Series: Harlequin E Shivers (Box Set, Volume 3)
Publisher: Harlequin E
Release Date: July 7, 2014
Source: Review copy from NetGalley
Rating: ★★★★½

It’s 1938, and war is looming as Lilly Divine leaves London for life as a governess in a crumbling mansion. Her employer, Gethin Taran, a man as remote and compelling as the mountains encircling his home, soon has Lilly intrigued and enthralled. But there is danger as well as passion in the valley, and its ghostly source begins to stalk Lilly’s nightmares…

VALLEY OF NIGHTMARES is another enjoyable book from the Harlequin E Shivers Box Set, Volume 3. It’s reminiscent of the vintage Gothic romances where the creepy old house was itself a dynamic character. This story takes readers back to Great Britain on the eve of World War II.

A young woman named Lilly Divine travels to a dilapidated mansion in a remote Welsh village to become the governess of an orphaned girl in her uncle’s care. A series of frightening events puts Lilly and her young charge’s lives in danger, and she begins to question whether she can trust her employer, the mysterious and seductive Gethin Taran. Lilly and Gethin’s relationship was volatile and passionate, perfect for a Gothic romance.

VALLEY OF NIGHTMARES was exciting and fast-paced, with many intriguing elements that kept me reading late into the night. The heroine gets entangled in dark forces beyond her control — scheming evil men and spooky supernatural forces surrounding the valley. The author has a beautifully descriptive way with words, and I enjoyed her writing style very much. I also loved the Welsh setting and Celtic lore at the heart of this story. I’m looking forward to reading more Gothics from Ms. Godman.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.