Series: Enlightenment #1
Pages: 202
Publication Date: 23rd July 2013
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5
Provoked is the first book in Joanna Chambers' Enlightenment trilogy, in which buttoned-up lawyer, David Lauriston meets the unrepentantly hedonistic Lord Murdo Balfour.
Shamed into near-celibacy by the painful memories of his first kiss, and subsequent betrayal by a childhood friend, David feels guilt and self-loathing everytime he succumbs to his desires. After encountering the mysterious Mr Balfour at an inn, and experiencing his raw power, and unabashed sexuality, David returns to his job in Edinburgh determined not to get distracted again. But when Balfour turns up among Edinburgh society, he struggles to stay away.
Set against the backdrop of the Scottish enlightenment, and the scandals and intrigues of bitter class warfare, Provoked is a rich and compelling narrative that brings together characters from across the class spectrum, from Lords and lawyers, down to the radicals that David fought so hard to defend. As a working class boy made good, David acts as a bridge between the radicals and the other lawyers at his firm. His loyalties are visibly torn between his awareness of his own roots, and his respect for his hard won new life. Lord Balfour only complicates this further.
Balfour is a peer of the realm. He may also be the agent provocateur that incited the radicals to action, and led to them being either executed or transported. Unsure of Balfour's involvement, David struggles to balance his suspicions with his desires. Balfour himself, with his easy charm, and subtle dominance, is the ultimate temptation.
What emerges from this story of intrigue and desire is a touching romance leading to self-acceptance, and ultimately love. I will be continuing with the series, which follows the next chapter in David and Balfour's story. The historical setting is really well drawn, and David and Balfour are great characters with a really believable bond.
