Suzanne Robinson -- Lady Valiant

Rated: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ . ♥   {4.15}
Action: ♠♠♠♠ / Emotion: ♣♣♣ / Romance: ♥♥♥ / Sensuous: ♦ / Suspense: ♠♠♠
Action: 4 / Emotion: 3 / Romance: 3 / Sensuous: 1 / Suspense: 3 // Historical Flavor: 4.5 / Laughter: 2 / Tears: 0

Lady Valiant by Suzanne Robinson was set in 1565, the time period immediately preceding (as taken from Wikipedia) "the Rising of the North of 1569, also called the Revolt of the Northern Earls or Northern Rebellion, . . . an unsuccessful attempt by Catholic nobles from Northern England to depose Queen Elizabeth I of England and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots."   Have always found it puzzling that so many wars have been fought in the name of religion, simply because one faction does not like the way another worships God.   But then, the instigators of these wars were not really concerned about how one worships God, but about the power granted to the leaders of that worship.

Robinson highlighted the fact that certain people strive to achieve great wealth and power by introducing readers to the heroine's hated grandmother, Lady Grace Hunt, in her efforts to {1} marry off   Dorothea "Thea" Philadelphia Hunt to a man who would increase her wealth and standing with Queen Elizabeth, and {2} help transmit messages for the English Catholic building a network of alliances among powerful northern barons in the kingdom, known only as The Wyvern.

It is obvious that the necessary finale to this tale (and they lived happily-ever-after) is going to be fraught with difficulties because not only does Thea hate all men, but Robin St. John, Lord Derry has a well-won distrust of women ever since his now-dead wife, Alice, betrayed him to the mad bishop, Bloody Bonner, when he was seventeen and he ended up in the torture chamber of The Tower.   (Wished Robinson had written a clever explanation about how Derry had escaped the torture chamber scarred, but alive.)

Lady Hunt convinced her granddaughter to visit her old childhood friend, Mary Stuart -- to talk her out of marrying the drunken fool, Lord Darnley so that she could use an unsuspecting Thea to transport the Wyvern's encrypted messages.   William Cecil, the Queen's chief secretary of state, calls the Queen's spy, Derry, to Hugo Unthank's jeweler shop to interrogate Lady Hunt because Unthank recognized the gold buttons a previous Wyvern courier, Leslie Richmond, had in his possession when killed.   Lady Hunt has no compunction about pointing an accusing finger at her granddaughter, thus, branding her a traitor.

Because did not realize Lady Valiant was part of The Queen's Spies Quartet, read it in the wrong order.   Absolutely hate that!   Now don't have the background information about how Derry came to be the infamous highwayman, Robin Savage, who had a price on his head and inherited his band of thieves from his mentor Christian de Rivers (book one, Lady Gallant).   Robinson did an excellent job of entertaining readers with antics from the sparsely-developed, but interesting war band of disreputable spies serving Robin.   They included: {1} cutpurse Inigo Culpepper, who spent more time in the story than, {2} Oakshot, {3} Anthony Now-Now, and {4} Simon Spry.   Reading the previous books of the series might also explain the background of another of Derry's men, Stubb, who was often present in the story.   (Note: have now read those books -- Robinson never revealed these details.)

Derry rushes after Thea to stop her from entering Scotland with the Wyvern's messages and cipher key.   Thea is confused when she is abducted by the infamous highwayman and thrown into a black pit to gain answers to questions about treason and a cipher key.   It was a disappointment, but expected, that this 1993-written book necessitated that when Thea succumbs to the charming rogue, Robin, and spends a night in his bed, the sensuality was hidden in descriptions of how Thea was feeling instead of a spicy, heated love scene.

Another intriguing thread woven into Derry and Thea's story (as they battle to overcome past betrayals), is the presence of Derry's younger brother, Morgan St. John (book two of The St. John Family Duet, Lord of Enchantment).   The animosity between the brothers leaps off the pages as they fight over Thea (and any other thing handy).   When circumstances force Morgan to take an injured Derry to their father's home, Moorefield Garde, the hatred Viscount Mooreland holds for his second son, Derry, over the death of his beloved first son, John St. John (what kind of name is that) is shockingly clear.   What is not so clear is why Morgan, who obviously hates his brother, is a member of his band and why he was part of the rescue operation after Derry was captured by Father Jean-Paul, Sieur de la Rochefort, henchman of the Cardinal of Lorraine, Mary Scot's uncle.   Am now anxious to read Morgan's story to see if the brothers make peace.

Robinson did an wonderful job of grabbing and keeping the reader's interest as Thea and Derry tried to figure out who the Wyvern was and how to stop him from killing them.   Several minimally-developed supporting characters were introduced in the first chapter (at Lady Hunt's ball) who could all possibly be the mysterious Wyvern.   {1} Jonathan Taine, Earl of Lynford, described with sad soft brown eyes (because lost father to Henry VIII's rule).   {2} Timothy Eyre, an obvious nitwit who was used as a courier between the Wyvern and Lady Hunt.   {3} Lord Lawrence Gracechurch, whose claim to fame was his girth and greed.   {4} Catherine Taine, dowager Countess of Lynford, the Earl's step-mother who trolled for young gallants.   (Had a big problem with this character because early in the book Robinson claimed Catherine was Jonathan's step-mother, but later in the book, she claimed Jonathan as her son.   Which was it?)   Several other men of Lady Hunt's acquaintance were thrown into the suspect pool as well as her companion, the dour disapproving Ellen Dowgate.

Robinson entertained readers by using a suspense-building tool usually utilized in Romantic Suspense books by giving the Wyvern a point of view voice while keeping him hidden.   Anybody who is good at ferreting out who the bad guy is in such novels will probably have no trouble guessing who the Wyvern is, but Robinson did manage to throw in a couple of intriguing twists to the story during the search and discovery of the Wyvern, while leaving a thread hanging so that there is a desire to read the next books in the series.

One other supporting character that stayed in the background, but elicited great interest was Thea's father, who reminded one of 'the absent-minded professor.'   While Thea knew her sweet, loving father, Lord Edward Hunt, loved her, his lack of parental care and affection for her was all invested in roses and draft horses.

All in all, Lady Valiant, unfurls all the characteristics that make for a fun, entertaining, interesting read.   {1} A multi-layered angst-filled hero, who is alpha, hunky, charismatic and determined to win the day.   {2} An independent, stubborn, broken-hearted heroine who is determined to chart her own path, not to be used by any man.   {3} Plenty of exciting action that moves the story along with speed and interest.   {4} Although not intense, nor tear-inducing, an emotional connection ties the reader to the characters of the book.   {5} An aura of suspense pervades the story as the protagonists deal with their rocky relationship as they hunt for the bad guy.   {6} The romantic attraction between Derry and Thea does not take top billing, nor does the tame lovemaking heat up the pages of the book, but their romance is still a pertinent part of the story.   {7} Robinson inspired a desire to read the other books in the series by creating interesting supporting characters.

Lady Valiant may not be a must-read, nor a favorite, it is still not a book to be ignored.   It inspired interest from the beginning to the end.   An easy read for those who love the old Historical Romances.

