Ravished: A Novel

Read over 18 yrs ago and still on my "keeper shelf". Fave AQ book!

Christened The Beast of Blackthorne Hall, it is said Gideon Westbrook, Viscount St. Justin, ravished and caused the suicide of a country rector's daughter. With a scarred face to match his marred reputation, all and sundry feared Gideon, all that is, except Harriet Pomeroy. Seeking aid to protect her sacred caves, Harriet turns to the most powerful land owner in the district, unaware of his insidious past. Together they form a bond that sets Society on it's ear and has the whole 'ton' talking in Amanda Quick's _Ravished_. I am a firm believer in Amanda Quick's talent to shape characters that are not only three dimensional but people you'd feel privileged to know. In _Ravished_ she creates the finest characters of her career. Gideon will touch your heart. It is difficult to put into words just what you will feel for Gideon. While he is domineering, headstrong, and arrogant on the surface, beneath his confident facade lurks a man who has endured more physical and emotional pain than anyone should be forced to experience. The instant you meet Gideon, you know, just as Harriet knows, that he is incapable of the vile things people claim he did. He is kind, giving and the very epitome of a true gentleman. Harriet is a tyrannical bluestocking who has just the right flare to tame the Beast. She is honorable, noble and you instantly love the way she guards and protects Gideon. It is charming to watch her spar with the people who would smear Gideon's name. While the romance is the main focus of this book, Ms. Quick adds just the right amount of humor and mystery to keep things interesting. There were quite a few places I found myself laughing aloud! The main thing I loved about this book though, was the fact that both the hero and the heroine *need* each other. Gideon makes Harriet feel beautiful and Harriet heals the wounds that impair Gideon's soul. As always, I was more than pleased in my selection. _Ravished_ will be a book I visit very, very often.

Amanda Quick does it again. Harriet is an intelligent fossil hunter but a social amatuer who is just unconcerned enough about the goings on between men and women that she completely dismisses the scandal haunting the emotionally wounded Gideon. Her faith in him is absolute and the scene where she physically defends his honor by knocking a vicar to the ground in front of the ton and proceeds to pound on him remains one of the best scenes ever written in a romance novel. The characters are a delight, and the story is fast paced and exciting. I re read this book several times over the course of a year, and once left it in a taxi. When I discovered its loss, I went immediately to the closest bookstore and bought it again because the thought of it not being on my bookshelf was impossible. Thanks for another jewel, Ms. Quick.

"Ravished" is my favorite of Amanda Quick's books. Gideon is a brooding hero, but for once the reader can understand his pain because of his past. He's not forbidding for no reason, which is often the case with reluctant heroes. Harriet is just a delight, with her love for fossils and common-sense approach to life. The passion that ignites between them seems very urgent and very real. While this is basically a "redemption" novel, there is enough charm and humor throughout to keep it from becoming cloyingly sweet. The unexpected twists and turns in the plot serve up some danger and suspense, but the true joy in this book is the friendship and love that develops between the couple. I loved the depth of Gideon's sensitivity and perception beneath his fierce exterior. This is truly a "must-read" for regency fans.

Ravished is Amanda Quick's best book ever. I have read every book by AQ, but Ravished tops all. Her hero Gideon, though scarred, remained gallant to the end. The description of both the hero and the heroine made them seem real. Most books paint a picture of perfection in looks and actions that the characters are impossible to believe. AQ has a way of making the characters believable. Love her work and will read all of her books even the ones written under the pseudonym of JC or JAK.

This book was the best. The characters are great! I love her quirky heroines and the men they fall for. This book has a beauty and the beast feel to it because Gideon, the hero, has a deep scar on his cheek and is misjudged by everyone he knows until he meets Harriet. She never doubts his word and trusts him with her life. How romantic. None of Quick's new titles even come close to this one. If you havn't read this one check it out!