As the product of a bi-racial union, Zoe Bouchard is objectified her entire life. While accompanying her younger sister to visit a suitor, Comte Julien de la Roque, Zoe is not surprised when he sets his sights on her instead. What is surprising however is that Zoe is also drawn to him. Julien is captivated by Zoe the moment he first laid eyes on her and selfishly hopes by taking her innocence she will become his possession. When Zoe gives in to his advances, Julien is the captor but during their coupling he loses his heart to Zoe. Deathly afraid of being in love; Julien offers to make Zoe his mistress and not his wife. Giving in to Julien proves to be a mistake but to an extent Zoe never imagines. Her life spirals out of control with the loss of her family and her freedom. It’s only through Julien’s eventual realization that his stupidity and cowardice will cost him something he holds more precious than his own life, Zoe, that he finally runs to her rescue accepting that losing himself to someone he loves is not really losing at all.
Set in the early 1800s in France, Zoe by T.A. Ford is a truly inspiring story that resonated with me. I grew close to the characters as their story unfolded. This interracial romance is particularly interesting because it takes place during a time when society frowned on and even saw such unions as illegal. The obstacles this couple face reads like it should be on a big screen and the author does an excellent job bringing it all to life. The splendor of Julien’s home is made vivid in one’s imagination, the beautiful gowns the women wear, and the characters themselves are richly drawn and come alive as the story develops. There is so much going on in Zoe that readers will be enthralled and unwilling to stop reading to the very end. I generally enjoy reading contemporary romances but this historic romance is extremely good. Julien is such a rogue taking advantage of Zoe, but the tables are turned when he falls in love with her. Zoe’s character faces many adversities but through it all she remains strong and her sense of worth does not suffer despite all the pain and humiliation she faces. These two lovers come from very sordid pasts but they manage to not recreate that history in their union by deciding to love openly despite the criticism from society. Shame on Julien for not coming to his senses sooner but at least he did in time to save Zoe from a fate worse than death. Sheridan’s character is like the devil personified but the novel would not be the same without this villain. His brand of evil adds an element of suspense that heightens the anticipation of seeing what his next move will be. Zoe’s step-mother is another villain of a startling nature. The crimes she commits against Zoe and her mother are unpardonable and she deserves the fate meted out to her in the end. Overall, I found this a very engrossing novel and these characters will remain among my favorites for a long time. The sizzle factor is also pretty hot as Zoe and Julien are very passionate people. Readers of any genre will enjoy this story because it is well told and attention-grabbling. I also read Aaren by T.A. Ford which is another good work by the author.
Filed Under: Books, Recommended Reads
Tagged: historical, interracial, romance, sensual romance
This is a classically written and beautifully landscaped novel about forbidden love, honor binding, and mistakes forgiving. I adore this book. I read it in paperback form and refuse to put it down when it ended. It’s truly one of my all time favorite. The love scenes are, for lack of a better word, exquisite and tastefully done, bravo to the writer on that accord as she could have gone a completely different way but that would have ruined to point of the story. A must read!