Caveat: Would recommend that the four books of The Queen's Spies Quartet be read in order.   It is much easier to understand the connections between the characters and to follow the historical progression.
--Vonda M. Reid (Saturday; February 11, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.)     [212]

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The Queen's Spies Quartet

#	Date	Title	Hero	Heroine
01.	01-1992	Lady Gallant	Christian Richard Villard de Rivers, Viscount Montfort	Eleanora "Nora" Becket
02.	08-1992	Lady Defiant	Nicholas "Blade" Edward Fitzstephen, Sieur de Racine	Oriel Richmond
03.	07-1993	Lady Valiant	Robin St. John, Lord Derry, Viscount Moorefield	Dorothea "Thea" Philadelphia Hunt
04.	01-1995	Lord of Enchantment	Morgan St. John	Penelope "Pen" Grace Fairfax

The St. John Family Duet (Sub-Series)

#	Date	Title	Hero	Heroine
01.	07-1993	Lady Valiant	Robin St. John, Lord Derry, Viscount Moorefield	Dorothea "Thea" Philadelphia Hunt
02.	01-1995	Lord of Enchantment	Morgan St. John	Penelope "Pen" Grace Fairfax

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Characters Found In "Lady Valiant"

Character / Location	Description / Relationships	Found In
Robin St. John, Lord Derry	[Hero] Queen Elizabeth's spy (10) merciless, artistic swordsman (11) golden hair (20) aka: Robin Savage (20) gentian blue eyes; wide, muscled shoulders; tall; angelic coloring (35) lush, well-formed body (36) walked with strength and rhythm of dancer (55) passion for art (131) 28-y-o; penchant for learning, rather than swordplay (134) lodestar of the court (174) hair like wheat covered with dew; eyes like a New World sea; will and autocracy of a Roman god (194) quick-witted; master of seduction (195)	2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment
Dorothea "Thea" Philadelphia Hunt	[Heroine] shared a childhood in French court with Queen of Scots; feather-soft heart (8) steady in character; honest to the point of awkwardness; staid, sensible demeanor; 23-y-o (24) thick, straight black hair (25) golden eyes; jet black hair (35) courage (39) intelligent; clever; logical (48) heart-shaped face (104) passion for art (131)	3. Lady Valiant
. . .	. . .	. . .
Bishop Bonner	[Actual Historical Figure] Bloody Bonner; mad bishop (45)	1. Lady Gallant 3. Lady Valiant (m)
William Cecil	[Actual Historical Figure] [Secondary Character] queen's chief secretary of state (12) slight stature; balding (13)	1. Lady Gallant (m) 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Henry, Lord Darnley	[Actual Historical Figure] fool; drunkard; pretty (7) married Mary Stuart	3. Lady Valiant (m)
Robert Dudley	[Actual Historical Figure] queen's favorite (111)	3. Lady Valiant (m)
Cardinal of Lorraine	[Actual Historical Figure] Frenchman; Mary Scot's uncle (167)	2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Mary Stewart, Queen of Scotland	[Actual Historical Figure] enamored of Lord Darnley (7) French mother's family, the de Guises (17) clever; beautiful; soft-hearted (23)	2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Elizabeth Tudor	[Actual Historical Figure] Protestant Queen (9)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
. . .	. . .	. . .
Lady Beatrice	[One Appearance] had been in French court (250) was to be Derry's partner for the mask following banquet (250)	3. Lady Valiant
Marquess of Bridewell	[No Appearance] Thea's grandmother's acquaintance (111)	3. Lady Valiant
Andrew Byrd	[No Appearance] goldsmith who made the buttons in which ciphers were hidden (14)	3. Lady Valiant
Sir Anthony Clark	[No Appearance] Thea's grandmother's acquaintance (111) in Tower for treason (269)	3. Lady Valiant
Inigo Culpepper	[Secondary Character] inherited thief from Christian; Derry's disreputable league of spies and personal war band (12) cutpurse (13) tall; scrawny (55)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment
Ellen Dowgate	[Secondary Character] grandmother's companion (111) dour; disapproving; spent much of her time at mass praying for sinful, which included almost everyone (190) avarice (204)	3. Lady Valiant
Timothy Eyre	[Secondary Character] one of Thea's grandmother's acquaintances; rarely noticed anyone, unless wealthy enough to enhance his position among Queen's courtiers (4) sparse black hair (7) son of nobleman and the daughter of the powerful Italian banking family of Tasso (9) efforts to reason accompanied by contortions of facial muscles (64)	3. Lady Valiant
Blade Fitzstephen	[Book 2 Hero] reckless; abducted by Cardinal of Lorraine	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant (m)
Foxe	[One Appearance] actor playing princess (229)	3. Lady Valiant
Lord Lawrence Gracechurch	[Secondary Character] one of Thea's grandmother's acquaintances; during Bloody Mary's reign, accused innocent yeomen of heresy in order to get their land (5) melon-like girth; flapping cheeks (214) layers of chins (266)	3. Lady Valiant
Hadow	[Secondary Character] one of Derry's men // he and Oakshot took Hobby to Fitzstephen (66)	3. Lady Valiant
Henri	[One Appearance] guest at Lady Grace Hunt's lavish house party // Frenchman; dark hair; slight build; arrogant; nobleman; no honor (1)	3. Lady Valiant
Nan Hobby	[Secondary Character] Thea's ladies maid (1)	3. Lady Valiant
Lord Edward Hunt	[Secondary Character] Thea's father (3) ofttimes acted as if he had wits of a midge (4) Edward (9) sweet; loving; absentminded (51) all senses invested in roses and draft horses (109)	3. Lady Valiant
Lady Grace Hunt	[Secondary Character] Thea's grandmother; loved the rich and powerful (3) Grace (5) had enjoyed high favor with old queen, Mary Tudor; Queen Elizabeth didn't like (6) wispy white hair; joints of fingers were reddened and swollen; purple veins through slack skin on backs of her hands (15)	3. Lady Valiant
Jenny	[Secondary Character] hanging around with Derry's men // fulsome (67) red-gold hair; rounded wide hips (87)	3. Lady Valiant
Jove	Derry's stallion	3. Lady Valiant
Jonathan Taine, Earl of Lynford	[Secondary Character] one of Thea's grandmother's acquaintances; soft brown eyes; not scornful; sadness left his eyes; suffered at hands of Henry VIII and his son Edward VI; attractive; Catholic (4) appearance fit station in life; tall; well-proportioned; air of wistfulness and melancholy that intrigued and mystified (248) deep rich chestnut hair, curled in tight ringlets; dark looks; easy courtesy; lack of male hubris (248)	3. Lady Valiant
Catherine Taine, dowager Countess of Lynford	[Secondary Character] one of Thea's grandmother's acquaintances; Earl's step-mother (6) red-gold wig; trolled court waters for young gallants (248)	3. Lady Valiant
Marvelous Mag	[No Appearance]	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant (m)
Viscount Moorefield	[Secondary Character] Robin's father (15) a soldier who served in Henry VIII's wars (134) small, mean heart; cared for eldest son only (135) silver hair; walk of youth; gentian-blue eyes; held mouth in pinched distortion (177) habitually charged in rooms; scowling (185)	2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Duke of Norfolk	[No Appearance] Thea's grandmother's acquaintance (111)	3. Lady Valiant
Anthony Now-Now	[Secondary Character] inherited thief from Christian; inherited thief from mentor; Derry's disreputable league of spies and personal war band (12) mountain of a man (132)	1. Lady Gallant 3. Lady Valiant
Oakshot	[Secondary Character] inherited thief from Christian; inherited thief from mentor; Derry's disreputable league of spies and personal war band (12)	3. Lady Valiant
Leslie Richmond	[Secondary Character] one of Thea's grandmother's acquaintances; was a prospective suitor // felt God owed him wealth, pleasing entertainments, and women of easy virtue; grandmother's choice for Thea's beau; killed in brawl (3)	2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant
Oriel Richmond	[Book 2 Heroine] Derry helped her rescue Blade (12)	2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant (m)
Christian de Rivers	[Book 1 Hero] Derry's mentor (12)	01. Lady Gallant 02. Lady Defiant (m) 03. Lady Valiant 04. Lord of Enchantment
Father Jean-Paul, Sieur de la Rochefort:	[Secondary Character] villain // Frenchman (152) utterly black eyes; concealed his thoughts (159) served Cardinal of Lorraine, Mary Scot's uncle (167)	3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment
Oofer Small	[One Appearance] actor playing dragon (228)	3. Lady Valiant
Inky Smythe	[No Appearance] petty rogue; dealt in forged papers (262)	3. Lady Valiant (m)
Simon Spry	[Secondary Character] inherited thief from Christian; inherited thief from mentor; Derry's disreputable league of spies and personal war band (12)	1. Lady Gallant 3. Lady Valiant
Alice [St. John]	[No Appearance] betrayed Derry to Bloody Bonner to save her own hide // Derry's wife; beautiful; married as children (67) red-gold hair; lush body; demanded everyone worship her (68)	3. Lady Valiant
John St. John	[No Appearance] Derry's oldest brother (134) two years older than Derry (135) for four years, Derry worked to learn swordplay, riding, jousting, hunting, skirmishing, spear throwing (135) John and Viscount goaded Derry; who finally (at 14-y-o) challenged his brother to a duel; description of the fight; how John died	3. Lady Valiant (m)
Morgan St. John	[Book 4 Hero] Derry's brother (72) lithe form (71) long legs; black hair; black eyes (72) younger than Derry by 5 years (81) wide shoulders (118) trained by Christian de Rivers (269)	3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment
Stubb	[Secondary Character] Derry's man	3. Lady Valiant
Tugman	[Secondary Character] brought message; Lady Hunt murdered 4 days ago; room searched; only key to Wyvern was Thea (88)	3. Lady Valiant
Hugo Unthank	[Secondary Character] jeweler near St. Paul's Cathedral; part of William Cecil's spy ring	1. Lady Gallant 3. Lady Valiant
Sir Gideon Walbrook	[No Appearance] in Tower for treason (269)	3. Lady Valiant
Earl of Westmoreland	[No Appearance] Thea's grandmother's acquaintance (111)	3. Lady Valiant
Tom Wyatt	[No Appearance] had visited Derry, who refused to join his rebel quest; reason Bloody Bonner questioned Derry as a traitor	3. Lady Valiant
The Wyvern	[Secondary Character] villain // no one knew who he was; English Catholic; building network of alliances among powerful northern barons in the kingdom	3. Lady Valiant
(m) = mentioned

