Illusion

Jean Ross Ewing AKA Julia Ross just never disappoints. But be warned - her books are not light reading! Patience and attention are required, as the story unfolds with extreme subtlety. At times you may wonder (right along with Frances) what the heck is going on, but as layer upon layer of intrigue is revealed, things make sense eventually.Illusion is the perfect title for this story for nothing and no one are what they seem! Nigel Arundham, Marquess of Rivaulx - peer, spy, codebreaker, soldier and rake is definitely the star of the book. Everyone - male and female - seems to be in love with the darkly handsome and complex Nigel. And then there is Frances Woodard, raised in England but a on trip to India with her botanist father, tragedy struck and she wound up in a Zenana - a Maharaja's harem - trained to be a Ganika (courtesan). Her arrival back in England provokes much speculation and she is brought to Nigel's attention when she is offered the protection of Lord Donnington, whom Nigel believes is a traitor. He plans to use Frances' notoriety and a gambling debt owed to him by Donnington to gain access to Donnington's home in order to find the evidence he needs to arrest him. Things take a tragic turn and the ensuing "orgy" is a disaster when Nigel is poisoned and Donnington turns up dead. Frances is overwhelmed and alarmed by Nigel and all the upheaval he has brought into her life. It's like she's once again in the harem with plots and danger everywhere. She is not happy when Nigel claims her as his mistress (though it's in name only). She had hoped for a quiet life with a older, kindly protector who would allow her some freedom but it is not to be.As the action moves to Paris, we meet several other characters all with differing and multiple loyalties. Poor Frances cannot figure out what is happening or who to trust in this world of deep intrigue. But she thinks she glimpses moments of genuineness, kindness, true charm and humour in Nigel and she is helplessly drawn to him despite her fears. Nigel, on the otherhand, is fascinated by Frances. She may know all about the Kama Sutra and the mechanics of seduction, but exudes such purity and innocence that he is captivated. If they get out of Paris alive, will they trust each other enough to shed their outer layers and show their true selves? Is love possible for two people who've seen such ugliness?I will admit and agree with another reviewer that there were a bit too many "dear God"s and "good God"s and that Nigel's quoting of poetry, literature and song was a bit over the top - after a while, I just stopped reading his quotes. But there was so much more to enjoy, that I could overlook those minor irritants. As for Frances being a "drip" (as one reviewer complained), Ms Ross Ewing's heroines are usually a bit subdued - quiet, well-mannered English girls with a lot of inner strength. It is her heroes who usually shine - either brightly like Alden in The Seduction, or darkly like Nicholas in My Dark

This book hardly qualifies as "simply" a romance. Rather, it is a story of spying, deception, betrayal, and renewal. The central characters, Frances and Nigel, are thrown together by Nigel's need to expose a traitor. Neither truly knows themselves - Frances was sold into an Indian harem years ago, and has learned to live only by skimming the surface and mainaining illusions; Nigel has spied for so long that he cannot untangle himself from the deceptions and illusions that have earned him his fame. Both are written with incredible complexity and layers of personality that gradually unfold as the plot unwinds. And the plot! Admittedly I was in the dark much of the time, kept guessing at the mystery and intrigue because of Ms. Ewing's diabolical way of dropping half-clues. It definitely kept my attention, to the detriment of some other things that needed to be done - I had to get to the end of the story! I like the way Ms. Ewing alternately tells it from Frances's and Nigel's points of view, without confusing the reader. This is a tale of twists and turns, interwoven with stark sensuality and murder. If you are a fan of Dorothy Dunnet's Lymond chronicles, you may really enjoy this story, and you will almost certainly be reminded of Francis Crawford as you listen to Nigel. Like Dunnett's work, this book is not always easy to read, and it begs to be re-read in order to savor the more intense passages, so it is a keeper for me. I do suggest that you not read any of the reviews for the sequel (FLOWERS UNDER ICE) until you read this one first, so you can more fully enjoy the sometimes-frustrating sense of trying to figure out who the real traitor is.

A riveting story about two unconventional people drawn together despite their fears and misgivings. Beautifully written, a wonderful love story, although she relies a bit heavily on literary quotes. NOT for you if you're expecting your typical overblown romance / bodice ripper with shallow, one-dimensional characters, melodramatic dialogue and a farce of a plot to tie the sex-scenes together. This one's a definite keeper!

I've loved Jean Ross Ewing's Regencies, including the recent RITA winner Love's Reward. So it was no surprise to me to find that she has brought the same imagination and romanticism to a Regency historical. Being a fan of both sub-genres of romance, I particularly liked how she has smoothly maintained the period feel, while moving to a broader, more complex story, more sensuality and a very non-traditional heroine. A beautiful story, carefully researched and movingly told. I hope to read many more.

This book deserves all your attention. This is a knock your socks off book that will blow you away. ILLUSION takes place in London and France at the time of the Battle of Waterloo. The characters are extraordinary. Frances Woodward is a trained courtesan in the arts of the Kama Sutra, and had escaped from India. She dresses in floating silks and carries an air of mystery about her. The brilliant spy, Nigel Arundham, Marquess of Rivaulx covets her and wins her as his mistress in a game of chance from a man he suspects is a traitor. Nigel is an exceptional man who is very talented in mathematics and breaks enemy codes to help the British. He is a man of secrets, dangerous, and extremely seductive. Frances is caught in a web of intrigue and desire as she is swept into deadly plots along with Nigel. There are some wonderful secondary characters that add spice to the plot. One in particular caught my attention the first time I met him in the story, and I am glad to say Ms. Ewing did not disappoint me, since he'll have his own story in her next book from Berkley, FLOWERS UNDER ICE. This is a superb love story that encompasses danger, mystery, intrigue, and a love that is unforgettable. Brava Ms. Ewing for being such a magnificent storyteller. Your shooting star illuminates the heavens. ILLUSION definately belongs on your "keeper" shelf.