A review by nononanette
The Devil You Know by Liz Carlyle
4.0
Bentley, the notorious but charming younger son and Frederica. Unusually deep for the genre. Primarily a character study, an exploration of the power of the past to shape one’s life and the need to confront it in order to have a future.
Carlyle’s story departs from the typical “forced marriage” plot in that it is a psychological study of a truly tortured hero. Bentley’s tense relationship with his brother, his disastrous excesses, his underlying pain all stem from the past and he must confront his demons if he is to find happiness with Freddie. When the truth finally comes out, it makes sense of all of Bentley’s reckless and self-destructive behavior.
Freddie is almost as interesting a character as Bentley. She may be young, but her unusual life and circumstances have given her wisdom beyond her years. Her choices - first to refuse Bentley and then to accept the devil she knows - show her maturity and good sense. She also is the catalyst who forces Bentley to face the past. She is a good match for a complex hero.
Carlyle’s story departs from the typical “forced marriage” plot in that it is a psychological study of a truly tortured hero. Bentley’s tense relationship with his brother, his disastrous excesses, his underlying pain all stem from the past and he must confront his demons if he is to find happiness with Freddie. When the truth finally comes out, it makes sense of all of Bentley’s reckless and self-destructive behavior.
Freddie is almost as interesting a character as Bentley. She may be young, but her unusual life and circumstances have given her wisdom beyond her years. Her choices - first to refuse Bentley and then to accept the devil she knows - show her maturity and good sense. She also is the catalyst who forces Bentley to face the past. She is a good match for a complex hero.