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In a debut romance as passionate and sweeping as the British Empire, Meredith Duran paints a powerful picture of an aristocrat torn between two worlds, an heiress who dares to risk everything...and the love born in fire and darkness that nearly destroys them.

From exotic sandstone palaces...

Sick of tragedy, done with rebellion, Emmaline Martin vows to settle quietly into British Indian society. But when the pillars of privilege topple, her fiancé's betrayal leaves Emma no choice. She must turn for help to the one man whom she should not trust, but cannot resist: Julian Sinclair, the dangerous and dazzling heir to the Duke of Auburn.

To the marble halls of London...

In London, they toast Sinclair with champagne. In India, they call him a traitor. Cynical and impatient with both worlds, Julian has never imagined that the place he might belong is in the embrace of a woman with a reluctant laugh and haunted eyes. But in a time of terrible darkness, he and Emma will discover that love itself can be perilous -- and that a single decision can alter one's life forever.

Destiny follows wherever you run.

A lifetime of grief later, in a cold London spring, Emma and Julian must finally confront the truth: no matter how hard one tries to deny it, some pasts cannot be disowned...and some passions never die.

All are welcome. Plan to start Thursday!

Oh, I really want to read this one...

It’s really worth it .... hehe, join us

Joanna wrote: "It’s really worth it .... hehe, join us"

I'm thinking about it! How are you planning to do this? Just read at your own pace & post here?

I'm in, Joanna. I was planning to reread this anyway but I've never done this forum b-r. How does it work?

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Joanna wrote: "It’s really worth it .... hehe, join us"

I'm thinking about it! How are you planning to do this? Just read at your own pace & post here?"

Yep, not much to it :)..Just post where you’re at in the novel so we can avoid or read as we go. Sometimes I have done it where we try to pace ourselves and read about the same amount each day, but I don’t think we’ll do that this time. Due to schedule, I will probably read the bulk of it this weekend.

Bubu wrote: "I'm in, Joanna. I was planning to reread this anyway but I've never done this forum b-r. How does it work?"

Oh hey Bubu, welcome! I must have been sitting on this page for awhile before replyingto Sam! I think the only thing I would add to the above is that I would only feel spoiler tags are necessary if it gives details away for upcoming pages. It’ll be a reread for me too, but the first time for Sam and Lorien I believe. Otherwise just start your post with which chapter you’re at.

Nearly missed this. I had to turn on the notification for this thread lol :)

Will do. I really feel like rereading and I'm looking forward to it. Thanks :)

Bubu wrote: "Nearly missed this. I had to turn on the notification for this thread lol :)

Will do. I really feel like rereading and I'm looking forward to it. Thanks :)"

Me too! I was in need of a good reread. A whole lotta duds lately. I am looking forward to discussing with you all too.

I will join in too 😀

Lauren wrote: "I will join in too 😀"

Awesome. Welcome, Lauren!

Prologue & Chapter 1

I really like how the Prologue shows the heroine is a resilient character, a survivor. It also gives us insight into who she is and driving forces. She’s headed to India to get married, and she has had some reluctance on that part, but her parents really want the match. And then you see in Chapter 1 that her reservations toward marriage to Marcus are entirely founded. I enjoyed the meeting between the h&h.

Oh yay, glad to read with you guys. I’ve been saving this, and I’ll use it as my push to start...

I'll start this evening :) Can't wait! And strangely, this being my first forum b-r and my favourite MD book (along with Fool Me Twice), I'm really nervous.

Well, this will be difficult, I guess, seeing that some of us have already read it :) I'll put everything that may refer to events later under a spoiler tag.

Love this part:

“A lovely night,�� she said.
“Pleasant weather,�� he agreed, eliciting a startled laugh from her.

Typical, non-conversation and...

(view spoiler)[It reminds of, after meeting again years later, there always seemed something of a forced politeness between them, as if they both sit on powder kegs (hide spoiler)]

It is difficult! I was thinking oh how do I say this without displaying knowledge of the outcome. But yes, I agree I liked their interaction. They are not what the other expects.

