For generations, every Frankenstein has found their true love and equal, unlocking lifetimes of blissful wedded adventure. Clever, pretty (and odd) Angelika Frankenstein has run out of suitors and fears she may become the exception to this family rule. When assisting in her brother Victor’s ground-breaking experiment to bring a reassembled man back to life, she realizes that having an agreeable gentleman convalescing in the guest suite might be a chance to let a man get to know the real her. For the first time, Angelika embarks upon a project that is all her own.
When her handsome scientific miracle sits up on the lab table, her hopes for an instant romantic connection are thrown into disarray. Her resurrected beau (named Will for the moment) has total amnesia and is solely focused on uncovering his true identity. Trying to ignore their heart-pounding chemistry, Angelika reluctantly joins the investigation into his past, hoping it will bring them closer. But when a second suitor emerges to aid their quest, Angelika wonders if she was too hasty inventing a solution. Perhaps fate is not something that can be influenced in a laboratory? Or is Will (or whatever his name is!) her dream man, tailored for her in every way? And can he survive what was done to him in the name of science, and love?
Release Date: Sep 6, 2022
Heat Level: Sensual
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Price: $10.99
Surprising and emotional, Sally Thorne does it again.
Thorne latest standalone was a bit of a surprise to me. Firstly, this is Thorne’s first foray into historical romance with a paranormal twist. Secondly, I almost didn’t make it past the first chapter. Yet, there’s a reason I love this author and I was willing to give her another chapter to hook me, which she did. This book is worth the push.
Angelika is a character that I could root for. Her loneliness, desire, and emotional turmoil are so pivotal in this story and dragged me in. My emotions were as topsy-turvy as hers when faced with all the decisions she had to make. There were times I disliked her as much as I was pleased by her gaining not only one potential suitor, but three. I won’t tell you who.
As usual, Thorne shines with her characterization and creating an entire cast that feels real enough you want to reach in and smack someone or hug them. From Angelika’s brother Victor to her made-match, Will (if that’s even his name), even the side characters in the village that play a role, all of them inspired an emotional response in me as if I was interacting with real people. I kept seeking more details and wanting to know more about everything.
The romance is still a high note with Angelika having plenty of competition for her affections, though I’ll say there were times I truly wondered if everything would work out. Thorne kept the tension ever present, but it’s definitely a romance and I got a satisfactory HEA.
What kept me from a five? Besides the hesitation at the beginning, there were a few elements of the story that sat oddly with me. While the story as a whole is fabulous, there were a few resolutions I desired to see more detail of.
Overall, if you enjoy monster romance and historicals this may be the match made in heaven for you. Also, for those who enjoy first-person POV.
~ Landra
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