Heroine, Lady Daintry Tarrant is a forthright young woman, encouraged to be independent by her spinster aunt, Olivia. She has given several suitors the congé but now her father has her word that she will marry Lord Penthorpe when he returns from the war.There’s been a feud between the Tarrant and the Deverill families for years, but no one seems to know why. While hero, Lord Gideon Deverill and Daintry attempt to uncover the reason behind it, the plot revolves around Daintry’s sister, Susan, who is suffering at the hands of her brutal husband, Geoffrey. Susan has become submissive and bowed down, which well illustrates how little authority women had in those times, often with no help from patriarchal fathers and little aid from the law. I found it interesting and refreshing that Scott focused quite a lot of the story on this theme, although the developing romance does take second place at times.Daintry is outspoken and rails against the constraints placed upon her. She tries to aid her sister. Without giving away too much, something unspeakable happens to Daintry in the course of the story, and although I expected the gently raised young woman to show more emotion, it is a powerful scene.I didn’t warm to the hero immediately. I thought it silly when Gideon masquerades as his dead friend, Penthorpe, who was betrothed by proxy to Daintry before falling at Waterloo, and didn’t feel his reason justified it. He grew on me though. His complex relationship with his father gives us more insight into his character. All the secondary characters are well drawn. Scott creates a great sense of place too; she brings Cornwell vividly alive.When the underlying mystery of why Gideon and Daintry’s families had been feuding is solved, it seems a bit pat, but it quickly loses its relevance in the scheme of things and the story ends well. These are quibbles, I enjoyed the story, the author’s writing style impressed and I will read more of her books.
This is a nonstop historical fiction-nonfiction ride. There were so many twists and surprises that it was very hard to have to put it down. I enjoyed the mostly usual plots-married people playing around, war battles and couples who want each other to like the other. What really blew me away was the laws that applied to husbands and wives. I knew the husband had all the power but WOW, I didn't know how much power that was. Reading this book really put you into the role of observer as you watched their lives go by. If you like real life you definitely should not pass this book by. I have read a lot of Amanda's books but this one grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Enjoy!
What do You think about Dangerous Illusions (1994)?
At first glance this book gives you the impression of a romance novel - a young well-bred woman who is promised in marriage without her consent, a friend posing as the consort after he is killed in battle, and an unlikely romance. All this set on the back drop of the aftermath of the battle of Waterloo and society in the 1800's. The social mores of the time and the position of women and their lack of rights can be challenging at times. The characters are well thought out and the story is worthy. I enjoyed this powerful tale.
—Kerry
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....Amanda Scott's Dangerous Illusions is a romance, but one with some very clear underlying messages regarding the roles women have played throughout history. Admittedly, part of me enjoyed this approach but another part of me found it somewhat frustrating. On the one hand, I liked that Scott wasn't afraid to paint relationships that aren't all sunshine and roses. I think we tend to overlook the subjugation and suffering many women endured at the hands of their husbands, especially in fiction and applaud this author for having to nerve to go there in her work. On the other hand, however, I often felt this concept upstaged and undermined the romance between Gideon and Daintry, that their connection relied more on the fact that he isn't heavy handed and abusive than any real exchange of affection. Don't misunderstand, I enjoyed Scott's theme, but I really wanted to like this relationship more than I did. Not the sweeping romance I'd expected, but even so I consider the time I spent with this piece far from wasted. Dangerous Illusions is a thought-provoking read that offers readers a revealing glimpse into the past and by default, an certain appreciation for how far we've come.
—Erin
