Review: The Solitary Rose

THE SOLITARY ROSE by Anne Rollins

Fiction, Paranormal Historical (Regency) Fiction

4****

Blurb: Henry Dawson, sorcerer and apothecary assistant, works to support his mother and younger siblings after his father’s investments and consequent death leave them penniless. Invited to woo a reclusive heiress with magical empathy, he reluctantly accepts, despite a preference for earning his own way. Emma Ainsworth fears smallpox scars and her hypersensitivity to others’ thoughts make her ineligible for marriage. Sheltered by her aunt and uncle, she has withdrawn from most social life and wears a veil whenever she must go out. When a serious injury confines Henry to Emma’s estate for the summer, a verbal duel ensues—Emma wants to test her empathy in a sexual relationship, not marry him. What neither admits is their fear that passion might burn them both.

Thoughts: I don’t read many Regency type romances, but I do read them. But this one threw a twist at me that I have not seen before – and I loved it! Magic. Wizardry. Witchcraft. Empaths. It completely caught me off guard (No, I didn’t read the blurb, just started reading the story.) The story also reminds me just a little of “Beauty and the Beast”, but in reverse. Henry is a penniless, gorgeous young man who is trying his best to support his mother, grandmother, and siblings. Emma is an heiress who is scarred from smallpox and thinks herself ugly. Her uncle has been pushing men at her to marry, but they are just after her money. Her uncle hires Henry to catalog the library – and marry her. But Henry and Emma do nothing but fight – at first. This is, after all a romance. 

I enjoyed the story and the paranormal enhancements just added to the enjoyment. 

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”