Most often – well, all of the time, to be honest – when I pick up an historical romance to read it is set in the regency period. Never before have I read a historical romance from a different time setting and ordinarily I would not have chosen to read Vanquished. I have not read anything by Hope Tarr before, but having read Vanquished I am left with great respect for the amount of research Ms Tarr has put in to produce this story. Set in late 1800s London, the suffragist movement is a cornerstone of this tale and whilst, until now, I have known little about this movement even though I reside in the UK, thanks to Ms Tarr I have learnt some fabulous and intriguing history though I am aware that some artistic license has been used.

Caledonia Rivers, or Callie to her closest friends, is a chief spokeswoman for the women's movement. Her character is without mar, and no scandal is attached to her person. No one can accuse her of any misdeeds. Unmarried, her previous experience with her ex-fiancé has made her wary of men, and doubtful that she will ever settle down, on the shelf as she now considers herself. When first meeting Hadrian St Clair, her response leaves her flustered and confused, for she is not the type of woman to recognize "sexual attraction" when she feels it. Her next meeting with St Claire finds her in the position of having to spend a great deal of time with him over the coming weeks, for seemingly a friend and fellow women's movement spokeswoman has arranged for her picture to be taken. St Claire is a photographer by trade, with his own business. His story and the letter he presents to her seem plausible. No red flags are raised in her mind about his intentions.

Yet, unbeknownst to her, St Claire has a hidden agenda, one that involves doing her reputation irreparable damage. Even as she comes to like him, to love him, to want to explore a deeper relationship with him, he is keeping secrets from her. His intentions are entirely dishonorable, but she is completely in the dark. Will she realize what he is doing before she finds herself ruined before all of society? Is there any way that she could forgive him for his betrayal?

Vanquished is an intriguing historical romance unlike any I have ever read. The amount of historical detail is truly amazing and makes this novel one that is steeped in true history though it is primarily fiction. Any history buffs should love Vanquished, but you need not know your history – of the women's movement or any other history – to be able to follow and enjoy this story. Callie is a courageous woman, who is doing her best to better women's political and domestic positions whilst Hadrian is a man with many problems who needs to find a way to extricate himself from his current difficult situation without ruining the reputation of the woman he is falling in love with. There is sex in this tale and it is described, but not in graphic language neither does it venture beyond traditional acts of sex. Filled to the brim with intrigue, sabotage, secret agendas, hate, love and betrayal, Vanquished is a book that should fulfill anyone's criteria for an enjoyable – and memorable – read.

Reviewed By Elizabeth
© July 2006