Untouched

Untouched is a standalone by Anna Campbell. This was one of my romanceopoly picks and this has also been a book on my TBR that has been so long and I finally got to this story and it was completely bonkers but simply delightful. I just had so much fun with this book and it was so different from what I was expecting. But so fascinated to see where the author went with this one. I think those that enjoy darker or edgier elements in historical romance will really enjoy this one. So if you are fans of Kerrigan Byrne, then this is one that you need to read.

What impressed me the most about this one was seeing how this couples comes together early on in the story and fight against their enemy. The blurb I know sounds CRAZY and it kinda is, but show more its the kinda crazy that you can get behind. So basically the set up is the hero was sick as a child, and his uncle claimed him "mad" so that he could get a hold of his fortune. He is one of the wealthiest lords in the Ton but for some reason he hasn't been able to find anyone that believes him over his uncle and is a prisoner. His uncle kidnaps a widow to be his "mistress" to keep him under control. So the hero and heroine decide to work together to bring down his uncle.

Untouched was such a pivoting read and I was all into this book. It was super atmospheric and had a gothic feel to the story and I really enjoyed the vibe of the story. It was so unique and different than what I have read in historical's lately, so it just had such a refreshing feel to the story. The hero is more alpha in some aspects but is also so attentive to the heroine. I love how he is with her, and the way that these two become such a team. The heroine was wonderful in this one, in what she is willing to sacrifice for him. The stakes are high in this one, and the plot was so well fleshed out in this one.

I do think fans of edgier romance need to give this one a try! Its a super superb read that just had me fully invested! show less

Untouched
3 Stars

Mistaken for a prostitute and kidnapped, Grace Paget finds herself in a remote country manor where she is told to service a prisoner with a history of insanity or die. Matthew Lansdowne is determined to never give his despicable uncle the satisfaction of participating in his malicious games, but Grace tempts him like nothing else can. Together Grace and Matthew must face the harsh circumstances in which they find themselves and perhaps find a measure of happiness in their shared desires … while they still can…

Starts out really well but languishes in the middle and the ending is too drawn out.

Grace and Matthew are both likable as individuals - she is spirited and sympathetic while he is sexy and tortured (just the show more way I like ‘em). Unfortunately, what little chemistry they have feels forced given the setting and the sex scenes come across as mechanical rather than sensual.

The villains evoke much stronger emotions. The revolting Monks and Filey are enough to make anyone’s skin crawl and Matthew’s Uncle John is repugnant. However, the fact that John manages to escape the punishment he so richly deserves by committing suicide is another strike against the book.

The ending is also problematic as Grace decides to be self-sacrificing despite Matthew’s obvious love for her, and gives him the opportunity to sow his wild oats before committing herself to him - really?! The man gets down on his knees and begs you to marry him and you walk away *sigh*

All in all, a disappointing read. Nevertheless, given the abundance of rave reviews there is obviously something about Untouched that appeals to many readers so take my review with a grain of salt. show less

**Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques**

Awaking from a laudanum induced sleep to find oneself bound to a table in a room with a strange man is enough to frighten any woman out of her wits. Especially when the stranger she is locked up with professes his own madness at every turn. But something about the odd Lord Sheene touches Grace Paget in a way her late husband never truly did, and she soon realizes they are both victims in a diabolical plot against the lonely young Lord.

Matthew Sheene refuses to play into his greedy Uncle's latest nefarious scheme, starring the beautiful but surely devious woman that has been delivered to him for his `use'. The winsome Grace must surely be an actress of the highest caliber, as he finds himself almost show more believing her story of being kidnapped off the street and ordered by her abductors to play the part of his strumpet.

But if Grace fails to seduce the reluctant Lord Sheene, her captors will punish her with torture and death. And her time is running out...

Australian author Anna Campbell blew me away with her first novel, Claiming the Courtesan. With a no-holds-barred approach to romance and story-telling, she quickly made a name for herself as a writer who delivers a story as she sees it, no catering to what she thinks the public wants, no apologies. Guess what? It worked. She continues in that same vein with her newest release, Untouched, bringing her fans a story that is just as unforgettable and heart-rending as her previous book.

Heart-rending is something else that Ms. Campbell does very well. This author knows how to run every emotion the reader has through the wringer. I defy anyone to say they finished one of her novels with dry eyes. That said, she also knows just how to kiss and make it better with happy endings that are all the more meaningful because of the trials her hero and heroine have suffered along the road to true love and happiness.

Matthew is something quite unexpected - a man who has been a victim most of his life, but nevertheless rises to the lofty position of stalwart hero when the situation calls for it. He is noble, intelligent, and caring, despite the maltreatment he has endured for the last decade at the hands of his uncle and his uncle's henchmen. Although resigned to his own unfortunate situation, everything within him demands he take action when Grace's life is threatened.

There could be no woman more perfect for Matthew than Grace Paget. With valor and honor equal to his and a situation no less tragic, she becomes a bright spot in his bleak existence, offering warmth and friendship when he had no expectations of ever enjoying such gifts. When that friendship soon blossoms into passion and love, Matthew is spurred into becoming the man he really is. But as much as her love and compassion aid in healing him, his love proves just as therapeutic to our tragic heroine as hers is for him.

At the end, Campbell reveals some twists that make for a riveting conclusion to a breathtaking historical romance. Untouchable is a truly compelling story that fans will enjoy reading and rediscovering for years to come. Anna Campbell has done more than written a story - she's created something sure to become a cherished memory for all of her readers. show less

I picked this up on sale, not realizing I had read it before until I started reading once more. The premise is that Matthew, Marquess of Sheene, is imprisoned on a small estate, treated as a madman so his uncle can pillage the marquisate. Grace Paget, an impoverished widow, is kidnapped and brought to him since he's never had a woman, and his uncle thinks this may placate him. Grace is more than she seems, and she's determined to rescue the young man.
It's a good romance with lots of tension, though I found the story a bit unrealistic in some aspects this second time around. Therefore, I downgraded it from 4 to 3 stars.

Grace Paget is lost in a bad part of town when her cousin fails to meet her coach. Then she is kidnapped drugged and taken to an isolated estate. When she comes to she finds out they think her a doxy and have brought her to service the young Lord. Matthew, Lord Sheene has been imprisoned at this estate since he was 14 and came down with a brain fever, giving his greedy uncle the opportunity to declare him mad and take over his wealth. It is now 11 years later and his uncle has decided to provide him with some female amusement. The 2 are at odds until they discover the truth about each other. Then they agree to aid each other and try to devise some means to escape. Lascivious henchmen, a cruel guardian, Grace's disgraced past and show more Matthew's impossible situation make for a suspenseful story. show less

I liked this book but to be honest I expected more than that. I liked the author's writing style, the dark atmosphere and the tortured hero. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the heroine. She actualy pouted and finally lashed out like a harpy to the hero, for not satisfying her sexually(!) after their first time together. Her actions and attitude towards the end didn't help with the negative impression I already formed for her.Besides these facts, the story was original, the plot intriguing, the hero lovable and the dark, opressing atmosphere artfully presented. I was moved enough after reading this, to buy Campbell's first book, Claiming the courtesan, even though I'm not a fan of courtesan heroines.

I didn't enjoy this as much as Claiming the Courtesan, I think because of all the cruelty the hero had to endure. The characters are engaging, though I'm not sure that the virgin hero theme is for me.