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Hidden Flame: A historical Gothic romance packed full of suspense Kindle Edition

4.1 out of 5 stars 322 ratings

A powerful historical love story! Perfect for fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Jane Aiken Hodge and Jane Austen.

Could a chance meeting lead to happily ever after…?


1795, England



A cold and stormy March night forces two strangers to take shelter in the same inn.

Benedict Beckenham is immediately captivated by Theda – a beguiling young woman who appears to be in distressed circumstances.

When Theda’s new position as a companion to the wealthy but ailing Lady Merchiston throws her and Benedict together again, the attraction between them in undeniable.

But Theda has been burned in love before and is wary of opening her heart.

And Benedict is hiding secrets of his own.

Will Theda reveal the truth about her past? Is Benedict really who he seems?

And can the hidden flame of love triumph?

HIDDEN FLAME is an authentic Georgian historical romance with a lively heroine at its heart.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B089NVB64J
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books (June 3, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 3, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 251 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 322 ratings

About the author

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Elizabeth Bailey
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Elizabeth Bailey grew up in Africa with unconventional parents, where she loved reading and drama. On returning to England, she developed her career in acting, theatre directing and finally writing.

Elizabeth's latest venture is The Lady Fan Mystery series, published by Sapere Books. The novels feature amateur sleuth Lady Ottilia Fanshawe and a cast of family members including her husband and champion Lord Francis Fanshawe. She originally published Regency romances with Harlequin Mills & Boon and has many titles in her Brides by Chance Regency Adventures series, now also published by Sapere, as well as standalone Regency and Georgian romances.

Elizabeth also writes edgy women's fiction: Her dual time novel Fly The Wild Echoes, which deals with past lives, and For One More Tomorrow, where the ghost of the real Macbeth returns, protesting his villainous portrayal by Shakespeare. And she has published a romantic suspense novella, Silence of a Stranger.

Elizabeth lives in Sussex, England. She is still an inveterate reader with eclectic tastes and she spends her spare time helping other writers improve their craft.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
322 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book suspenseful, with one review highlighting its gothic setting and historical romance elements. However, the character development receives negative feedback, with one customer describing the characters as selfish.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

7 customers mention "Suspenseful"5 positive2 negative

Customers find the book suspenseful, with one review highlighting its gothic setting and historical romance elements.

"...The opening pages grabbed me immediately, keeping me enthralled, visually seeing the scene unfold and the characters coming alive...." Read more

"...This is one of the better romance books by Elizabeth Bailey. I have read so very many, I think I know. <wink> OK, I loved this story...." Read more

"...Only barely rescued by an interesting protagonist. Really not much believable, except maybe the dog. Red hair?! Really?..." Read more

"...Thankfully Benedict found the truth! A very lovely love story indeed. I really enjoyed this story immensely. Starr" Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"0 positive3 negative

Customers criticize the character development in the book, with one mentioning the characters are selfish and another noting the lack of chemistry between them.

"So much formulaic tripe. Only barely rescued by an interesting protagonist. Really not much believable, except maybe the dog. Red hair?!..." Read more

"...I felt the pacing was off on this one. The characters were so selfish it was hard to like them. Did not expect the rather adult love scene...." Read more

"Overly dramatic dialog, unbelievable situations, and absurd characters with no chemistry. It was like a Barbara Cartland without the breathy ..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2020
    The suspenseful gothic setting historical romance. It does not get much better than this! It took me back to Victoria Holt and how I was enthralled with those first stories of my youth!
    The opening pages grabbed me immediately, keeping me enthralled, visually seeing the scene unfold and the characters coming alive.
    A stormy night and a chance meeting propel this gripping story forward. A gentleman Benedict Beckenham (love that name!) checked into an inn, momentarily down on his luck. There he meets Theda, a young woman on her way to be a Lady's companion but stuck at the inn with no funds for food.
    But it seemed fate had put these two together to meet again and make a journey of their own.
    Suspense, intrigue, a building attraction that cannot be denied, secrets and a storyline that kept me engaged until the end! I highly recommend and am excited to read more by this author!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2018
    I am so amazed at the other reviews that I felt Had to write one. This is one of the better romance books by Elizabeth Bailey. I have read so very many, I think I know. <wink> OK, I loved this story. I loved it because there was a bit of mystery - what "flame" was hidden? Oh, my, yes, telling indeed. And then, what really happened to cause our h to scamper? And what would the H think about the whole thing? And the will...oh very clever! Tears, smiles, joyful tears! The way it all fell together was delightful. 💕 This is definitely a 4 star romance. I hope you will give it a try.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
    So much formulaic tripe. Only barely rescued by an interesting protagonist.
    Really not much believable, except maybe the dog.
    Red hair?! Really? That is what we are going to go with? Just infuriating. I expect so much better from this author, and I think calling it Gothic is a bit pretentious. The end made no sense…I’m still confused as to who exactly said what but I cannot bring myself to reread it.
    I guess I will stick with Lady Fan. Who gets by on her intelligence and compassion- as opposed to this poor heroine, forced to be a red headed witch.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2016
    The more I read your books Elizabeth I'm becoming more adept at understanding the characters and the old English way of speaking.

    I really enjoyed this story of Theda and Benedict. She certainly gave him a run for his love to be sure. Six long lonely years away from her family all because some fool man lied.

    Thankfully Benedict found the truth! A very lovely love story indeed. I really enjoyed this story immensely.

