Between the Devil and Ian Eversea
Julie Anne Long

Genre:
Historical
Heat Level: Hot
Rating:

She might look like an angel . . .

The moment orphaned American heiress Titania "Tansy" Danforth arrives on English shores she cuts a swath through Sussex, enslaving hearts and stealing beaux. She knows she's destined for a spectacular titled marriage—but the only man who fascinates her couldn't be more infamous . . . or less interested.

But it takes a devil to know one . . .

A hardened veteran of war and inveterate rogue, Ian Eversea keeps women enthralled, his heart guarded and his options open: why should he succumb to the shackles of marriage when devastating good looks and Eversea charm make seduction so easy?

And Heaven has never been hotter!

When Ian is forced to call her on her game, he never dreams the unmasked Tansy— vulnerable, brave, achingly sensual—will tempt him beyond endurance. And fight as he will, this notorious bachelor who stood down enemies on a battlefield might finally surrender his heart . . . and be brought to his knees by love.

Review

Whoever said Historicals are dead hasn’t read Julie Anne Long…

I’ve been waiting for Ian’s story ever since the Duke of Moncrieff sent him running from a woman’s bedroom naked. I can honestly say this book was worth the wait.

Enter the beautiful Titania ‘Tansy’  Danforth. Side note: the Duke of Moncrieff gave Genevieve the Titian Venus to prove his love, while Ian was felled by one.

I didn’t like her at first. Couldn’t stand her desperate desire for attention, for recognition and then to find out her reasons…. I forgave her. This is character is a surprise all wrapped in a mask she presents to the world, since she’s afraid of being hurt by it. You can’t be hurt by what you control. Our dear Ian would heartedly agree.

He’s not fooled by Tansy at all, and finds her the least bit attractive because he sees through her act. Yet when he calls her out, she does the same for him. The game is a foot, but neither Tansy or Ian are sure who’s supposed to be winning. All I know is one thing: if Ian ruins Tansy then he’s bound to find himself staring at the end of the Duke of Moncrieff’s pistol, since Tansy is his ward. Tansy on the other hand is searching for a man who can love, lose gracefully, fight for those he cares about, has a few interesting scars, kisses like her can live without her, and makes her feel more alive than anyone ever before has. I’m not sure if Ian Eversea is capable, but the man claims to make ladies ‘see stars’.

Also, I have to give Long an award for using the term syphilis in such a way that I laughed out loud and couldn’t stop for a good while.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Ian and Tansy’s start was a bit rough and ragged, but it leaves way for miraculous things. If anyone needed to redeem himself it was Ian Eversea, and a devil is a surefire way to do it.

Reviewed by Landra