Dominic

Dominic, Earl of Vale has long enjoyed is pleasure pursuits. Sometimes to the extent of getting himself in trouble, serious trouble. Gambling and women most notably amongst them. On his way home from a not so lucky outcome of one of his entertainments he encounters a young ruffian who finally tells him his name Jack. Taking Jack to his apartments Dominic soon discovers that Jack is actually a girl. A frightened girl who tugs at his heart. When soon after Dominic repairs to the country Jack again becomes a part of his sphere and he soon learns her given name is Sophie.

Seeking to hide from an abusive older brother Sophie has taken on the guise of young lad. At first apprehensive of Dominic’s attentions, she soon comes not only to trust him; she begins to fall in love with him. While Dominic isn’t the marrying kind, he does care for Sophie and draws her into his family. A welcome addition she is treated as a daughter by his parents and sister by his younger siblings. In time she comes to the attention of Wroxman, a friend of Dominic’s. When Wroxman begins to pursue his suit, Dominic realizes he may lose the only woman he can truly love.

Hazel Statham’s DOMINIC is an almost long forgotten sweet romance. The most passionate moment in the story is when Dominic and Sophie finally kiss. Refreshing in that the story rather than steam drive the story, DOMINIC is an enjoyable read. The beginning seemed a bit simplistic, the first half seeming more suited for a young adult rather than straight adult romance. The language is fairly basic, with little emotion attached to it. With the repeated references to Sophie as a child—even Dominic refers to her as “child” to her face, it was difficult to reconcile her as an adult ready for marriage. Even when Dominic proposes he does so almost as if asking a child.

The story itself uses the familiar thread of a young woman trying to pose as a boy to escape a sordid situation. What works in DOMINIC is that the reference to the lad’s persona is what helps Dominic connect to Sophie when she needs comfort the most.

If you are looking for either a sweet romance to escape the day’s world or an excellent read for a female teen, DOMINIC is an excellent choice.

November 2007