The Fated Lover’s Line

With an inspired thread of palmistry, this is a uniquely different Regency period romance. The opening chapter leaves readers in little doubt that the romance that follows will be rocky and emotional; the characters despise each other yet cannot ignore the pull of destiny, as is foretold by the fated lover’s line on the palms of their hands.

Lord Ethan Manchester had decided to settle down to please his mother. He had chosen Megan Pennworthy because she seemed to suit this need. Sadly, whilst still newly betrothed, Megan treats him as a mere fashion accessory. Her attitude is that he is an attractive man who will increase her prestige. Years of meeting shallow women have left Ethan cynical and jaded. Ethan has never met a woman who could see past his looks and admire his less obvious qualities. Whilst attending a costume ball at his fiancée’s home, Ethan is lured by the folly of a fortune teller’s table. The girl is ridiculous and he mocks the idea of palmistry. In the middle of his reading, she turns white and runs off. Ethan is wondering if she has seen a misfortune that he should be aware of.

Sophia Pennworthy did not know that the tall, handsome blonde man was her sister’s betrothed. She was not prepared to see the rare marking on his palm. It was a mark that she had only seen once before; on her own palm was the matching other half of the heart. Sophia had steered clear of society events so that she would never meet the man of her destiny, the man that the fated lover’s line on her own palm had foretold. She had no wish ever to marry.

Both are powerless, even though they fight it. They are destined to be together, yet neither wants to hurt Megan. Sophia does not want to see Ethan again but lies awake at night as her body is tormented by the desire to be with him. Ethan is sure that Sophie uses black magic, so strong is his need to be with her. Ethan has always been proud of his self-control and refuses to admit that a mere woman could have any affect on him. He has no idea of the strength of the connection that ties him to Sophie and is determined to keep her at arm’s length. Even Ethan does not understand why he arranges to have her kidnapped and brought to him…

If you love historical romance do not miss this one! It is a keeper that you will read in one sitting, rapidly turning pages as you curse Ethan’s “control” and share Sophie’s inner emotional turmoil. Within her reach is an absolute ecstasy of certain love, yet she is constantly denied by circumstances and a pig-headed male. There are many unexpected events in Sophie’s adventure and readers will be surprised more than once as the story unfolds. Erotic moments are spicy but not graphic. The usage of palmistry increased my enjoyment of the story and makes the essence of this romance unforgettable. The traits of the fated lover’s line on Ethan and Sophie’s palms are expanded throughout their journey in a totally unpredictable manner. My one concern is that the author needs to do a little more research on the distances able to be covered by horse, but for this reader, an error in this regard did not distract from the story. I would absolutely recommend The Fated Lover’s Line and will be sure to buy future Claire Hope releases.

Reviewed by: Naomi