Prologue -- Chapter 2
Joanna wrote: "Prologue & Chapter 1

I really like how the Prologue shows the heroine is a resilient character, a survivor. It also gives us insight into who she is and driving forces. She’s headed to India to ge..."
I agree Joanna...
I have noticed how she's definitely setting Emma apart-out of sync kind of feeling. Not just like a character who "doesn't fit," but you can feel she doesn't fit (doesn't care what goes on around her at a party), hates small talk:
"You are singular."
"Yes," she said quietly. "I'm afraid so."
Though Julian is impressively in step with her-noticing she appears to not look well & when he accidentally intimated about the affair...

Other observation:I'm finding it witty.

It is witty, and just the right amount of details on culture and setting. Not overbearing, but paints a picture well.

I got my package after work tonight.
I'll probably have a bit of time to start it tonight.

Joanna wrote: "It is witty, and just the right amount of details on culture and setting. Not overbearing, but paints a picture well."
Yes, I feel the heat and see the colors but it's not bogged down at all.

@Bubu-NEXT TIME I'll be able to read all those thoughts.

Lorien wrote: "I got my package after work tonight.
I'll probably have a bit of time to start it tonight."

Awesome 😎 I was wondering if you had gotten your package.

Oh dear, there you see? I reread one of my favourites and get carried away. I'm at chapter 7.

I'll put my thoughts so far under the spoiler tag
(view spoiler)[Every time I read this book again, I have to pinch myself to remind me that this is her début novel! What an interesting way to get Emma and Julian together by showing their loneliness in a world that won't accept them. Her description of India (they are in the village now) is so vivid and respectful.

Also, interesting conversation between Emma and Julian whether this is a mutiny or a struggle for independence. We know better now, of course, but well done MD for not using history as a mere wallpaper.

Julian, oh Julian. Swooning here.

Okay,, I'll stop now. (hide spoiler)]

I am in the middle of Chapter 3 and I am enjoying learning more about Julian and how he is caught between two worlds with no real place.

“I will be the Duke of Auburn,�� he said, and she had the strangest thought that he was not pleased by that eventuality. “But it is an English title, you know. It gives me no claims to Indian soil.��

Emma shook her head. “I’ve never encountered such talk.��

He was considering her in turn, his expression pensive. “No, I don’t suppose you have.��


And then later, encountering the insolence of Deven.

“If you do not take the money, I will be forced to go and give it to Nani-ji myself.��

His cousin’s face lit with rage. “She has told you not to come back.��

“I will have no choice.��

A sneer corrupted Deven’s mouth. “You will shame us so?��

Shame. Was that what his existence now signified to his grandmother?


I know I am in an emotional frame of mind right now, but I am getting very emotionally invested with this story. Julian’s warnings to the English and his Indian family, with neither treating his warnings with any respect. Poor Julian.

Bubu wrote: "Oh dear, there you see? I reread one of my favourites and get carried away. I'm at chapter 7.

I'll put my thoughts so far under the spoiler tag
Every time I read this book again, I have to pinch m..."

Haha, no worries. I will probably get to 5 this morning, another couple tonight, and read the bulk of it tomorrow.

Joanna wrote: "Prologue & Chapter 1

I really like how the Prologue shows the heroine is a resilient character, a survivor. It also gives us insight into who she is and driving forces. She’s headed to India to ge..."

I also like Emmaline a lot. She has spine!
I can't wait for her to put (view spoiler)[Marcus in his place, the racist jerk! (hide spoiler)]

Joanna wrote: "It is witty, and just the right amount of details on culture and setting. Not overbearing, but paints a picture well."

Yes, the setting is developed well without being too much. I've already gone to the Wkipedia to look some stuff up.

Lauren wrote: "Joanna wrote: "Prologue & Chapter 1

I really like how the Prologue shows the heroine is a resilient character, a survivor. It also gives us insight into who she is and driving forces. She’s headed..."

