Untouched is a standalone by Anna Campbell. This was one of my romanceopoly picks and this has also been a book on my TBR that has been so long and I finally got to this story and it was completely bonkers but simply delightful. I just had so much fun with this book and it was so different from what I was expecting. But so fascinated to see where the author went with this one. I think those that enjoy darker or edgier elements in historical romance will really enjoy this one. So if you are fans of Kerrigan Byrne, then this is one that you need to read.

What impressed me the most about this one was seeing how this couples comes together early on in the story and fight against their enemy. The blurb I know sounds CRAZY and it kinda is, but its the kinda crazy that you can get behind. So basically the set up is the hero was sick as a child, and his uncle claimed him "mad" so that he could get a hold of his fortune. He is one of the wealthiest lords in the Ton but for some reason he hasn't been able to find anyone that believes him over his uncle and is a prisoner. His uncle kidnaps a widow to be his "mistress" to keep him under control. So the hero and heroine decide to work together to bring down his uncle.

Untouched was such a pivoting read and I was all into this book. It was super atmospheric and had a gothic feel to the story and I really enjoyed the vibe of the story. It was so unique and different than what I have read in historical's lately, so it just had such a refreshing feel to the story. The hero is more alpha in some aspects but is also so attentive to the heroine. I love how he is with her, and the way that these two become such a team. The heroine was wonderful in this one, in what she is willing to sacrifice for him. The stakes are high in this one, and the plot was so well fleshed out in this one.

I do think fans of edgier romance need to give this one a try! Its a super superb read that just had me fully invested! ( )

I picked this up on sale, not realizing I had read it before until I started reading once more. The premise is that Matthew, Marquess of Sheene, is imprisoned on a small estate, treated as a madman so his uncle can pillage the marquisate. Grace Paget, an impoverished widow, is kidnapped and brought to him since he's never had a woman, and his uncle thinks this may placate him. Grace is more than she seems, and she's determined to rescue the young man.
It's a good romance with lots of tension, though I found the story a bit unrealistic in some aspects this second time around. Therefore, I downgraded it from 4 to 3 stars. ( )

Untouched
3 Stars

Mistaken for a prostitute and kidnapped, Grace Paget finds herself in a remote country manor where she is told to service a prisoner with a history of insanity or die. Matthew Lansdowne is determined to never give his despicable uncle the satisfaction of participating in his malicious games, but Grace tempts him like nothing else can. Together Grace and Matthew must face the harsh circumstances in which they find themselves and perhaps find a measure of happiness in their shared desires … while they still can…

Starts out really well but languishes in the middle and the ending is too drawn out.

Grace and Matthew are both likable as individuals - she is spirited and sympathetic while he is sexy and tortured (just the way I like ‘em). Unfortunately, what little chemistry they have feels forced given the setting and the sex scenes come across as mechanical rather than sensual.

The villains evoke much stronger emotions. The revolting Monks and Filey are enough to make anyone’s skin crawl and Matthew’s Uncle John is repugnant. However, the fact that John manages to escape the punishment he so richly deserves by committing suicide is another strike against the book.

The ending is also problematic as Grace decides to be self-sacrificing despite Matthew’s obvious love for her, and gives him the opportunity to sow his wild oats before committing herself to him - really?! The man gets down on his knees and begs you to marry him and you walk away *sigh*

All in all, a disappointing read. Nevertheless, given the abundance of rave reviews there is obviously something about Untouched that appeals to many readers so take my review with a grain of salt. ( )

This is a good story. The first part is quite melodramatic, reminding one of the gothics, minus the supernatural elements. The dramatic escape, and rescue are almost over the top. Then things are swen up neatly. My only criticism is that the author does not allow the characters any time or energy to have issues with what happened to them. It would be rare for someone to get over an attempted rape in a few hours or nearly a decade in captivity in a day or two, or even a year.

But still, it is a story, requiring a willing suspension of disbelief to carry through to the happy ending. But as far as I can tell, its worth it. ( )

Books where the hero is a virgin came up in a group I am in and this was one of the books in that list.. Matthew, the Marquess of Sheene parents died when he was a boy. His uncle who becomes his guardian decided to declare the boy insane and have him forever locked up so he could have control of his estate.. 14 years later his uncle decides Matthew needs a woman hoping it will keep him happy and from anymore escape attempts. So the uncle has two if his henchmen kidnapp what they thought was a whore but instead was Grace who had been widowed for only a few weeks and was destitute and on her way to a cousins. Matthew is very untrusting of this woman his uncle has brought him at first. But after time and them both telling there sad stories they become lovers - the first for him.. This was interesting to see the inexperience of kissing and love making from a man. It didnt take away from the sensuality between Matthew and Grace at all. ( )