The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell (Avon Historical Romance)

Okay, I don't know what the other reviewers are "faffing" about with their detrimental reviews for this book. I really loved it. Please follow the advice of all of us who have read it, loved it and enjoyed it and pretend that the other reviews and are not even posted! The story's plot is a little tried and true, yes, but all in all the manner in which it is told really absorbs you and pulls you in. Yup, the book was really great - in the Grand style of Samantha James and it doesn't disappoint AT ALL. Simon's past entails a horrific tragedy. It is no small wonder that a man who has endured such depth of grief and despair shies away from the world and refutes all notions of ever loving or "living" again. The depth of emotion that is carried through the book is fabulous and poignant and the way in which Annie brings Simon out of his dark despair is beautifully told. It might be a little annoying not having Simon "spill his guts" to Annie, but it is not hard not to simpathize with him and realize that he can't bring himself to discuss his past easily, specially with kind of "guilt" he is carrying. As the story develops, Annie realizes why he is so frustrating and elusive and she comes to relize how much Simon has fallen in love with her and she with him. I was a little put off prior to reading it, due to the negative reviews I had read. However, the reader shouldn't put too much confidence in an author's previous writings - they should just enjoy the story and its developments and not be swayed by such high standards. It really spoils it for the rest of us who have an open mind.

I had not read Samantha James before this novel--and now I will be reading all of her books! Simon Blackwell has a dark past...so dark and so painful that he cannot believe in love. He cannot let himself ever love again. Our heroine Annabel finds herself in a compromising position with him and suddenly she is married to this handsome, dark and secretive man. Simon, an honorable man, can allow himself to marry but not to love. I found myself turning the pages--no there is not much physical action between the two main characters--but what there is, is sizzle. And you so many sparks that you cannot help but continue on with this book. The writing is very poetic and sensual. If you want a good story I recommend this book!

Samantha James does not disappoint with this one. I loved the book from start to finish and I didn't feel that it took too long to reveal the "secret tragedy" in Simon's life as did some other reviewers. It was midway thru the book and there were plenty of hints and clues about what happened throughout the beginning of the story, so that it was mostly obvious and all that was missing was the exact details. I enjoyed both Simon and Annie so much and loved the development of their relationship during the course of the book. It wasn't frustrating or boring to read at all and kept me flipping pages quickly. Plus the epilogue at the end was a wonderful addition and finished it off well, with a great happy ever after, b/c honestly, isn't that why we read romance novels in the first place?

This book is heartwarming and special--oh, so special. I loved Annabelle's fire, her relationship with her cousin Caro, and her mother and brothers too. But that makes it all the more difficult when she finds herself wed to Simon Blackwell (trust me, it's not trite). Simon is a man who's gone into self-imposed exile after the death of his wife and family. Anne is just the lady to pull him out of his funk and make him start dealing with life again. I found it fascinating watching this hero's journey from a man who barely existed, to a man who won my heart (and Anne's!)a hundred times over. Ms. James' writing is masterful as we watch the layers around Simon peel back little by little until Anne finds the man she always knew she could love. And when they do get together . . . wow. I loved this book, absolutely adored it. It's a keeper, no question. I gather it's the beginning of a series. Can't wait for the next installment! Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it or you'll regret it.