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Suzanne Robinson
♠  Website
♣  pseudonym used by: Lynda S. Robinson
Suzanne Robinson Book List:
♠  Fantastic Fiction
♣  FictionDB
Lynda S. Robinson Book List:
♠  Fantastic Fiction
♣  FictionDB

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Lady Valiant Reviews:

Rated	Posted	Site	Notes, Comments, Etc.
3.67 average	{3 reviews}	Amazon	as of: March 4, 2012
3.50 out of 5	08-11-2010	Aneca's World	also posted on Good Reads
--	no reviews	Barnes and Noble	as of: March 4, 2012
6 / 6 / 6	06-09-2003	Eye On Romance
3.50 average	{2 reviews}	Good Reads	as of: March 4, 2012
3.63 average	{3 ratings}	Library Thing	as of: March 4, 2012
2.75 average	{2 reviews}	Paperback Swap	as of: March 4, 2012
4.00 average	{1 review}	Shelfari	as of: March 4, 2012
4.15	03-05-2012	Wolf Bear Does Books	shorter post on Amazon, Good Reads, Shelfari

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Notes:
♥  Disclaimer:   I Purchased This Book
♥  Very Subjective Rating
♥  Willing to share Cheat Sheet
    ♦  in whole or in part

    ♦  WordPerfect or PDF

♣  Will add your Lady Valiant review link to table, just ask

Suzanne Robinson -- Lady Defiant

Rated: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ . ♥   {4.25}
Action: ♠♠♠♠ / Emotion: ♣♣♣♣.♣ / Romance: ♥♥♥♥ / Sensuous: ♦.♦ / Suspense: ♠♠♠
Action: 4 / Emotion: 4.5 / Romance: 4 / Sensuous: 1.5 / Suspense: 3 // Historical Flavor: 4.5 / Laughter: 6 / Tears: 3

The second book in Suzanne Robinson's The Queen's Spies Quartet, Lady Defiant, was a wonderful, emotional, one-sitting read.   Robinson's skill to immediately draw a reader into the lives and emotions of her characters is amazing.   The opening chapter drew immediate emotional investment into the lives of both the hero and heroine as they met for the first time with such 'true to life' issues that (based on personal experience) were easily identifiable.

Nicholas "Blade" Edward Fitzstephen, Sieur [Sir] de Racine, has been dragged by his father, Lord Andrew Fitzstephen, to Richmond Hall (in Northern England) to be introduced to Oriel Richmond, the heiress residing within.   This very concise, wonderfully-written scene featured two young people who were being forced to meet by family members who were determined to promote a marriage for their own selfish reasons.   There were several relationship revealing quotes that revealed a lack of familial caring and set the tone for the rest of story:

"No, Father, you're wrong.   You haven't raised a hand to me since I was sixteen and big enough to hit back.   I haven't forgotten those lashings, or how you left me bleeding and locked in a bare stone chamber when I was but fourteen."   (Blade: page 11)

"You always did twist the truth to suit your illusions," Blade said.   "As I told you, I'll come back when you're dead.   There's nothing to keep me here now that you've driven Mother to her grave."   (Blade: page 11)

. . . then she realized that while she had been enraptured, he had been offended by her and her appearance.   All the years of encountering youths and men who paid her slight notice came thundering back into her memory.   The evenings spent watching while others danced, the hunts spent pursuing a deer or fowl while other girls were instead pursued themselves -- these had driven her to seek comfort in learning and solitary pursuits.   (Oriel: page 11)

"I swear to you, my words were hastily spoken and ill-reasoned on account of my anger at my father.   A meanness of spirit overcomes me when I'm in his company for long, and this time I struck out at him and hit you instead.   I take an oath before God that none of my insults are true."   (Blade: page 13)

"Ofttimes we speak our truest feelings when our words are least guarded, my lord."   (Oriel: page 13)

When she was orphaned at eight, Oriel's beloved Great-Uncle Thomas Richmond brought her with him to Richmond Hall to be harassed and harangued by two bitter, spiteful aunts and their self-concerned children.   Robinson did an excellent job of writing realistic interactions between members of the Richmond family which explained the personal development of the residents within.

Aunt Faith Richmond was the widow of Oriel's grandfather's middle son and she resented the wealth Oriel inherited upon her grandfather's death several months ago because she had four daughters to marry off.   Four daughters that Robinson richly ascribed with the following characteristics: {1} plain as their names (Joan, Jane, Agnes, Amy); {2} bore spite toward anyone the slightest bit more presentable; {3} an unfortunate shade of brown hair that looked as if they stood on their heads in ashes; {4} "not one of them had eyebrows, and only little Amy had a chin"; and finally, Blade called them {5} cheese-witted little hedgehogs.

Aunt Livia Richmond was the predominate aunt who bellowed and bullied her way throughout the entire book.   She was the tall, massive, fleshy, beringed widow of Oriel's grandfather's eldest son.   Again, Robinson revealed her talent when it came to revealing the natural inclination of sons exposed to a mother that showed an obvious bias to her youngest.   Robinson added realism to the story by the addition of multiple scenes featuring the bickering between the brothers (and Livia always championing the youngest).

The youngest charming, temperate, witty, penurious, gambling son, Leslie Richmond, was the only cousin who befriended Oriel.   It was easy to like Leslie, even through he "used his mother's partiality to jab at his brothers until they bled."   Leslie was determined to overcome his lack of inheritance by obtaining an appointment from Her Majesty as one of her gentlemen pensioners.

Livia's middle son, Robert Richmond, stayed mostly in the background, but when he did voice his opinion, it was one that had all the family members cringing in fear.   During this turbulent time in history (1564-1565), Elizabeth sat on the throne that Bloody Mary had previously occupied.   While Bloody Mary burned Protestant heretics at the stake, Elizabeth, on the other hand, tried to turn a blind eye to Catholics who would practice their faith quietly.   Robert, was a very vocal, Elizabeth-bashing Catholic

George Richmond, Livia's firstborn, inherited the title of Lord Richmond.   George's pompous, steady personality enabled him to fade into the background even though he was the leader of the Richmond clan.   George, basically, seemed unremarkable until his final conversation with Oriel at the end of the book -- which revealed he had a sense of humor and knew what was going on around his estate after all.   It is the small, interesting additions like this scene that added to the realistic, enjoyable nature of Robinson's story.

Blade used his astonishing good looks and his angelically-gifted voice to bed his way through the politically-connected women in his mother's home country of France, to gain knowledge about Charles de Guise, the ruthless, cunning, Cardinal of Lorraine who {1} had spies in every court in Europe; {2} persecuted French Protestants; {3} schemed to control the French boy king; and {4} had an unmatched desire for power.

