Blast from the Past: Devil’s Daughter (Devil #2) by Catherine Coulter-a review

Welcome to a new feature at The Reading Cafe-BLAST FROM THE PAST-a look back at some of the oldies but goodies in the world of literary romance and ‘bodice-ripper- style novels. Our second installment is DEVIL’S DAUGHTER by Catherine Coulter. Please enjoy Rachel’s review and tell us about some of your favorite romance story lines from the past.

Devil’s Daughter
Devil #2
by Catherine Coulter
Release Date: 1985

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

A Note from the Author

Dear Reader:

Devil’s Daughter is the story of Adam and Arabella Welles, the son and daughter of Cassie and Anthony Welles. I have updated the book, since, like Devil’s Embrace, it came out a while ago and needed some tidying up. It has a charming new cover, blend of the old and the new.

Adam has enjoyed women but hasn’t yet found the woman created just for him. As for Arabella, she is as independent and strong-willed as her brother and her parents. When both brother and sister go adventuring in Naples to solve a mystery of their father’s missing ships and cargoes, they discover that the person behind this thievery is an enemy from their father’s past. This enemy manages to drug Arabella and pack her off to a harem in North Africa, Adam in pursuit.

But Adam isn’t alone, there’s a stowaway with him he certainly doesn’t expect. Her name is Rayna Lyndhurst, daughter of a man who is dead set against the Welles family. But do children ever pay attention to their parents?

Arabella finds the harem a frightening yet fascinating place, a golden prison from which there is little chance of escape. Her master is Kamal, the Bey of Oran, a man who must be her enemy but who is unlike any man she has ever known. As for Kamal, he suddenly finds himself faced with a woman willing to fight him to the death — a woman who both bewitches and infuriates him.

I hope you enjoy the adventures of Adam and Rayna, Arabella and Kamal. These are people I’ll never forget.

Catherine Coulter (The Author)

REVIEW

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Devils’ Daughter by Catherine Coulter (first pubbed 1985), is the second featured book of BLAST FROM THE PAST here at The Reading Cafe, and also the sequel to the first one named Devil’s Embrace, that I did last month. Again, I will warn off anyone who is triggered by any kinds of stereotypical bodice rippers elements (such as non/con, kidnapping, rape and blustery story line). I think these kind of books are in a class all on their own and appreciate that some may think they are overly abusive in many ways. I happen to like the uninhibited, lay it out dirty, not pretty but it’ll come together if you give it a chance layers that are displayed. I am also an serious emotional reader and I find a good bodice ripper novel really brings the emotions out of me.

We were given the romance of Cassie and Anthony Welles in Devil’s Embrace. In Devil’s Daughter, we are actually given two love stories as opposed to one, that feature Cassie and Anthony’s son (Adam) and daughter (Arabella). Set in early 1800’s. both Adam and Arabella travel to meet up with their father Anthony, only to be told that thieving has become as issue in their father’s merchant company. Turns out there is quite a tangled web that has been intentional weaved to destroy the Welles family. The enemies happen to be members of family that were the “villains” in the first book. Turns out past grudges are passed on to future generations.

While trying to locate the culprits, traps are set to involve the Welles siblings in a plot to being their father to his knees. Arabella is kidnapped and sent to be a “whore” in a harem. This was interesting as Arabella is one heck of a spit fire and fights with harem leader Kamal tooth and nail. Despite the abuse, be it physical and emotional, both manage to find a sharp edge of love with each other. While his sister is in her own “mini drama”, Adam sets off to unravel more mystery for his father only to find a stowaway on his ship. Turns out this is Rayna who happens to be the daughter of a viscount who really ticked off Adam’s parents in the the first book. Are you dizzy yet readers?? LOL Chance is afforded for a romance to begin and certainly take off between Adam and Rayna. Not as blustery as Arabella and Kamal, Adam and Rayna still meet with their own obstacles and challenges which make for good reading.

Seriously, there is so much story going on I cannot get into it without writing out my own book, so this review really is just scratching the surface. I did not find this book as “violent” as the first one was and it was a little slow to start. Once it took off though .. wonderful! I would absolutely recommend reading the first one or there will be just way too much missed in this book. There is lots of drama to be had, some tear shedding “that was a douchy thing to do” moments, forgiveness, LUST and PASSION, hate and love. I loved that this was a continuation of a story that really stuck with me.

If you are looking for a great bodice ripper series, Devil by Catherine Coulter is a great one to indulge in. Just know you are going to get a whole lot of crazy thrown at you .. I happen to love a good dose of crazy, every now and then!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel