The Companion

Freethinking Elizabeth Rochewell, called Beth, has just buried her father, after an accident on an archaeological dig claimed his life. She is a woman alone in the Sahara Desert, with only her father’s partner and servants for protection, which will never do. The life of a scholar and explorer is all she’s ever known, but now she must travel home to England to observe the proprieties and take up residence with her aunt. Her matchmaking aunt can’t wait to foist Beth off as a wife to one of the many gentleman of the ton, even if Beth barely knows him.

Ian Rufford is a man of mystery and torment. He can’t understand what has happened - he is not at all himself. Haunted by the memories of his captivity and trapped by the legacy of his captor, he sets sail to England to find some answers. On the ship, he meets Beth and she cares for him in spite of his black moodiness. By accident, she discovers that he is unlike any man she’s ever known, and that his dark secrets have eternal consequences. From the ballrooms of England to the dangers of the desert, they must unite to fight and defeat a foe more terrifying than any of their wildest nightmares could produce.

The Companion is a lusty, dark romp that pits innocence against depravity and good against evil. Susan Squires shines in this wild, sexy ride as Ian fights his memories and hones his instincts. Beth is the voice of knowledge; he needs her to guide him to the place where he’ll do battle to save the world as he knows it. I especially enjoyed the scientific and mythical lore woven throughout this story, and the truly evil villainess was a force with which to be reckoned. Character development is excellent here, and readers will emote right along with Beth and Ian. The Companion was a passionately moving and lushly emotional tale, and one that begs the question - is love really strong enough to overcome anything in its path? Enjoy finding out, and learning the secrets Susan Squires has in store for you in The Companion.

Reviewed by: Michelle