Blade reported to his friend and mentor, fellow intelligencer, Christian de Rivers (book one, Lady Gallant) that the Cardinal was seeking information that could endanger Queen Elizabeth's entitlement to the English throne.   Blade was sent to Richmond Hall in the guise of a suitor to the resident heiress, so he could interview Thomas Richmond, a friend of Lord Henry Percy, heir to the Earl of Northumberland, who had won the heart of King Henry VIII's wife, Anne Boleyn, and may have married her in secret.

Uncle Thomas was Oriel's life-line.   He loved her unconditionally.   He spent hours with her in his "study" teaching her history, languages and supported her desire to be an independent thinker.   Oriel refused to be led by anyone, which made Blade's job of seducing from Oriel any information regarding incriminating documentation regarding Henry Percy and Anne Boleyn incredibly difficult.

Robinson cleverly aided Blade's entry back into Oriel's life by using a character that was featured in the first book of The Queen's Spies Quartet.   The notorious highwayman, Jack Midnight, who had once captured both Christian and Blade (more details found in Lady Gallant) attacked Blade and his entourage en route.   Not only was Blade left bleeding on Richmond Hall's doorstep, but Blade now had knowledge that someone in the area was paying Jack to waylay travelers, thus increasing the already suspenseful nature of the plot.

Robinson has a natural ability to write a story that includes secondary characters that add depth and interest to the lives of the main character.   René, Blade's servant and bodyguard, who had been hired by his mother to protect him since he was a boy was just such a character.   René constantly remained on the periphery, taunting and aiding Blade as he struggled through life.   Although René remained in the background, he drew interest and was so memorable that he inspired a desire to want to know so much more about him.

Lady Defiant was full of twists as turns as Blade fell in love with Oriel as he was seducing information from her.   Oriel, too, fell in love with the glorious Blade and began to help him in his quest to find the information he needed among Uncle Thomas's mountain of books, journals and papers.   Robinson did a great job of keeping Blade and Oriel sensually aware of the other, but as expected in an older novel (January 1993), the love scenes between Blade and Oriel were emotional, not very graphic and contained minimal sizzle and heat.

Found it interesting that Oriel was the polar opposite of Nora (the heroine from Lady Gallant).   While Christian was forced to pursue Nora in book one of this series, Oriel was the ardent, unrelenting, pursuer of Blade in this second book of the series.   Robinson revealed her talent by writing characters with such wide-ranging, both ends of the spectrum personalities.   Oriel did not come across as a desperate heroine who had to have the love of her life, but rather as a quick-witted, determined, strong-willed heroine who was compelled to save the life of her wounded-soul hero.

In conclusion, really enjoyed Suzanne Robinson's second book of The Queen's Spies Quartet, Lady Defiant.   She featured: {1} an intelligent, gorgeous, hunky, alpha hero, whose tortured soul convinced him he was to remain alone forever after.   {2} A very strong-willed, determined, intelligent, 'will not be denied' heroine, who struggled with her own lack of self-worth.   {3} Plenty of action and adventure scenes that kept the story moving at a swift pace.   {4} A deep personal, emotional connection to the lead characters that lead to laughter and tears.   {5} A tense level of suspense permeated the entire story: {a} would Oriel ever convince Blade he was salvageable; {b} would Blade and Oriel get the information they needed to save the queen from the Cardinal; {c} who is the traitor in the Richmond family.   {6} A constant sensual awareness flowed between Blade and Oriel, even thought the actual love scenes lacked heat and sizzle.   {7} A depth of historical accuracy about the life and activities of royal personages and their machinations during 1594-1595 interwoven into the plot of the story.   {8} Interesting, well-written, true-to-life secondary characters added a rich sense of family dynamics to the story.   {9} A too-brief mention of Christian and Nora from book one of the series.   (Wished Robinson had spent some time with Nora and Arthur).   {10} The introduction of Derry, the hero of book three (Lady Valiant).

Although this series has not become a favorite, it is nevertheless, one well worth reading.   Would readily recommend to any reader who enjoys the older Historical Romances.

Caveat: Would recommend that the four books of The Queen's Spies Quartet be read in order.   It is much easier to understand the connections between the characters and to follow the historical progression.
--Vonda M. Reid (Wednesday, February 29, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.)     [217]

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The Queen's Spies Quartet

#	Date	Title	Hero	Heroine
01.	01-1992	Lady Gallant	Christian Richard Villard de Rivers, Viscount Montfort	Eleanora "Nora" Becket
02.	08-1992	Lady Defiant	Nicholas "Blade" Edward Fitzstephen, Sieur de Racine	Oriel Richmond
03.	07-1993	Lady Valiant	Robin St. John, Lord Derry, Viscount Moorefield	Dorothea "Thea" Philadelphia Hunt
04.	01-1995	Lord of Enchantment	Morgan St. John	Penelope "Pen" Grace Fairfax

The St. John Family Duet (Sub-Series)

#	Date	Title	Hero	Heroine
01.	07-1993	Lady Valiant	Robin St. John, Lord Derry, Viscount Moorefield	Dorothea "Thea" Philadelphia Hunt
02.	01-1995	Lord of Enchantment	Morgan St. John	Penelope "Pen" Grace Fairfax

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Characters Found In "Lady Defiant"

