Price of Privilege

November 24, 2014
In the final book of a trilogy, Dotta completes the story of Julia Elliston, an emotionally scarred woman who discovers she is an heiress. Though the status of her marriage to Chance Macy is unclear (given questions about Macy’s circumstances), Julia weds Edward, her childhood sweetheart and the local vicar. She believes the hardships plaguing her life are finally over, but her happiness is short-lived. Edward’s parents reject Julia, and his congregation decries him for marrying a scandalous woman. The couple heads to London in search of a fresh start, but unbeknownst to Edward, Julia has blackmailed Macy, who vows to get revenge. Julia’s life disintegrates as it becomes clear that Macy will stop at nothing to conceal the secret Julia holds. The story is told in retrospect from Julia’s point of view and will appeal to readers who like dark romanticism. The vast array of characters and their relationships, however, may prove challenging for those not familiar with the two previous books. Agent: Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary Agency.

January 1, 2015
Julia Elliston believes that marrying Edward Auburn will be the start of a brand-new life. Unfortunately, Julia didn't take into account how quickly her past would catch up with her. While the legality of Julia's marriage to Chance Macy might be in question, one thing definitely is not: Julia's first husband has no intention of letting her go. Especially since Julia knows all about Chance, including one very dangerous fact that he would gladly kill to keep secret. A suitably dark and Dickensian setting, a wonderfully Machiavellian villain, and a plot rich in political intrigue and dangerous double crosses provide the literary fodder from which Dotta builds the finale to her Price of Privilege trilogy. Readers will definitely benefit from having read the first two books in the series, Born of Persuasion (2013) and Mark of Distinction (2014), but once they are up to speed, Dotta's latest gothic-tinged mix of historical fiction and sweet romance is exceptionally entertaining.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)