He really is awful!

I didn't realise you guys were doing this BR! (Frantically trying to read my RAA Challenge books for January before I go back to work)
I loved this book- my introduction to MD. Do you mind if I join in? Would be starting tomorrow (27th)

Ursula wrote: "I didn't realise you guys were doing this BR! (Frantically trying to read my RAA Challenge books for January before I go back to work)
I loved this book- my introduction to MD. Do you mind if I joi..."

Of course not! Welcome.

The more the merrier. Welcome, Ursula :)

Regarding Marcus: I think he is the one weak link in the book. That he's an arrogant, racist, philandering bastard is one thing, but I think MD overdid his role as a villain just that tiny little bit where it starts to grate.

(view spoiler)[When he hits Emmaline or where he leaves her alone when the mutiny starts. Not to mention all the things that are to come later. (hide spoiler)]

Not that someone can't be that bad but it's as if he has to be the extra bad, bad, baddie, bad villain. Almost like a caricature.

Bubu wrote: "The more the merrier. Welcome, Ursula :)

Regarding Marcus: I think he is the one weak link in the book. That he's an arrogant, racist, philandering bastard is one thing, but I think MD overdid hi..."

I agree. His character is somewhat over-the-top. Though as a plot device, I can understand focusing our attention on one baddie. (view spoiler)[ I do think him hitting her was in character. Duran is showing him to be on king of the world in his position, with all the liaisons, for example, and this one person directly connected to him is a loose cannon. The leaving her alone is a bit far, and the later things are a big stretch. (hide spoiler)]

Almost done with ch 6, and not much to say but…swooning

And here @ 30% (Ch 7 I think)

Such a lovely, delicate exchange: (view spoiler)[

"They must have loved you as well, to accompany you here, to want to see you safely arrived.��

She blinked. “I suppose. Sometimes—sometimes I doubt it. I think of all the things I did wrong—that I still do wrong. I was never the dutiful daughter. Always in trouble. I couldn’t sit still, I wasn’t obedient—��

“You were theirs,�� he murmured. “You were perfect because you were theirs.��

She tried to smile; he saw the effort. But her lips were trembling. She covered her mouth with one hand. “I suppose.��

“You know.��

“I know,�� she said softly, and took one large step forward before coming up short.



. (hide spoiler)]

Bubu wrote: "Oh dear, there you see? I reread one of my favourites and get carried away. I'm at chapter 7.

I'll put my thoughts so far under the spoiler tag
Every time I read this book again, I have to pinch m..."

Lol, B. you need a "safe for new readers" or "new readers beware" spoiler

I read these ones. I completely agree. We were maybe swooning around the same point.

I’m home from work today so I’m starting this.

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "I’m home from work today so I’m starting this."

Yeah! I think you'll like it. It sort of reminds of Rangoon, but I like the romance here much better.

I'll slow down a little now, I think, seeing that we have at least two people who haven't started yet.

@ Joanna: About Marcus: (no reference to future events)
(view spoiler)[Him hitting her is in character but I still believe it's OTT. To hit her while they're at a ball? But Marcus's characterisation is my only gripe with the book (hide spoiler)]

@ Sam: Ah bollocks, sorry! I'll add if the spoiler refers to future events or not.

The passage you quoted is wonderful. Shows the subtlety of the author's writing, imo. That's her style in a nutshell

@ Andrea: Woot! Welcome :)

Her style is delightful!
I might not slow down... I might have to go back to reread :)

Chapter 8: Again no references to future developments

(view spoiler)[I just reread my original review and saw that I had mentioned that there were many moments I could have quoted.

As much as I can swoon over Julian all day long, Emma is such a brilliant woman. You ladies probably know how much I dislike these wannabe feisty heroines who are all 21st century women sent back in time. Emma, after having survived the sinking of the ship and not sure if she'll survive the uprising, takes what she can, knowing this might be her only chance. And I am with her every step of the way, I understand her wish. And this:

He glanced back up to her face. “God, you are beautiful.��
She did not feel anything so boring as beautiful. She felt fierce.