Character / Location	Description / Relationships	Found In
Blade Fitzstephen Sieur de Racine	[Hero] mother was French; inherited title (7) tall; grey eyes so bright theat they seemed silver; straight brows; dark brown-black hair; full lower lip; heavy gold signet ring surrounded third finger; grace of manner; much-tried patience; skepticism; dark graceful creature with alluring voice and argent eyes (8) smooth cheeks; sharply angled line of jaw; startling jaws (9) chucks of his childhood shrouded in the blackness of lost memory; living in fear that some unsuspected offense by his morther or him would ignite his father's fury; took refuge in study; fallen prey to a demon rage (16) Nicholas (18) fell into hands of Midnight 8-y-a; learned lawless arts from Midnight; reckless; free (40) wood and spice scent (60) a voice that would charm an angel from heaven (76) queen sent Blade quillon dagger and named him her Dagger (286)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Oriel Richmond	[Heroine] 20-y-o; heiress; orphaned 8-y-a (1) wildly curly auburn-hued hair (2) matched Aunt Livia in height (4) only child of grandfather's youngest son (5) sought comfort in learning and solitary pursuits (12) small, pointed chin; wide forehead; resembled face of a fairy; eyes reminded him of Loire Valley in spring (15) clever (30) dark black-read hair; slender build (33) green eyes (50) orphaned at 12; Uncle Thomas came to get her; cared for her (96) unpredictable; passionate (125) intellectual curiosity (165)	2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant (m)
. . .	. . .	. . .
Queen Anne Boleyn	[Actual Historical Figure] Thomas hanging her portrait (1) clever; a great wit; married King Henry VIII; head cut off (2) all wildness and courage (3) long face; long nose; small, bow-shaped mouth, its diminutive size gave her a pinched, self-satisfied look; black, almond-shaped eyes stared in mocking amusement (149)	1. Lady Gallant (m) 2. Lady Defiant (m)
William Cecil	[Actual Historical Figure] Queen Elizabeth's chief minister (20)	1. Lady Gallant (m) 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Queen Elizabeth (Queen Bess)	[Actual Historical Figure] dark, flashing eyes (149) Elizabeth Regina (286)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Duc de Guise	[Actual Historical Figure] a Guise brother; Mary Stewart's uncle; cunning; ruthless (15)	2. Lady Defiant (m)
Margaret Lennox	[Actual Historical Figure] [daughter of Mary Stewart] plotted her whole life to claim England (39)	2. Lady Defiant (m)
Cardinal of Lorraine Charles de Guise	[Actual Historical Figure] [Secondary Character] villain // a Guise brother; Mary Stewart's uncle; cunning; ruthless (15) Charles de Guise (20) had spies in every court in Europe; persecuting French Protestants; scheming to control the French boy king; bigot; unmatched desire for power (20) golden hair; demeanor of a prince; son and brother of a duke; wielded power of prince ruthlessly (182) long, manicured fingers (183)	2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant
Catherine de Medici	[Actual Historical Figure] the French king's mother (20)	2. Lady Defiant (m)
Lord Henry Percy	[Actual Historical Figure] had won Anne Boleyn's heart (4) heir to the Earl of Northumberland (25)	2. Lady Defiant (m)
Matthew Stewart	[Actual Historical Figure] married to King Henry's niece; son is a Catholic; had a claim to the throne; being sent to Scotland; dangerous (39)	2. Lady Defiant (m)
Mary Stewart Queen of Scotland	[Actual Historical Figure] wished to wrest England from Elizabeth with help of French uncles	2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Cardinal Wolsey	[Actual Historical Figure] Blade wanted to search his records regarding marriage between Anne Boleyn and Henry Percy (26)	2. Lady Defiant (m)
Hugh Wothorpe	[Actual Historical Figure] [Secondary Character] Oriel's latest suitor (27) boorishness; kept in the Tower since he was a child by Henry VIII, released when Elizabeth came to the throne (28) long nose (29)	2. Lady Defiant
. . .	. . .	. . .
Marie de Bourbon:	[No Appearance] wagers that she will be Blade's next mistress (19)	2. Lady Defiant (m)
Lord Braithwaite	[One Appearance] brought gift from queen to Blade // queen's household; older man; head shaped like quince (286)	2. Lady Defiant
Alain Le Brun	[Secondary Character] villain; served Cardinal of Lorraine // messenger; resembling a cadaver more than a man; macabre appearance (183) tall; skeletal; the appearance of a body that had been placed in a crypt nigh onto three days (229) head like a skull and grayish skin (234)	2. Lady Defiant
Cosimo	[No Appearance] Italian apothecary (243)	2. Lady Defiant
Derry	[Book 3 Hero] Queen Elizabeth's intelligencer; working with Christian to help Blade and Oriel // a familiar of Nora's; messenger sent by Christian (118) golden hair (203) son of Viscount Moorefield (210)	2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment
Lord Andrew Fitzstephen	[Secondary Character] Blade's father // knew Oriel's father (5) tall; figure thickened with age; scowl was only expression (7) "twisted the truth to suit your illusions" (11)	2. Lady Defiant
Lady Fitzstephen	[No Appearance] Blade's mother; died 8 years ago (15)	2. Lady Defiant
Hal Holydean	[One Appearance] biggest men Blade ever saw; height and bulk of three men; ox-like placid gazes; Oriel hired the brothers to be her personal guard (305)	2. Lady Defiant
Edmund Holydean	[One Appearance] same as brother above	2. Lady Defiant
Bevis Holydean	[One Appearance] same as brother above	2. Lady Defiant
James Holydean	[One Appearance] same as brother above	2. Lady Defiant
Martin Holydean	[One Appearance] same as brother above	2. Lady Defiant
Jean-Paul	[Secondary Character] served Cardinal of Lorraine // young priest; shining black hair (76) smooth of face; smile of an angel confronted with a cherub; cheeks bore maiden's rosy hue; handled sword like mercenary (282)	2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment
Johnny	[No Appearance] Midnight's man (192)	2. Lady Defiant
Long Willie	[One Appearance] carried Oriel into tree // one of Jack Midnight's men (294) so tall, looked like a tree with legs (295)	2. Lady Defiant
Claude de la Marche	[Secondary Character] Blade seduced to gain information // mistress of princes, cardinals and spies (14) white, plump arms; smothering scent of lilacs; diamond buttons; full-bodies, rich beauty; pale gold, silken gently curling, cascading hair (18)	2. Lady Defiant
Jack Midnight	[Secondary Character] villain // dispossessed farmer turned outlaw; carried a deep-seated hatred of nobility; abducted Christian as a child; trained him in thievery; found replacement in Blade (40) black hair had more silver; bore scar on his jaw from sword cut; eyes flashed bright black at anticipation of a fight and smell of blood (47)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant
Marvelous Mag	[Secondary Character] owned Bald Pelican; at one time Christian owned Mag; blond hair (204)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant (m)
Meg	[Secondary Character] maid from village to replace Nell (174)	2. Lady Defiant
Nell	[Secondary Character] Oriel's maid (9)	2. Lady Defiant
René	[Major Secondary Character] Blade's servant and bodyguard; been with him since a boy; first employed by Blade's mother; middle aged; could lift Blade; matched him at fencing (15)	2. Lady Defiant
Agnes Richmond	[Secondary Character] Faith's young daughter (6) unfortunate shade of brown hair, looked as if stood on head in ashes; no eyebrows; no chin; short neck (29)	2. Lady Defiant
Amy Richmond	[Secondary Character] Faith's young daughter (6) unfortunate shade of brown hair, looked as if stood on head in ashes; no eyebrows; short neck (29)	2. Lady Defiant
Aunt Faith Richmond	[Secondary Character] widow of Oriel's grandfather's middle son (5) skinny; resented Oriel's wealth when she had four daughters to marry off (29)	2. Lady Defiant
George Richmond	[Secondary Character] Oriel's cousin (7) Livia's firstborn; inherited title of Lord Richmond; mother's beefy frame; great one for proper gestures; pompous (28)	2. Lady Defiant
Jane Richmond	[Secondary Character] Faith's daughter; plain as name; bore spite toward anyone the slightest bit more presentable (6) 15-y-o; unfortunate shade of brown hair, looked as if stood on head in ashes; no eyebrows; no chin; short neck (29) cheese-witted little hedgehog (43)	2. Lady Defiant
Joan Richmond	[Secondary Character] Faith's daughter; plain as name; bore spite toward anyone the slightest bit more presentable (6) 17-y-o; unfortunate shade of brown hair, looked as if stood on head in ashes; no eyebrows; no chin; short neck (29) cheese-witted little hedgehog (43)	2. Lady Defiant
Leslie Richmond	[Secondary Character] Livia's youngest son; away much of the time (6) mother's favorite; used mother's partiality to jab at his brothers until they bled (28) abhorred country; preferred the south in London; loved attending court; gambling and dicing; greatest desire was to obtain an appointment for Her Majesty as one of her gentlemen pensioners; would be eligible for control of leases, wardships, and licenses, which would relieve his penurious state as a younger son; ready wit and charm; rarely lost his temper; one year older than Oriel (32) tall man; same dark black-read hair and slender build as Oriel (33) auburn hair; tall (205)	2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant (m)
Aunt Livia Richmond	[Major Secondary Character] tall woman; build of one of her hunting horses; habit of flaring her nostrils (4) beringed, fleshy hand could do much damage; wife of Oriel's grandfather's eldest son (5) brassy voice (9) massive build; more than a touch of masculinity; man's heavy jaw; heavy tread; soulless glare of a mercenary (109)	2. Lady Defiant
Robert Richmond	[Secondary Character] Livia's middle son // George's brother; stiff; bigoted; vocal claim of Catholic faith (36)	2. Lady Defiant
Thomas Richmond	[Major Secondary Character] Oriel's great-uncle (1) 61-y-o; walking-stick thin; skin almost transparent; hand shook; produced a fine Italian script; taught Oriel Greek and Latin (2) loved and collected shoes (30) lived with family long time (32) balding head (36)	2. Lady Defiant
Christian de Rivers	[Book 1 Hero] one of Queen Elizabeth's intelligencers; worked with Cecil // Blade's friend (20) abducted by Midnight as child; trained in thievery; enjoyed recklessness and freedom (40)	01. Lady Gallant 02. Lady Defiant (m) 03. Lady Valiant 04. Lord of Enchantment
Nora de Rivers	[Book 1 Heroine] Christian's wife (26)	01. Lady Gallant 02. Lady Defiant (m) 04. Lord of Enchantment
Samuel	[No Appearance] Midnight's man (192)	2. Lady Defiant
Louise St. Michel	[No Appearance] Blade's former mistress (19)	2. Lady Defiant (m)
Earl of Vasterne	[No Appearance] Christian's father (40)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant (m)
(m) = mentioned

