The story in this historical involved a photographer and a suffragette and blackmail and betrayal. Very well written but I really didn't get the reasoning behind the blackmail. But a very sexy read with believable characters. (Grade: B-) ( )

Callie Rivers is the figurehead of the woman's suffrage movement and is happy with her dedication to the cause. Until she bumps into portrait photographer Hadrian St. Claire. Hadrian St. Claire, formerly Harry Stone, is trying desperately to leave his past behind. Unfortunately some bad debts have put him in fear for his life and when he is commissioned to produce a damaging portrait of Callie Rivers he can't turn the job down. But as Callie and Hadrian get closer to each other will they discover something worth more to them than causes and money?

When I started off reading Vanquished I wasn't so sure it would be a story I enjoyed. Although the writing was good I feared the storyline would turn out to be something I really wouldn't like. However, I was surprised to find that as the book progressed I began to enjoy the characters more and more. That fact that the history of the story was based on actual events was an added allure. There was particularly gaping hole in the story near the beginning which I think could have been better addressed (I'm sure you could probably guess should you read the book) and left me rather hesitant to read on, but I am quite happy I did. This certainly isn't a novel driven by bedroom scenes, but the ones that are in the book are quite steamy. This book turned out better than I expected although the ending certainly wasn't what I thought it would be and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other readers of historical romance. ( )