So wonderfully put. (hide spoiler)]

Okay, I've finished the first part now and will stop (promise) as I really do want to read the second part with you all :) I'll comment on anything from Part 1 but no further until we're more or less on the same page.

My general thoughts on Part 1: If only there were more MD's who can write like her, building a world outside of England and make me see, feel and smell the world she created. Julian and Emma slowly falling for each other...sigh. Emma...sigh. Julian...sigh, sigh, sigh!

The end of Part 1....heartbreaking.

I have started 7 and plan to read to the end of Chapter 8/Part 1... I will be in the car for 6+ hours tomorrow so I may end up reading the rest then. It depends on how social I am in the car.

@Bubu I see your point on the timing/ setting. It doesn't quite fit.

I agree with Joanna that this book reminds of Rangoon.

The book also reminds me of HR This Fiery Splendor and HF Shadow of the Moon, both are set in the period of the Sepoy Rebellion.

Btw, I’ve read that the while the rest of the world refer to this as the “Sepoy Rebellion,�� people in India refer to it as the first fight for independence

ch 9
Bubu wrote: "Chapter 8: Again no references to future developments

I just reread my original review and saw that I had mentioned that there were many moments I could have quoted.

As much as I can swoon over J..."

I adored that as well.

I agree too, I'm all sorts of feeling Emma. Where it might feel anachronistic, how she's developed as a survivor, and even in reference to my prior quote, the sense that she's never been as expected make it work well for me.

Only a quote from the first part and the reason why I swoon over Julian. Well, one of the reasons :)

(view spoiler)[

There was a minute, silvered scar at the base of her chin. He had never noticed it. It made him feel ignorant. Impatient as well. There was so much to be said and asked between them. Being with her felt like charting the sea: there were marvels beneath, and they lured him, and he wondered whether he ever might reach the bottom.

(hide spoiler)]

I'm about to start chapter 5, good so far, the dance in the hall way was super sweet.

Lorien wrote: "I'm about to start chapter 5, good so far, the dance in the hall way was super sweet."

Agreed. This IS good.

Yes! It was! Lots of great wooing and romance...

At 53%/ chapter 12 and cringing....
ETA : Finished chapter 12 and ...I'll spoiler
(view spoiler)[ Got a little heavy for me, if the fact that after I finished I started making a 'Missed Connections' post for Julian and Emma in my head.
"I looked for you..."

Seriously, I find the whole missed opportunity / ships passing in the night thing one of the saddest, most frustrating things. This book magnified that by 11.

Also, my goodness, how he approached her was perfect I was nervous about it (hide spoiler)]

Haha, I thought I was in Chapter 7, but I was in 6. I think I highlighted half the chapter! I loved their interactions after they were outside the city.

“Emmaline. I am sorry. I am . . . overwrought.�� His laughter was unsteady. “And there’s a phrase I’ve never used before. At least not in reference to myself.��


An unwilling smile curved her mouth. “I hope you won’t swoon. I don’t carry smelling salts.��


And so many other lovely moments came after this.

Part of the appeal of this story is how all their defenses are down and they can just be real with each other. It's raw and true.


"But you are beautiful,�� he said. “Don’t you know it? A very rare kind of beauty, Emmaline. Your spirit is as lovely as your face.��

Joanna wrote: "Haha, I thought I was in Chapter 7, but I was in 6. I think I highlighted half the chapter! I loved their interactions after they were outside the city.

“Emmaline. I am sorry. I am . . . overwroug..."

I finished ch 6: good chapter! agreed!

I had to stop reading because my eyes are dry and gritty. Ugh!

Bubu wrote: "Chapter 8: Again no references to future developments

I just reread my original review and saw that I had mentioned that there were many moments I could have quoted.

As much as I can swoon over J..."

I agree. Emma is just as much of a pull in this story as Julian.