Title: Almost Taken
Author: Isabel Mere
Published in April 2007 by Highland Press
Genre: Historical
ISBN: 978-0-9787139-2-8
Ava Fychon escapes the tradesmen her Uncle sold her to, and begins hunting for her siblings. Caught attempting to stowaway on a barge, she is brought before the vessel’s owner. Now, he holds her captive, though in a much nicer establishment but a prisoner nonetheless. After her bath she tells Lord Atherton about her uncle selling her in slavery, which he finds farfetched. In the morning the Lord’s sister arrives with clothing for Ava who refuses to wear any of the garments. Taking the matter into his own hands, the Lord enters Ava’s room demanding to see her back; revealing the wounds from the previous captor’s flogging. Even with the assurances that no such treatment will befall her while under their protection, Ava still attempts to leave the Lord’s manor. She is caught while writing a thank note for their hospitality. Lord Atherton convinces Ava to stay offering his help since he is able to go places that many women cannot. She accepts while informing him of her sister, Mairwen and her brother Ithel, who were also sold into slavery by their uncle. Lord Atherton suggests she stay with his elderly Aunt Geneve, who will welcome her company, while he makes discreet inquiries about her siblings.
Known as Lord Atherton, Deran’s life is turned upside down since Ava’s arrival. First watching her shiver in his doorway as the men describe her attempt to stowaway on one his ships, and then watching her sleep after bathing in front of the fireplace. Deran is mesmerized by her gentle beauty but suppresses those thoughts believing her just a child. Waking her Deran suggests they get on with their questioning. The telling of her plight leaves Deran dubious - slavery has been illegal for over 10 years. Escorting her to his Aunt’s Deran remembers their kiss that also declares Ava’s age; her well-formed feminine form against his body tells she is no mere child. Ava notices water and a boat that has Deran giving in to her request to stop. She tears as the watery scene reminds her homeland, Wales. Her forlorn emotion has Deran offering comfort in his arms; affording him improper liberties like kissing her again. Resuming their travels, his need rears again as he pulls Ava into another kiss, causing their lust to soar. Upon arriving at his Aunt’s house the Duchess Barclay, takes Ava in hand; with promises of a new wardrobe and having her hair done properly. The Duchess’ warm though domineering acceptance leaves Ava speechless.
Deran is frazzled after returning from his Aunt’s. His libido is on full alert since the girl arriving on his doorstep. He cannot help but remember their racy embrace in the carriage. He swore long ago to never marry as he privately asserts that Ava is not going to change that. Deran’s solicitor and friend, Max arrives with news of a man looking for a woman that fits Ava’s description however, the remainder of the information is not as enchanting; apparently she has committed murder and the man asking about her is setting a three thousand pound reward for her capture - dead or alive. On the following day, Deran meets up with his Aunt and Ava at the dressmaker’s. Draped in various materials Ava’s eyes implored Deran to rescue her from the unwanted attention. Looking over his Aunt’s material selections, Deran is not pleased as upon his cousin, Lord Rensleigh arrival Ava’s smile brightens. Deran is not pleased. Aunt Geneva notices her son’s interests, as well as her nephew’s in Ava; hoping Deran wins the girl’s hand. In the meantime she’ll just sit back and enjoy the goings on of young love.
Sir Edmond de la Pontoise’s appearance at Aunt Geneve’s has Ava sensing an ominous threat lurking near by. She does not recognize the man as he chats with her in a familiar tone. Sir Edmond informs Aunt Geneve that Ava is employed in his home but strayed away. Being in London for a week, he wishes for Ava to remain in Geneve’s care until his business is finished. Before he departs Sir Edmond leaves Ava with a warning; should she disappear her sister and brother will die. That evening Deran visits his Aunt, mostly to speak with Ava in private. He has information about the validity of her plight, but needs answers to some wuestions, Her fear for her brother and sister’s safety stops Ava from sharing any knowledge with him; even if that information can help in his furtive inquiries. Yet, she already has a plan that is waiting to take flight when the opportunity presences itself. Ava will find her siblings before Sir Edmond’s arrival at the end of the week. No one will ever know where she has gone, or so she believes.
Published by Highland Press, Almost Taken is set during 1895 London. It’s a suspenseful tale as a young woman attempts to rescue her siblings from slave traders. Ms. Mere’s characters are stout and genuine to this period story. Ava is a responsible and dedicated woman as she frantically searches for her sister and brother in the noble section of the city. Even with Deran’s promises to locate them she is impatience with the waiting so flees his Aunt’s home to search for them in the country workhouses. Deran Morissey, Earl of Atherton is a versatile man as he infiltrates the seedy side of London seeking information about the slave trade. On the following day he is the sole of nobility while in the presence of his Aunt, the Duchess of Barclay. Ms. Mere fully captures the horrors of children forced to labor long hours in dangerous workhouses, bringing an authenticity to the story. Readers will enjoy adding this book to their historical romance collection.
A dedicated reader,
Pamela Jenewein
Polly McCrillis aka Isabel Mere Higland Bio Buy Almost Taken at Amazon Books
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