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Suzanne Robinson
♠  Website
♣  pseudonym used by: Lynda S. Robinson
Suzanne Robinson Book List:
♠  Fantastic Fiction
♣  FictionDB
Lynda S. Robinson Book List:
♠  Fantastic Fiction
♣  FictionDB

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Lady Defiant Reviews:

Rated	Posted	Site	Notes, Comments, Etc.
C- / warm	05-09-2009	All About Romance
4.50 average	{2 reviews}	Amazon	as of: March 4, 2012
B-	10-14-2008	Aneca's World	also posted on Good Reads
4.00 average	{1 rating}	Barnes and Noble	as of: March 4, 2012
10 / 10 / 10	07-25-2005	Eye On Romance	[pj] [qv]
3.50 average	{2 reviews}	Good Reads	as of: March 4, 2012
3.42 average	{6 ratings}	Library Thing	as of: March 4, 2012 {no reviews}
3.80 average	{6 ratings}	Paperback Swap	as of: March 4, 2012 {no reviews}
4.00 average	{1 review}	Shelfari	as of: March 4, 2012
4.25	03-04-2012	Wolf Bear Does Books	shorter post on Amazon, Good Reads, Shelfari

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Notes:
♥  Disclaimer:   I Purchased This Book
♥  Very Subjective Rating
♥  Willing to share Cheat Sheet
    ♦  in whole or in part

    ♦  WordPerfect or PDF

♣  Will add your Lady Defiant review link to table, just ask

Suzanne Robinson -- Lady Gallant

Rated: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ . ♥   {4.50}
Action: ♠♠♠.♠ / Emotion: ♣♣♣♣.♣ / Romance: ♥♥♥♥ / Sensuous: ♦.♦ / Suspense: ♠♠♠
Action: 3.5 / Emotion: 4.75 / Romance: 4 / Sensuous: 1.5 / Suspense: 3 // Historical Flavor: 5 / Laughter: 3 / Tears: 6

♥   1992-93 RT Reviewers' Choice -- Historical K.I.S.S. Hero
♥   All About Romance -- Desert Isle Keeper
♥   1998: The Romance Reader : Number 4 -- Mary's Top Ten List (Favorite Romances)
♥   1998: The Romance Reader : Number 9 -- Kathy's Top Ten List (Favorite Romances)
♥   2009: Dear Author : Number 55.u. -- Top 100 Romances
♥   2011: The House on Black Lake : No. 3 -- Top 25 Worst Acts of Betrayal in Romance Novels

Read Lady Gallant by Suzanne Robinson because wanted to know more about Christian Richard Villard de Rivers, Viscount Montfort and how he came to be the leader of a band of thieves that the hero of Lady Valiant (book three of The Queen's Spies Series) inherited.   Was hoping that Robinson would develop the personalities of several of the band of thieves and reveal how they came to be under the care (if you will) of a nobleman.

Disappointment reigned!   Robinson again left the members of Christian's band of thieves in the background, introducing them by name, listing their specific skills but never detailing the action Christian apparently performed on their behalf to prompt their loyalty and willingness to serve Christian.   Christian's band of spies included: {1} Inigo Culpepper, a cutpurse and highwayman; {2} Anthony Now Now, whose large frame made him Christian's "bouncer" (for lack of a better term); {3}Three Tooth Poll, a wandering peddler, thief and whore; and {4} Simon Spry, an older man who was a horse thief and swindler.

There was no question whatsoever what role Marvelous Mag, Annie Turnstile, and Holly Cushion played in Christian's life.   Holly and Annie were two of Mag's women, working in her alehouse, the Bald Pelican, which not only sheltered a band of thieves and swindlers, but ran a training school for pickpockets and cutpurses.   Marvelous Mag trained Christian in the world of carnality when he was twelve and had been enjoying his sensuality ever since -- even feeling a bit possessive towards "Kit" (as he was known to his acquaintances in the stews of London).

The aristocratic Christian came to his deep understanding and camaraderie with the dregs of society when the evil-natured, aristocratic-hating highwayman Jack Midnight attacked Christian's father, Sebastian de Rivers, Earl of Vasterne, left him for dead and took his eight-year-old son and brutally forced him into a life of crime.   Christian managed to escape the clutches of Jack Midnight four years later and ended up living with the thieves under Mag's protection.

Robinson spent the rest of the book giving readers a view of the abiding fear deep within Christian that he presented to the rest of the world as either {1} a calm, pleasant icy veneer, or {2} an anger so ferocious that everyone around him stood out of striking range.   It was obvious that Robinson was trying to peel back the layers of Christian's horror-ridden childhood to solicit the sympathy of the reader when Christian turned his anger against the woman he loved.

Christian's capacity for love was portrayed by the deep feelings he had for his calm, intelligent, understanding father, Sebastian.   Sebastian was a wonderful character and wished there had been more room in the book to feature him, but, alas, this was not his story.   He was the picture of unconditional love to a son that had been grievously wounded in soul and body.   Christian was an entirely different man when he was in the presence of his beloved father.

Robinson proved that Christian was still capable of caring for others when he learned that Jack Midnight was in the area and set out to kill the man who stole his childhood (a life-long obsessive goal).   When Christian attacked Jack, who was attacking the party escorting Eleanora "Nora" Becket back to London, he met his successor, another young man Jack had stolen and trained to villainy.   Not only did Christian rescue Nora, but he also took Jack's protégé, Blade.

Robinson revealed a bit of the unworthiness that Christian must have felt and the reason it was so difficult to return to his father, by featuring bits and pieces of Christian's interactions with Blade throughout the rest of the story (in the typically male method of slinging curses at each other).   Christian was determined to find Blade's real name and return him to the home from which he was stolen.

Absolutely, positively fell in love with Nora, the mouse, as her innocent, caring, unworthy nature was revealed in bold, vivid, realistic detail.   Nora was not the typical 'I am woman, hear me roar,' strong-willed, overcoming all obstacles heroine usually featured in romance books.   Identified with the young woman who had no sense of self-worth because she was raised by a horrible father, who not only emphasized how plain and unworthy she was, but even went so far as to call her illegitimate because her hair color didn't match his.   Nora's father, William Becket was the antithesis of Sebastian.

Christian's carnal nature had him seeking out the lush, mousy woman who was one of Queen Mary's ladies.   Robinson placed Christian and Nora's love story in the midst of a very tumultuous time in England -- 1558.   An introduction to the book explained about the political maneuvering going on between the current queen, Mary Tudor (also known as Bloody Mary) and her half sister, Elizabeth Tudor (eventually, Queen Elizabeth I).   Christian was playing a dangerous game, serving as one of Princess Elizabeth's best intelligencers, by posing as a Catholic in Queen Mary's court.

Christian was not the only one endangering his life to spy on Queen Mary.   The meek, animal-loving, compassionate Nora could not stand the atrocities that the Queen and her henchman, Edmund Bonner (Bloody Bonner), the Bishop of London inflicted on poor, illiterate Englishmen, women and children.   Nora had approached William Cecil to spy for Princess Elizabeth and began sending him ciphers about Queen Mary's actions.   Christian's love story went to pieces on the day of his wedding when he found one of Nora's ciphers and believed she was responsible for the attack by Bloody Bonner that nearly caused his father's death.

After enjoying a book that inspired deep interest and a reluctance to put down, now just wanted to get past the pages upon pages of turmoil that featured Christian as he tried to find a way back into the heart of Nora.   Robinson's well-written scene featuring Christian's brutal words that tore the heart and hope from Nora's world and crushed any sympathy the reader may have felt towards Christian was the end of richly developed scenes as Christian struggled to find the answer that would cause Nora to love and desire him again.

Christian took Nora off to his home in Falaise to further torture and torment her and to remove himself from the unknown danger in London that had sent Bloody Bonner after him.   The pace of the book became markedly slower while Robinson detailed the actions Christian took to try and rekindle the love that Nora had once felt for him.   Time just seemed to slide away as Christian failed to figure out how to get through to Nora's now closed-off heart.

