"The Dark Viscount" is an OK read by one of my favorite Harlequin Historical authors, Deborah Simmons. Simmons' books usually have characters that grab me, strong males and females who are unusual for their times. While this book has all that, it didn't have the depth of feeling in the romance that I'm used to from Simmons.

When Sydony and her brother discover they have inherited an estate from a distant aunt, they are relieved. With the fairly recent death of their father, their situation was becoming strained. Now they can breathe a little easier...until they arrive to a deserted castle-like country home that reeks with Gothic atmosphere. When their old childhood friend Barto who is now a Viscount arrives almost on their heels, Sydony is at first pleased...but quickly becomes suspicious. Now there are mysterious lights in their garden maze, tales of Druids, and too many locked doors for Sydony's peace of mind. And Barto somehow seems mixed up in it all.

Barto was just a little too cold and suspicious for far too long for me. I found myself hoping Sydony would just kick his butt and be done with it! But that won't stop me from reading Simmons' next novel. ( )