A member of the elite group of peers known as The Lords of Vice, Gabriel “Reign” Housely, the Earl of Rainecourt, is well known among the ton. Despite his good looks and wealth he has lived with the shadows of his past from his tragic childhood to the unforgettable death of his first wife. The mysterious circumstances that surround his late wife’s demise have him rumored to be a murderer and most of society in fear of him. Reign has closed himself off emotionally since that horrible night. He couldn’t care less about making any future connections and courting respectable ladies as long as he is left alone to enjoy his vices.
Reign and Sophia’s paths are intertwined when Reign commandingly sweeps her onto the ballroom floor despite her hesitancy, oblivious to her disability. Sophia is compelled by the stranger who has her in his arms in spite of his forceful nature and aloof attitude, as she senses it is a protective stance to block out the sadness within. She is even more captivated by him when he treats her as any normal lady after he realizes her condition. Even as she becomes aware of who he is and that he is considered an enemy by her brothers because of the darkness that surrounds his family and hers, she holds no ill will towards him. It is her quiet resolve and determination as much as her angelic appearance that entrances Reign. When Sophia finds herself forced into a situation, Reign steps in to save her and thus begins their journey. However, their bond may not be enough to overcome the darkness from their past that is threatening to overshadow them.
TILL DAWN WITH THE DEVIL had all the makings of an excellent romance. The plot was well rounded, the dialogue witty and the story engaging. The tragedy from the past that intertwines the two main characters and the facets that are revealed about it along the way adds a continued element of surprise until the end. Alexandra Hawkins delivered passion, intrigue, conflict and two wonderfully flawed characters that were a delight to discover. The way that Ms. Hawkins portrayed the heroine’s resolve in spite of her disability was fantastic, and I loved that it did not affect the hero’s treatment of her. This is actually the second installment of her LORDS OF VICE. I can’t wait to read the other lords’ stories as they appear to be every bit as appealing as their comrade.
