Ravished

Giles St. Justin, Lord Bantam, lives as a recluse after being scarred and accused of murder years ago. His solitude is disrupted when fossil collector Harriet Pomeroy requests his help investigating cave robberies along the coast. Despite their different social positions and temperaments, Harriet and Giles form an alliance to solve the mystery. Their investigation leads them through dangerous situations and criminal encounters in Victorian-era England. The unlikely pair must navigate both the physical dangers of their quest and the complexities of their growing relationship. Their partnership challenges the social expectations and conventions of their time. This Gothic-tinged historical romance explores themes of trust, redemption, and the courage to look beyond surface appearances. The combination of fossil hunting, mystery, and romance creates an unconventional take on the Victorian romance genre.

Readers consistently rate this romance novel 4+ stars for its blend of mystery, archaeology, and romance set in Victorian England. Readers praise: - The witty banter between leads - Strong-willed female protagonist who defies societal norms - Balanced mix of romance and suspense elements - Unique fossil-hunting backdrop - Lack of typical romance novel misunderstandings Common criticisms: - Predictable plot points - Some find the ghost story subplot unrealistic - Secondary characters could be more developed - Romance scenes are tame compared to modern standards Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (200+ reviews) Sample reader quote: "The heroine isn't a damsel in distress waiting to be saved - she's intelligent and capable while still being historically accurate" - Goodreads reviewer Most readers recommend it as an entry point to Amanda Quick's works.

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🌟 "Ravished" was published in 1992 during the height of Amanda Quick's popularity as a historical romance novelist 🦕 The fossil-hunting elements in the novel were inspired by the real-life discoveries of Mary Anning, a pioneering female paleontologist in the early 1800s ✒️ Amanda Quick is actually a pen name for Jayne Ann Krentz, who also writes contemporary romance under her real name and futuristic romance as Jayne Castle 🏰 The book's setting in a small coastal town during the Regency period reflects the author's extensive research into smuggling operations along England's southern coast 💍 The novel helped popularize the "beast and beauty" trope in historical romance, where a scarred or intimidating hero is paired with an unconventional, intellectual heroine