Born of Persuasion (Price of Privilege, Book 1) by Jessica Dotta

Book Description:

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

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Wow, Dotta's debut novel, and the first book in her series, Price of Privilege, is a wonderful, fascinating piece of literature! This Gothic romance, will bring to mind novels by Austen and Bronte. Truly a work of art.

Initially, it took me a little bit to get sucked into the story. It was interesting but not gripping yet. However, by the time Julia finds herself at Mr. Macy's estate, Eastbourne, you will find the intrigue and wonder so great that you are completely absorbed into the tale and hard put to set it down! Even, after finishing it late last night, this story has continued to play upon my mind, and I find myself very eager to pick up Book 2 and delve in.

Born of Persuasion, is told from Julia's perspective, which helps add to the suspense of the story. Just as Julia must wonder at everyone else's motives, so must you. Who can you trust, what is true, what should she do?! On and on, it leaves you held fast to the story and on edge as you suspect things and people are not all that they seem.

So for those looking for a novel that is not predictable but instead leads you through all the mazes, with just enough tidbits to help you along and keep you in suspense, this novel is for you. It abounds with great writing, depth of character, mystery, intrigue and Gothic romance. It engages the mind and thrills.

Sure, there will be many occasions that you wish you could impress upon Julia to err on the side of caution, and long to shake her; but in truth is that not how we often look back at our own youthful choices and wish we had known then what we know now.

Picking up this novel is a journey, Book 1 is just the introduction and a meaty one at that; but it is absolutely worth the time!