Memories Made at Midnight
Collette Cameron
Historical Regency
A perilous journey ignites passion between an artist and an heiress
Cassius Westbrook, the youngest twin son of a duke, has no desire to bask in the societal privileges his birth affords him. Choosing the arduous path of an artist in Brighton over the complications of love and marriage, he dedicates his enthusiasm to his artwork instead of romance. However, his steadfast resolve falters when he is hired to paint a miniature for the enchanting Beatrice Fairfax. Her guardian uncle intends to use this portrait to secure a wealthy suitor for the orphaned heiress, a notion that Cassius finds detestable, yet he agrees to the commission.
Beatrice Fairfax, heiress to a modest fortune, is resolute in her decision never to marry. Scarred by her mother’s scandalous affair and her own disheartening encounters with men, she dedicates herself to an independent yet solitary future, expanding her animal rescue sanctuary and traveling the world. But her uncle harbors sinister designs on her fortune, determined to bend her to his will by any means necessary, including forcing her into an arranged marriage. His machinations lead Beatrice to seek Cassius’s aid, igniting a desperate flight from Brighton to London.
As these two people from opposite worlds journey together, their forced proximity fans the flames of an unexpected attraction, challenging both to navigate their feelings and reconsider their futures. Will they seize this chance, or will the shadows of their pasts and the dangers of the present keep them apart? Dive into their tumultuous tale and discover if love can indeed conquer all.
Uncaged Review: A great read by Collette Cameron, who never ceases to entertain. I was attached to the characters almost at once, with Beatrice living under the rule of her awful Uncle, waiting on the time she can get her inheritance. But her Uncle is scheming, and hires Cassius to paint a miniature so he can find her a husband. Cassius sees how Beatrice is treated, and during one of their sessions, she confides in Cassius about her inheritance. Cassius’ family has ties to the solicitors that Beatrice’s family uses, so he asks his family to look into it. That’s when the book takes a dangerous turn, when Cassius tells Beatrice the truth about her inheritance and Uncle.
There is plenty of danger, and two people who vowed not to love, find that they can’t stop their hearts. All Beatrice wants is to take care of her pets, and Cassius vows not to love again after being dumped in the past. But through all the danger, they find that love won’t stop, and they will need to fight their way to a HEA. And the epilogue is a great touch. Reviewed by Cyrene
5 Stars
