There are about 60 million subplots in this novel, every single one of which is used far better as a principle plot in one of Veryan's later books. But my GOD, what an incoherent mess when you try to use them all up at one shot.

This has the feeling of an „early book“. Neither plot nor story do come together as easily and as refined as in her best work. Also I cannot wholly like the extremely volatile relationship and the deception between the main couple.

But I still give it five stars because of the strengths that are all there: the male friendships (I am hopelessly romantic about male friendship in books and movies, and clearly Veryan is exactly the same), the devastating moments of emotional impact and the fights.

I could not remember the entire plot and had parts of it mixed up in my head (there being no lack of gypsies, races or abductions in Veryan‘s books). But some scenes are forever engraved on my heart like an invisible tattoo. For example the one where Vaughan finally believes in St. Clair‘s treachery, or when Saxon and St. Clair face each other in that empty ballroom and say „to the death“ (the STUPID gits that they are!!!).

Yes, both are scenes that do not have any women in them ;-)

So ok, I am a sucker for betrayal, especially between male friends. I don’t know where that comes from, it just totally does „it“ for me. I suffer gladly and deeply along with the tortured heroes - and can finally breathe again when true friendship overcomes all obstacles and they have to avert their eyes or take refuge in their drinks to not actually be overcome and show some feelings.

Hm, I hope Mrs Veryan does not come back from her grave to haunt me for saying so, but I guess she could have written some very addictive m/m romances if born in another time. Even „without the smut“ ;-) (I say that because she so abhorred the idea of writing „smut“. Not because I am personally opposed to it. Although I need less of „it“ in my books than some.) Are there any „non smutty“ m/m romances except in YA? I’ll have to check.

The complicated love story had its moments, too. I recently read some very old fashioned romance from the early twentieth century for a private project of mine and realized that the reason I could not wholly appreciate the story was because of its utter seriousness. Even in her most pathetic (pathetic as in pathos) books Veryan never forgets about the necessary humor. I mean, seriously, as abhorrent as the violent aspect of it might be, seen as an act of comedy that scene with the bread was glorious. One of those moments that call for the book being made into a (very theatrical) movie.

The book is about redemption, and about finding love for a second time, about forgiveness, about second chances, about it never being too late to say those words... All very much to my liking.

I also love how Harland changes from the despotic father into a devoted one, and the relationship between the brothers - hach.

Yes, this rambling might not look like a review to you, and you are perfectly right. But those are the thoughts running through my head after having not slept very well (in part because of this book) and finally finishing it.

Have I already said how stupid the code of honor and dueling is? And how I do not understand why I enjoy reading about it so much? Maybe there is some psychological explanation for this.

Ah, and the animals. Veryan does write them so well. Caliph is no Rump, but still. The way she describes his and some other horses antics - it is always so vivid! And Homer is, of course, simply the best.

Ah, and we meet Bolster and Amanda. I am so glad that they will be part of some of the following books.

I am not sure but is it possible that this book was entirely told from the male perspective? Maybe that made it a little harder to connect with Deirdre for me? But it still worked.

So yes, there are some weaknesses, but the strengths are so strong that they level it out.

PS. This does not exist as an ebook, and I count myself lucky to own a copy. But that cover is horrendous!