On the Edge of the Woods: A Gothic Romance (Berkley Sensation) [Mass Market Paperback]

In the style of old gothic romances from the past Ms. Tyrrel takes us to the Sierra Nevada mountains to a beautiful turn of the century manor that needs more then it's fair share of repairs. But there is more then meets the eye when it comes to the house on the edge of the woods. There's a mystery that Architect Stacy Addison walks into when she purchases her dream house. Someone is stalking her and making threatning phone calls. She starts experiencing accidents and other scary incidents. She trys to play it off but she can't help but think that Brand Vandevere her neighbor, that also wanted the manor house is up to no good, and that he may be behind the calls and accidents. Problem with that is Stacy can't help but feel drawn to the handsome but secretive man. Is he just what he seems or is he more? Who is trying to scare her and why?

This was a fun read one that kept me glued to the pages. Ms. Tyrrel has a very sensual way of writing. Her characters are engaging and fun and at the same time you truly never really feel as if you know them. I highly recommend this read and suggest that you add this to your summer reading list.

Stacy is immediately attracted to her new neighbor, photographer Brand Vandevere, who lives in a nearby remodeled barn with his cousin Tess and housemate Saul. Upon learning that Brand had originally wanted Stacy's home for his own, Stacy remains conflicted about her feelings for him, as his moody, brooding nature confuses her. The suspense continues to escalate when Stacy receives threatening phone calls at her apartment and architectural firm in San Francisco, and she is forced to permanently relocate to her new home.

The attraction between Stacy and Brand ignites in a sizzling love scene at a fourth of July picnic, but Brand leaves for a hiking expedition soon afterwards, and his off again/on again girlfriend Alana is a constant presence at the barn. Stacy alternates between missing Brand and wondering if he is the person behind the vicious phone calls, even as she becomes disturbed by the constant premonition that someone is coming into her home while she is absent. This crafty novel of romance and suspense culminates in a breathtaking conclusion that will leave the reader eagerly anticipating this new author's next novel.

This was told in the grand gothic traditions similar to Victoria Holt featuring a wonderful old manor house as its center. The two protagonists were well developed with Stacy as an intrepid heroine showing a lot of spunk and courage as the threats and intimidations would have sent most females running. Brand's characterization of distrust and longing were tedious at times and a bit harder to swallow, but I do admit to loving a man who can cook! The numerous secondary characters added substance to the story, but I felt that she could have developed the character of Saul more as he had more of a menacing aspect in the story and seemed to have just been overlooked in the end. The pace was acceptable but not a page-turner that would have kept me up all night. This was a good solid gothic type read but predictable. --- Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com