There’s something particularly satisfying about a romance that explores the healing power of love without feeling trite or saccharine. As I curled up with Angel in a Devil’s Arms on a rainy evening, I found myself completely immersed in exactly that kind of story. Having adored Angelique’s sharp wit and fascinating complexity in the first book, I was eager to see her get her own happy ending.
The story picks up right where Lady Derring Takes a Lover left off, with mysterious Lucien Durand, Lord Bolt, arriving at The Grand Palace on the Thames. Presumed dead for ten years after being pushed into the Thames (talk about family drama!), Lucien has returned to London with revenge on his mind. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans – they tend to go awry when you meet someone like Angelique Breedlove.
Long’s writing continues to be absolutely stunning. Her ability to capture the subtle nuances of emotion and attraction reminded me of watching cherry blossoms fall at Stanley Park – each moment delicate yet profound. Take this beautiful line: “He’d toyed with the rhythm of its since they met. He ought to know it the way a violinist knows his own instrument.” I actually had to pause reading to jot that one down in my quote journal.
What makes this romance particularly refreshing is how Angelique and Lucien are drawn to each other from the start. There’s no contrived hatred or misunderstanding – just two people who recognize something familiar in each other’s wounded souls. Their progression from attraction to friendship to love feels as natural as breathing. It reminded me of how I fell for my first boyfriend in university – that gradual realization that someone sees you, really sees you, for exactly who you are.
The Grand Palace on the Thames continues to be a character in its own right, filled with quirky residents who add color and warmth to the story. The boarding house scenes brought back memories of the international student house I lived in during my first year in Vancouver – that same sense of found family and shared meals creating unexpected bonds.
Lucien’s character particularly touched me. Here’s a man who was literally thrown away by his family, yet instead of becoming bitter, he maintains this capacity for tenderness that’s absolutely swoon-worthy. His instant besottedness with Angelique and complete lack of internal conflict about falling for her is refreshingly different from the typical “I must resist this attraction” hero we often see in historical romance.
Angelique’s journey from a woman who has armored herself against feeling to someone who dares to embrace love is beautifully rendered. Long captures the fear and courage it takes to open yourself up to love after being hurt – something I think many of us can relate to. There’s this wonderful moment where Angelique realizes that all her past heartbreaks actually prepared her to recognize true love when it finally appeared. That hit me right in the feels.
While the revenge plot sometimes feels like it takes a backseat to the romance, I actually appreciated this choice. The real story here is about healing, about choosing love over bitterness, about creating family where you find it. The character development and emotional depth more than make up for any plotting issues.
The intimacy between Angelique and Lucien builds with exquisite tension. Their conversations crackle with wit and understanding, and when they finally come together, it feels earned. The physical scenes, while perhaps briefer than some might expect, carry real emotional weight.
My one small quibble would be that I wished for more scenes between Angelique and Delilah. Their friendship was such a highlight of the first book, and while we get glimpses of it here, I missed their dynamic. However, this is really a minor point in what is otherwise a deeply satisfying romance.
If you’re looking for a historical romance that offers deep emotional resonance along with its period trappings, Angel in a Devil’s Arms delivers beautifully. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate character-driven stories where the conflict comes not from external misunderstandings but from the very real challenge of learning to trust love again.
The epilogue sets up the next book in the series perfectly, and I’m already eager to see what Long has in store for us next. Based on the hints dropped, I have a feeling it’s going to be another emotional journey worth taking.
This is a romance that stays with you, like the lingering scent of jasmine on a summer evening. It reminds us that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is simply open our hearts to love, despite all the reasons our past gives us not to.
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