Robinson featured several other characters that added additional flavor to the book.   First, Edward Hext, Christian's protector since he was a youth, seemed to pop up in the background with regularity, but no picture was painted of his personality.   Second, Luiz de Ateca, the Spanish King Philip's henchman / ambassador, had a yen for Christian and went to great lengths to try and gain control of him.   And finally, the precocious nine-year-old, Arthur, that Nora had rescued (along with her other various strays) was a wonderful, vibrant, endearing addition to the book.

All-in-all, Lady Gallant by Suzanne Robinson was a wonderful, engaging, interesting read.   It featured: {1} a gorgeous, hunky, 'all the women wanted to bed' hero, that inspired a broad spectrum of feelings from love to sympathy to hate.   {2} A unique, courageous, yet, meek, mild-mannered, heroine who embraced her feelings of unworthiness through half the book.   {3} For the most part, plenty of action to move the story along at a quick, exciting pace.   {4} An emotional connection to both Christian and Nora that inspired moments of laughter and tears.   {5} Love scenes that were indicative of the 1992 publication date -- more details about the emotions than the physical actions that took place, resulting in no sizzle or zing.   {6} A great deal of information regarding historical events of the times were interwoven into the lives of the characters revealing Robinson's depth of research.   {7} Several well-developed, intriguing supporting characters that added a rich, wonderful flavor to the story.   {8} An interesting step away from the typical aristocratically-born hero and heroine story line (hero lead band of thieves; heroine was a 'mouse').   {9} A strong undercurrent of suspense regarding {a} Nora and Christian's future; {b} Christian, Sebastian and Nora's traitorous activities; {c} Christian's search for Jack Midnight.   And finally, {10} the requisite exciting, happily-ever-after ending.

Caveat: Would recommend that the four books of The Queen's Spies Series be read in order.   It is much easier to understand the connections between the characters and to follow the historical progression.
--Vonda M. Reid (Tuesday; February 28, 2012 : 9:54 a.m.)     [216]

♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦

The Queen's Spies Quartet

#	Date	Title	Hero	Heroine
01.	01-1992	Lady Gallant	Christian Richard Villard de Rivers, Viscount Montfort	Eleanora "Nora" Becket
02.	08-1992	Lady Defiant	Nicholas "Blade" Edward Fitzstephen, Sieur de Racine	Oriel Richmond
03.	07-1993	Lady Valiant	Robin St. John, Lord Derry, Viscount Moorefield	Dorothea "Thea" Philadelphia Hunt
04.	01-1995	Lord of Enchantment	Morgan St. John	Penelope "Pen" Grace Fairfax

The St. John Family Duet (Sub-Series)

#	Date	Title	Hero	Heroine
01.	07-1993	Lady Valiant	Robin St. John, Lord Derry, Viscount Moorefield	Dorothea "Thea" Philadelphia Hunt
02.	01-1995	Lord of Enchantment	Morgan St. John	Penelope "Pen" Grace Fairfax

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Characters Found In "Lady Gallant"