    Starr
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2020
    Hidden Flame is a lovely historical romance with dynamic characters and strong messages. I enjoyed the insta-attraction romance between Theda and Benedict, and the forbidden aspect of their love. Quirky and dynamic characters, a viciously greedy antagonist, and an interesting plot make this an entertaining read.

    Both Theda and Benedict seem reluctant to give in to their feelings. From the start, social norms and expectations keep them from being together. However, both characters also have inner conflicts that they must face before they can face society together. Theda fears for her future and feels unworthy because of her past. Benedict also has secrets from his past that prevents him from fully embracing his present. However, their growing feelings for each other prove bigger than the secrets keeping them apart.

    Benedict is the typical alpha male. A bit arrogant and pushy, he often takes command of the situation, and Theda usually appreciates his take-charge personality. However, she is no pushover and doesn’t always bend to his will.

    Theda is a likable and tolerant protagonist. Faced with many difficult situations, Theda always makes the best of her circumstances. She has a way of comforting others and putting them at ease. Her constant consideration for others as well as her desire to do what’s right make her an admirable character as well.

    I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Theda and Lady Merchiston, her employer. Lady Merchiston is nearing the end of her life, and her situation is ugly. A miserable and ungrateful daughter barely cares for her, and the two employees in the house can barely keep up with the daily household duties. When Theda arrives, Lady Merchiston is unbearable, unkempt, and unhappy. Theda, with her no-nonsense attitude and quick wit, brings light back into Lady Merchiston’s life, literally and figuratively. It would be very easy for Theda to remain formal and keep her boss at a distance, but Theda sees through Lady Merchiston’s ornery attitude and treats her with compassion and understanding. She offers her comfort throughout her last weeks of life. I think this says a lot about Theda, and Lady Merchiston shows how much she appreciates Theda, much to Lady M’s daughter’s ire.

    Interestingly, the most honorable person in the novel is the one who suffers the most under the staunch, elitist dictates of society while some of the more unsavory characters flourish under the same rules. It definitely says something about the gender inequities of the time as well as the skewed perceptions of ethical standards.

    In addition to the memorable characters, messages of fighting for love, holding onto hope in the darkest of times, accepting help from others, and finding friends in unlikely places will endear the reader. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Sapere Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2019
    I don't think I could ever say enough nice things about Elizabeth Bailey and her stories. There isn't one I have read that I wouldn't recommend. That is all the review you need. Pick up her books and devour them.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2020
    I read Elizabeth Bailey for her nuanced characterization and original plots, but this book has a little extra. It’s super hot! I love this book!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Temper !
    Reviewed in Australia on July 25, 2020
    An emotional ride through the thickets of pride ,secrets and poverty with scatterings of compassion, outright nastiness and unwarranted guilt thrown in,while exploring the natures of the characters ,gives this novel a marvelous lift.
  • Kindle Junkie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gothic start
    Reviewed in Germany on August 16, 2020
    Perhaps strange, but I am especially drawn to stories of destitute genteel ladies and then watch how their fates change. This drew me in from the very start with its somewhat Gothic beginning. The author paints a bleak picture of Theda's situation as she travels to her new employer.
    There is a collection of diverse characters with the story centering on Theda, Benedict and Theda's new elderly employer.
  • Janet Lesley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written Book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 8, 2020
    Elizabeth Bailey writes 'gritty' stories, Happy Endings come eventually but not easily and this story is no different.
    Theda the main female character is a lovely young lady, who was 'led astray' at the age of seventeen by a fortune hunter some years older than her and as a consequence she is estranged from her parents.
    Ever mindful that her past will catch up with her she is careful what she does. On her way to a new post as a Companion, she is treated appallingly by the Landlady of the inn where she is staying, a gentleman by the name of Benedict Beckenham, steps in to help, unbeknownst to them they will meet again as Theda is working for his Godmother. The house hold Theda finds herself in, is miserable, with the occupants, including Benedict at times being hateful, devious and twisted because of past events. The plot is good, with twists and turns and viscous unkind people abound. Benedict blows hot and cold towards Theda, apparently obsessed by the colour of her hair. I found it difficult to like him as he seemed a very shallow and manipulative person, but I suppose if a book is to be good it takes all sorts of characters.
    Theda put up with so much abuse and manipulation by almost everyone she came in contact with, she r does well to stand up for herself but life is such a struggle.
    I would definitely recommend this book.
  • Long Life Fun Life
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gothic tale that sweeps you along.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 3, 2020
    The fun of this story is its lack of realism. That is not to say that the characters don't live and breathe - they do! It isn't a classic regency romance but not quite dark enough for a real gothic tale. But that doesn't stop it being a rollicking read. The unhappy Merchistons shriek and misbehave - and so does our flawed hero. Goodness knows why our heroine, Theda, likes a gambling flatterer! But then she's a mixture of sense and stupidity. And that's the appeal of this book, the characters are overblown as they should be in a good gothic, but they are not so dastardly as to make them less than appealing. You can't help but love them. The story sweeps you along and it's a great read.
  • East End Lady
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Traditional Gothick Romance.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2017
    It was a dark and stormy night when a woebegone, emaciated maiden is discovered hiding in the gloom of a run-down inn..... This story starts as it means to go on evoking an atmosphere of decay and malice worthy of Wuthering Heights. There is a cast of worthy of its setting: a mysterious, flame -haired heroine,at her wits end, a cynical rake , a gleeful, malicious old woman, a taciturn, ancient man-servant and a truly venomous daughter, all ready to play out their parts. The author adds a welcome touch of humour to spice the whole ,and the result is a really gripping story.

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