If Jane Austen wrote Dracula it would be Winterly by Jeanine Croft.
It contained Regency Romance Without the Stuffiness – Emma and her sister Millie are great comparisons to the beloved sisters of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. However, unlike the careful modesty of Austen’s characters, Emma and Millie are far more human feeling in their longing. That very same longing is given into, sending them tumbling to the road that fate has laid before them.
Something dark is prowling the gaslit streets of London—a monster with a taste for the blood of young women. When her beloved sister is attacked by an unearthly creature, Emma Rose finds herself in a contract of exchange for her life that defies all laws of heaven. A contract with a vampire.
Her world is torn apart and the reality she had known and believed in is revealed to be a facade, just like the masks of a midnight vampire ball; a mask worn by Markus Winterly, the inimitable viscount and master of Winterthurse. Whether demon, vampire, or monster, Emma discovers that these names are just facets to an ancient being who defies mortal comprehension. Spanning centuries, lifetimes, and the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, Winterly takes her on a journey of self discovery where Emma awakens to the truth of her identity at last, and she comes to learn that the line separating light and dark is as tenuous as her humanity.
When she surrenders to the call of her blood, she finds where she belonged all along. And it was never in London, or even heaven, but in the arms of the devil himself.od, she finds where she belonged all along. And it was never in London, or even heaven, but in the arms of the devil himself.
It was Dracula as it should have been! We all know who we really wanted to win in the end of Dracula. Croft doesn’t leave us wanting with a love interest like viscount Markus Winterly. He is every bit the immortal tragic hero complete with lost love and centuries of angst. Dark eyes, a knowing look, and a love for bookish maidens with glasses – be still my heart.
The two balls in the book – the themed Full Moon Ball and the Masquerade on Midsummer – have all the feelings of Labyrinth’s dance scene. These scenes will leave you day dreaming for days with their romantic details. The romance doesn’t stop at the parties. The gothic settings could make a lady swoon even omitting the story. Castles, crypts, inns, and more complete with howling wolves, guttering candles, nightmares, sleep walking, and beds covered in red.
I loved its Steamy Love Scenes With Flowery Language – I get this might actually be a turn off for some people, however, I loved it. It was romantic and poetic without being gross with euphemism. Lines like “the swollen peaks that caged her maddened heart” and “With a mighty roar, the denouement came.” Y’all, I am weak for this sort of thing.
Then there were the villains I loved to hate! Trickery, lies, poison, and plot twists. Croft’s villains are good at what they do – event he reader is twisted about wondering who the real good guys are until the truth becomes clear. Even after we know who to direct our hatred towards, these heart thieves continue to twist the tale and lead our beloved couple apart. They make for a story I didn’t want to put down! I had to know what was going to happen to poor Emma, Millie, and Winterly!
This book was perfection. I’m left wondering what to do with myself until book 2 comes out. Nursing a book hangover is worth the cost though.