American artist Joseph Hannigan and his alluring sister, Sophie, have arrived in enchanting nineteenth-century Venice with a single-minded goal. The twins, who have fled scandal in New York, are determined to break into Venice’s expatriate set and find a wealthy patron to support Joseph’s work.
But the enigmatic Hannigans are not the only ones with a secret agenda. Joseph’s talent soon attracts the attention of the magnificent Odilé Leon, a celebrated courtesan and muse who has inspired many artists to greatness. But her inspiration comes with a devastatingly steep price.
As Joseph falls under the courtesan’s spell, Sophie joins forces with Nicholas Dane, the one man who knows Odilé’s dark secret, and her sworn enemy. When the seductive muse offers Joseph the path to eternal fame, the twins must decide who to believe – and just how much they are willing to sacrifice for fame.
“The dark terror that waited restlessly.” If you are going to have a guilty pleasure, let it be a delicious one. Opening in Venice in the 1870’s, the twins Joseph and Sophie are clearly the central characters of a luscious period piece. They have fled to Venice to find a wealthy patron to back Joseph. Of course they are lovely. They are literate and fascinating, but Odile steals this book. Odile is the mysterious seductress seeking the ultimate talent to drain in some mysterious way before Nicholas can stop her.I don’t…
Not what I expected This book was described as historical fiction. In the first couple of chapters it was evident that there was a supernatural element that I was not anticipating. I was rather disappointed and nearly quit reading. I’m glad I didn’t. The author paints a lovely story full of heartache, past and present, beautiful scenery and a story unlike any other. If allegory is not your thing, I would not recommend this book, but if you don’t mind a little mythology it is an excellent read. The multiple…
A Seductive Delight Not since Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire have I read a supernatural tale so dark, beautiful, and erotic. Megan Chance’s Inamorata tells the story of twins, Sophie and Joseph Hannigan who have fled New York City to build a new life in the art world of Venice, and poet Nicholas Dane who stalks the lovely and mysterious Odile to Venice for revenge. As the paths of these four characters cross, complex and disturbing love stories emerge with all the trappings of Gothic horror. Family…