack shot, good at skinning snakes, but terrified of taking her place as a noble woman in English society, is sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, but always satisfying. There are some steamy scenes and some that show the twisted desires of Tess\’ first husband; would not recommend it for young readers or the squeamish.

…The Hidden Heart should be read as a prequel to The Shadow and The Star, but luckily there are innumerable other reasons to read this book. Tess and Grif are wonderful characters and their journey to their HEA is an adventure spanning the globe. Ms. Kinsale\’s writing is, as always, lyrical without being flowery. This is a story that stayed with me long after I read it. Both the first and seconds times.

The story is set in 1863 in South America, the Pacific and England. Tess Collier has traveled the world with her natural scientist father, the Earl of Morrow. As he is dying in a jungle, she promises him she will sail home to England and marry. Her father\’s trustee arranges passage for her on the clipper ship owned by Gryphon Meridon (aka Captain Frost) and hires the man to protect her from inappropriate suitors once they reach England. Gryf has been wronged many times, losing his title, his parents and his wealth to an evil uncle. Though he is \”half in love\” with Tess, Gryf believes he can never have her as he has nothing to give. Though Tess loves Gryf, through a misunderstanding, she marries another–his twisted cousin. Kinsale delivers a wonderful story with a complicated plot that will have you shaking your head thinking these two will never get together. There\’s a lot of shipboard time in this romance for you high seas lovers. Kinsale portrays life aboard Gryf\’s ship so well you feel like you\’re on the voyage. Then there is the jungle, the animals–and Tahiti! If you long for travel to distant places, this romance is a great one to take you there. It\’s a complex plot with the typical Kinsale twists and turns that will have you tearing out your hair. HOWEVER, there were some improbable elements and plot devices in this story that frustrated me–like the conversation Tess and Gryf should have had (that any normal couple would have had) that could have explained everything, or when Gryf goes to the mansion to rescue Tess and fails to ask the servant if Tess is even there (a likely question), or the strange failure of Gryf to explain what happened when he is accused of murder, or his refusal to see her when we know he loves her, and many, many more. And that doesn\’t even deal with the coincidences. Of course, all those unlikely things kept the story and suspense going but they seemed contrived. She writes brilliantly so I know she has the talent to avoid these devices. I think SEIZE THE FIRE was a bit better (I gave it 5 stars). If you don\’t mind those disturbing, contrived elements, I can recommend this as a very good read.

Laura Kinsale is on of my favorite authors! Her characters are beautifully flawed with tragic pasts which create a lot of tension in the story line. They also have a strength and a fragility that draws you in. You find yourself getting wrapped up in the story and feeling a deep emotional connection with the characters and what they are going through. Laura obviously puts a lot of time into research for her novels. In this story in particular I found her nautical terminology and expertise to be very convincing. Her historical descriptions and accents also reflect a great deal of research as well as the complete absence of grammatical and spelling errors. Laura\’s writing style is also witty and endearing. A nice balance to the sometimes tragic events which buffet her characters. You won\’t find yourself thinking, \”same old love story\”. This was my second time reading The Hidden Heart and I loved it just as much this time around.

Kinsale is a terrific author. Still obvious that this is her very first published work. Prequel volume to \”The Shadow and The Star\” {I think that\’s the volume\’s name but read it quite a while ago.}

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