REVIEW: Whisper of Jasmine by Deanna Raybourn

Whisper of Jasmine by Deanna Raybourn: This book is a setup novella for Deanna Raybourn’s next novel, “City of Jasmine” which is set to release February 25, 2014.

In Whisper of Jasmine, we meet an interesting cast of characters living in London just after the turn of the century. Delilah Drummond lived out a whirlwind romance by eloping with the love of her life, but now Johnny is going away to war. Before that can happen, Delilah is going to throw the New Years’ Eve party to end all parties. And she wants to spread her joy around.

When Evangeline Merriweather finds herself with an invitation to Delilah Drummond’s big event, she’s hesitant to accept. Evie wants to change her life, so she throws caution to the wind and visits her Aunt Dove for a gown that only Dove can produce. That most likely means she’ll be the center of attention, whether she wants it or not. And just maybe she wants it.

Gabriel Stark is also on the guest list, and is on the cusp of a journey that would take him far away from London. But when he bumps into Evie at the party, he can’t help himself. He’s enthralled. Yes, she’s had a few too many of Delilah’s fancy drinks, and she may be saying things without a filter, but she’s refreshing and beautiful – and he knows she’s the one for him.

After the clock strikes twelve, Evie and Gabriel “borrow” Delilah’s car and elope – which causes all kinds of problems. First of all, Delilah was trying to set Evie up with Quentin Harkness, who spent the evening chatting with Tarquin March. She was also going to encourage Gabriel to meet a Scandinavian model, whom she thought would settle the man down a bit – but Evie and Gabriel smashed both of those plans to bits.

Then there’s the matter of the business dealings Gabriel was about to take part in with Tarquin. Seems like he may have to choose between the love of his life and a previous commitment after all…

So – wow! I am SUPER intrigued after reading this novella. I immediately read the synopsis for City of Jasmine and my heart sank and rose all at the same time. I am DYING to dive into it. Gabriel is dreamy, Evie is adorable and plucky, Aunt Dove… well, she’s something else. I would LOVE to have an Aunt Dove.

This prequel novella is a freebee, so you don’t lose anything by giving it a try. I can’t guarantee you won’t get sucked in though.

Book Info:

Published February 1st 2014 by Harlequin MIRA

New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn transports readers to a magical New Year’s Eve party in 1914, where two guests will discover the passion of a lifetime in this prequel novella…

Notorious socialite Delilah Drummond won’t be deterred by the war. Instead, she decides to throw the event of the year, and she’s handing out invitations with an eye for wanton fun and wild abandon.

There is the dashing explorer and archaeologist Gabriel Stark, a man at a crossroads in his life. Brilliant and restless, he’s just committed to a secret enterprise that forces him to play a public role very different from the man he truly is.

And then there is the charming if flighty Evangeline Merriweather. Evie has dreamed her whole life of adventure. Little does she know, she’s about to get more than she bargained for. Especially after her vivacious Aunt Dove acts as fairy godmother, if a saucy one, providing a scandalous gown and a whisper of jasmine on her skin….

Evie will shake cool Gabriel to his core, but just how far are they willing to take love at first sight?

One seductive night will change Evie forever. Watch for her next adventure, in the City of Jasmine.