Character / Location	Description / Relationships	Found In
Christian Richard Villard de Rivers, Lord Montfort	[Hero] son of Earl of Vasterne (2) Elizabeth's best intelligencer (3) member of Queen Mary's court; posing as Catholic (3) luxuriant hair, color of eagle's feathers (4) "Kit"; eyes looked as if someone poured ice shards into purple ink (5) Gypsy fortune reader about secrets (7) apprentice to England's finest highwayman (8) reputation worse than a highwayman's (15) ornament of Court; presided over raucous, quarrelsome, dangerous aristocratic youths (17) "Chris"; wide-set eyes; clarion voice (18) violent; cavalier (19) seraph's smile (23) women wanted him for his beauty (29) not a comfortable or virtuous man (52) 26-y-o (92) too beautiful; witty; graceful; more charm than a siren; changeable; mysterious; dangerous (100) ruby glittering in ear (109) all long, straight lines of flesh broken by tight curves of muscle; intimidating strength; deceptively smooth skin (150) knew when to bid his time (175) Viscount (305)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment
Eleanora "Nora" Becket	[Heroine] "mouse"; one of Mary's women (9) small; long, dark curls; delicate bones; overly large brown eyes (13) never been able to stomach cruelty (16) modesty; quietness; old-fashioned appearance; wardrobe fashioned 20-y-o; bastard; banished to backwater country estate as child (21) skin like milk and strawberries (24) luminous brown eyes; humility; shy ways (37) velvety black hair (40) blush of a Dutch tulip in her lips and cheeks; forehead was a gentle curve that sank into the bridge of her nose; gentle; lush (41) at 10-y-o, cast out of father's heart; lost mother (54) timid; secret strength; milk skin; blush-rose cheeks (92) honeysuckle (212) great of heart (255) courageous for anyone but herself; quick of wit; elegant of mind; full of secret sensuality (256)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment
. . .	. . .	. . .
Anne Boleyn	[Actual Historical Figure] Henry VIII wrecked Catholic Church in England to have; Princess Elizabeth's mother (21)	1. Lady Gallant (m) 2. Lady Defiant (m)
Edmund Bonner	[Actual Historical Figure] "Bloody Bonner"; Bishop of London; burner of heretics; so fat, skin looked like it was in danger of splitting; sweat dripped from beneath his cap, down bulging cheeks (30) protruding stomach; foul breath (113) flabby neck; weasel's eyes (114)	1. Lady Gallant 3. Lady Valiant (m)
Catherine of Aragon	[Actual Historical Figure] persecuted first wife of Henry VIII; set aside for Anne Boleyn (21)	1. Lady Gallant (m)
Sir William Cecil	[Actual Historical Figure] served Princess Elizabeth // brilliant; devious as princess (27) thinning hair; heavy-lidded sensual eyes (253)	1. Lady Gallant (m) 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Archibald Dymoke	[Actual Historical Figure] writer of scurrilous ballads, pamphlets that lampooned the Queen (28)	1. Lady Gallant
Philip, King of Spain	[Actual Historical Figure] Mary Tudor's husband (viii)	1. Lord Gallant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Elizabeth Tudor	[Actual Historical Figure] daughter of King Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn (vii) Protestant; educated; intelligent; wily (vii) red-gold hair; long tapered fingers (1) tolerant; brilliant (27) could speak French, Latin, Greek, Italian; stood up to privy councillors; flayed them with her tongue; survived plots; emerged from the tower; brave; beautiful; sophisticated; daring (53)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m)
Mary Tudor	[Actual Historical Figure] England's throne 1553; daughter of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon; Catholic (vii) middle-aged, fanatically religious woman (17) small, soap-scrubbed, plain face; deep, almost man's voice; rings on each stubby finger (22) Bloody Mary (28)	1. Lady Gallant
. . .	. . .	. . .
Arthur	[Major Secondary Character] Nora's page (21) small; blond locks; sweet, lively boy orphaned; met at father's home 2-y-a (25) bailiff accused him of stealing bread; parents dead from sweat; only 7-y-o (26) a cherub in Becket livery (35) indomitable of will; stubborn; contentious (231)	1. Lady Gallant
Luiz de Ateca	[Secondary Character] envoy of King Philip (2) Philip's enemy (2) moonlight-silver hair curled over his ears; lean build; prowling wolf eyes; conveyed imperial power and splendor in his dress and demeanor (30) Spanish nobleman; King Philip's chief henchman (102) well-dressed lizard; face shaped like wedge of an orange; body thin and supple; blond hair as straight as his legs; light blue eyes; pale skin; opulent dress (102)	1. Lady Gallant
Sir William Becket	[Secondary Character] Nora's father // rich man; would pay handsome dowry to get rid of daughter (21) quick, loud tread; bulky thick frame; golden hair; massive frame; the reserve and isolation of an abbot; temper (54)	1. Lady Gallant
Tom Birch	[One Appearance] lack-wit who served Sebastian de Rivers (89(	1. Lady Gallant
Blade, Nicholas Edward Fitzstephen	[Major Secondary Character] [Hero: Book 2] Christian rescued from Jack's band of highwaymen // Jack's apprentice; dark brown hair nearly the color of Kit's; face of innocent savagery; young face with unlined skin; jawline that angled high (9) straight, dark brows; hawk-like features (10) home on Scottish border; father old when he was taken by Jack (329) 18-y-o (339)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant
Catullus	Nora's puppy (310) puppy Christian used to help him with his love potion	1. Lady Gallant
Mistress Clarencieux	[Rare Appearances] in charge of Mary's ladies in waiting	1. Lady Gallant
Inigo Culpepper	[Secondary Character] member of Christian's band of thieves // thin stalk of a body; cutpurse; highwayman; staves for legs; hollow shoulders; movements of a frantic weasel (4)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment
Holly Cushion	[Rare Appearances] Mag's girl (174)	1. Lady Gallant
Hobard Dogdyke	[One Appearance] called in when Sebastian and Christian injured; Nora would not let him bleed patients // physician; a spider with a beard that reached to his knees (147)	1. Lady Gallant
Lady Jane Dormer	[Rare Appearance] Mary's lady-in-waiting (3) had taunted Nora, resulting in her appearance at bear baiting (38)	1. Lady Gallant
Sir Percivale Flegge	[Secondary Character] Nora's father arranged betrothal // son of Sir Badulf; the pox is eating his face and his wits (56) small, straight nose; long of leg; hose covered knots of muscle built in hours of fencing and riding (76) pleasing appearance; disgusted Nora; mind dwelled in the gutter; that awful laugh (77) laughs like a demented peacock; soul is three parts cesspool, one part jade (82)	1. Lady Gallant
Gertrude	[Rare Appearances] one of Mag's girls (122)	1. Lady Gallant
Edward Hext	[Secondary Character] dressed as gentleman; Christian's protector since he was a youth (5)	1. Lady Gallant
Homer	mastiff puppy that Nora gave to Christian as a thank you for rescuing her (37)	1. Lady Gallant
Ned Howard	[One Appearance] Mortimer's current amour (37)	1. Lady Gallant
Jayne	[One Appearance] member of Court // one of ladies who laid with Christian (77)	1. Lady Gallant
Lady Johanna	[Rare Appearance] Mary's lady-in-waiting (3)	1. Lady Gallant
Bogo Littlefoot	[One Appearance] playing sheriff of Nottingham on stage of Golden Unicorn	1. Lady Gallant
Lady Marjorie	[One Appearance] at Sebastian's ball; she searching Christian's body for coins he palmed	1. Lady Gallant
Marvelous Mag	[Major Secondary Character] almost 6'; ran alehouse (37) sheltered activities of band of thieves and swindlers; ran training school for pickpockets (nips) and cutpurses (foists); Christian ran to Mag when escaped Jack at 12-y-o (38) proprietress of Bald Pelican; blond curls (121) older than Christian; blond; beautiful; lithe figure; taut skin; confident sensuality (216)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant (m)
Jack Midnight	[Major Secondary Character] hates aristocrats; abducted Christian when he was eight // highwayman; sword skill of an Italian mercenary; depravity of a witch's familiar; "undercut by his past to point where Inigo wasn't sure the younger man could contain his rage (7) shining black hair painted with silver (8)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant
Roger Mortimer	[Secondary Character] friend of Christian's at Mary's court	1. Lady Gallant
Anthony Now Now	[Secondary Character] member of Christian's band of thieves // bulk of a castle drum tower (4)	1. Lady Gallant 3. Lady Valiant
Hugo Paderborn	[One Appearance] Christian questioned regarding cipher Nora sent to him // printer's shop (223) corpulent; 30s (251)	1. Lady Gallant
Sebastian de Rivers, Earl of Vasterne:	[Major Secondary Character] Christian's father (2) looked exactly like son; wide-set eyes; clarion voice (18) gentle; gracious (19)	1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant (m)
Simon Spry	[Secondary Character] member of Christian's band of thieves // older man (210) horse thief; swindler (212)	1. Lady Gallant 3. Lady Valiant
John St. Vincent	[One Appearance] at masque, battling Robin Cutpurse for his betrothed (83)	1. Lady Gallant
Frances, Duchess of Suffolk	[Rare Appearance] Mary's ladies-in-waiting (73) bean-size, piggy eyes (76) fat hand (76)	1. Lady Gallant
Lady Sybil	[One Appearance] member of Court // laid with Christian (78)	1. Lady Gallant
Sybille	[Rare Appearances] arrived at Falaise looking for Christian // painted, bleary-eyed face; bawd; curly hair; drunk; smelled of ale (244) wildly curling hair; generous figure (246)	1. Lady Gallant
Thimbleby	[One Appearance] called in when Sebastian and Christian injured; Nora would not let him bleed patients // Dogdyke's colleague (147)	1. Lady Gallant
Thomas	[Rare Appearance] toddler; Poll's son (6)	1. Lady Gallant
Thomas	[One Appearance] delivered message to Christian at Falaise	1. Lady Gallant
Three Tooth Poll	[Secondary Character] member of Christian's band of thieves // wandering peddler; thief; whore (5)	1. Lady Gallant
Master Nicholas Tideman	[Secondary Character] Christian's Falaise steward; known Christian since child; older man (236) globular belly (237)	1. Lady Gallant
Annie Turnstile	[Minor Secondary Character] Mag's woman	1. Lady Gallant
Odo Twitch	[One Appearance] attended dinner at Falaise mansion // false beggar; pimp (212)	1. Lady Gallant
Hugo Unthank	[Secondary Character] shop owner; collector of rarities; spent youth traveling in Europe and Middle East; no one knew how he obtained the fabulous and exotic pieces that graced his shop (44)	1. Lady Gallant 3. Lady Valiant
Virgil	mastiff puppy that Nora gave to Christian as a thank you for rescuing her (37)	1. Lady Gallant
Pigsey Watt	[One Appearance] Nora chased after him when saw he had sack full of kittens // horse thief; know to every ruffler, whipjack and cutpurse in London; unerring nose for swaybacked and diseased horseflesh; dullard; awareness of his shortcomings made him mean; burly (47)	1. Lady Gallant
Barbara White	[One Appearance] Christian's date to bear-baiting (37)	1. Lady Gallant
Marquess of Winchester	[One Appearance] Christian winning a fortune in card game (30)	1. Lady Gallant
Winnie	[No Appearance] village cunning woman (316) Christian went to her for love potion	1. Lady Gallant
(m) = mentioned

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Suzanne Robinson
♠  Website
♣  pseudonym used by: Lynda S. Robinson
Suzanne Robinson Book List:
♠  Fantastic Fiction
♣  FictionDB
Lynda S. Robinson Book List:
♠  Fantastic Fiction
♣  FictionDB

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Lady Gallant Reviews:

Rated	Posted	Site	Notes, Comments, Etc.
A / hot	06-06-1997	All About Romance	Desert Isle Keeper
4.44 average	{18 reviews}	Amazon	as of: March 2, 2012
A-	04-14-2008	Aneca's World	also on: Good Reads
4.00 average	{3 ratings}	Barnes and Noble	as of: March 2, 2012
4.13 average	{16 reviews}	Good Reads	as of: March 2, 2012
3.79 average	{17 ratings}	Library Thing	as of: March 2, 2012
4.00 average	{5 reviews}	Paperback Swap	as of: March 2, 2012
4.25 average	{9 reviews}	Reader Store	Nine Good Reads Reviews
A-	11-08-2004	Rosario's Reading Journal
5.00 average	{2 reviews}	Shelfari	as of: March 3, 2012
4.50	03-02-2012	Wolf Bear Does Books	shorter post on Amazon, Good Reads, Shelfari
Number 55u	12-22-2009	Dear Author	Top 100 Romances
Number 3	10-22-2011	The House on Black Lake	Top 25 Worst Acts of Betrayal in Romance Novels
No. 4 / No. 9	05-27-1998	The Romance Reader	Top Ten Lists (Mary / Kathy)

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Notes:
♥  Disclaimer:   I Purchased This Book
♥  Very Subjective Rating
♥  Willing to share Cheat Sheet
    ♦  in whole or in part

    ♦  WordPerfect or PDF

♣  Will add your Lady Gallant review link to table, just ask