Action: ♠♠♠.♠ / Emotion: ♣♣♣♣ / Romance: ♥♥♥.♥ / Sensuous: ♦.♦ / Suspense: ♠♠♠.♠
Action: 3.5 / Emotion: 4 / Romance: 3.5 / Sensuous: 1.5 / Suspense: 3.5 // Historical Flavor: 4 / Laughter: 22 / Tears: 0
Elizabeth "Liza" Maud Elliot learned at the tender age of six that she was an unwanted child and that her parents only had room in their tiny little hearts for their second-born child, William Edward Elliot. Rather than curling into a ball and succumbing to the devastation a little girl must have felt at learning she was incidental, Liza used the tools at her disposal (governesses, intelligence, determination, perseverance, books, lack of parental supervision) to grow into a woman who knew her own mind and stood up for what she believed.
Assuming that his daughter was just like his empty-headed wife and would listen to his counsel, Richard threw his heretofore ignored daughter at society's young men. Rather than find himself a prospective son-in-law, Richard's learned, outspoken daughter managed to get herself ostracized when she insulted five bigoted young men at a ball. To teach his daughter her role in his life, Richard disowned her, expecting her to come running home with her tail between her legs -- and kowtowing to his demands.
Liza showed her father she was just as intelligent and skillful as any man and would not be told how to live her life. With the aid of her mother (giving her a reference for employment) and taking the jewels she inherited from her grandmother, Liza not only survived, she prospered. She built her own business, The Pennant's Domestic Agency.
Before leaving Liza's parents behind, want to mention a skill that Robinson utilized that showcases her talent as an accomplished author. She took a very important character, like Liza's mother, painted a vivid picture of her personality by inserting insightful, character developing clauses throughout Liza's story and still managed to leave Iphegenia Beaufort Elliot entirely in the background. After Robinson revealed that Iphegenia "hardly ever finished her sentences . . . her husband usually spoke for her or told her what she meant to say" she then went on to entertain readers with humorous scenes between Liza and Jocelin utilizing that characteristic.
Enter the hero, Jocelin Paul Marshall, Viscount Radcliffe, who feels the same way about women as Liza's father. Found it incredibly ingenious of Robinson to include a conversation between Jos and his best friend, Nick Ross, as they discussed the characteristics Jocelin was looking for in a wife . . . after his father blackmailed him into actively pursing a woman to bind him in matrimony and give him grandsons. Jocelin described a woman who is the antithesis of Liza.
Jocelin: "I require certain attributes of a wife -- softness, delicacy, modesty. A woman should concern herself with her household and children. She needn't concern herself with matters outside her home. I don't require great intelligence, just the ability to listen when I speak and the sense to be guided by me. And all the usual accomplishments she must have for entertaining and keeping me satisfied."When Jocelin meets Liza she is wearing a disguise and is serving as a maid in his household. Liza is on a mission to find the man who murdered her brother. Liked the fact that Robinson did not make Liza a hard-hearted, bitter sister because her parents doted on William Edward. Instead, Liza loved her fastidious, snobbish, a bit full of himself sibling. Liza knew that her brother would never go to Whitechapel and since the Metropolitan police did not believe his death was murder, she was conducting her own investigation.
Nick: "And she's got to let you do what you want without interfering." (page 114)
Viscount Radcliffe was Liza's prime suspect. William Edward had served in Balaklava with Jocelin and the night before he died, he attended a political meeting at the Viscount's home. Robinson did a wonderful job of keeping the edge of suspense alive during the entire book by keeping the officers that served with Jocelin in close proximity to him by involving them in politics. The men meet regularly with Jocelin to promote his support of his ex-commanding officer, friend and mentor, Asher Fox for his position in the House of Commons. Those men included: {1} Harold "Harry" Airey, a calvary officer -- garroted in Whitechapel before William Edward; {2} the Honorable Alex Stapleton, who was drinking to deal with the horrors of Balaklava; {3} stiff-necked Lawrence "Buggy" Winthrop; {4} Reginald Underwood, Earl Halloway, who rivaled Jocelin when it came to seducing women; and {5} Arthur Thurston-Coombes, the youngest, a son of mere gentry.
Robinson developed several parallels in the book. First, the aforementioned comparison of Jocelin and Richard's expectations of an 1857's wife. Second, the relationship between Liza's parents mirrored that of Jocelin's; particularly, the mothers -- who were not strong enough to stand up to the fathers for the sake of their children. And third, she revealed the ravening beast inside the head of the killer, and led readers to compare it to the darkness that sometimes overtook Jocelin.
Jocelin is a very complex character. Not only is he fighting to deal with the horrors of war, but his fourteen-year-old soul was deeply wounded by first, his beloved uncle Lord Yale Marshall, the Duke of Clairemont's brother, and second, by his father who choose to believe his brother's lies rather than his son's truth. (Reminiscent of the movie, The General's Daughter, with John Travolta.)
Jocelin has joined forces with Nick to rid the world of as many predators as they can unearth. Am looking forward to reading the second book of this series because it features the unique and really likeable Nick Ross. Jocelin found Nick in Houndsditch years ago after he'd run afoul of a procurer in a gin shop and developed a deep, lasting relationship with him. Nick was a wonderful supporting character, who saw the toll that their "jaunts" were taking on Jocelin -- and suggested that Jocelin give up his vendetta before it painted his soul entirely black.
On to the relationship that developed between Jocelin and Liza. Jocelin first met Liza as the plump, peevish maid, Miss Gamp. Jocelin does not understand why he is attracted to the maid, but is determined to have her -- probably because the maid keeps dodging his advances. Robinson reveals the uniqueness of a woman not falling at the feet of the magically sensual Jocelin when he asks Miss Gamp, "Do you know how long its been since a woman refused me?" (page 89)
Cannot remember a book that had me in stitches so many times. Really enjoyed Robinson's use of the scent of lemons in Jocelin's and Liza's relationship. After cornering Miss Gamp in the hall and noticing she smelled of lemons, Jocelin was thinking of having tea . . . with lemons. Later, Tessie, the maid, came into the kitchen wailing because the Viscount hollered at her because there were no lemons on his tea tray. Just the scent of lemons had Jocelin becoming aroused.
Robinson developed another supporting character that, most surprisingly, invoked laughter. How such a proper, incredibly dignified man could engage in dry, reprimanding conversations with Jocelin and bring out laughter was a true work of art. Loveday began serving sixteen-year-old Jocelin as his valet and "duenna." Robinson threw in descriptive statements like Loveday's "I've just smelled rotten pork" expression to add a rich lightness to what could have otherwise become a very dark story. Jocelin's snappy rejoinders back at Loveday (who always spoke using the royally plural 'we') were frequent entertainments throughout the book.
"If I may say so, it has not been our custom to dally with the maids in our service. We have prided ourselves on this small virtue."When Liza finally did decide she was willing to give herself to Jocelin, she did so in the same way she approached everything else -- on her terms. Robinson did a great job of keeping the romance and sensuality in the forefront of Jocelin and Liza's story -- as Jocelin took every opportunity to put his hands and mouth on first Miss Gamp and then Liza. For a reason he couldn't fathom, being around the lemony Liza took away the blackness that permeated his soul. Robinson did a great job of including a touch of sizzle to the emotional, entertaining love scenes in the book.
Jocelin flushed and propped his foot on the ottoman.
"Well, Loveday, we can't be so proud of our virtue anymore." (page 30)
Several other secondary characters added depth to the story. Although not richly developed, Toby Inch, the man who helped Liza when she first arrived in London and then later posed as Mr. Hugo Pennant was an interesting, loyal figure in Liza's life. Briefly met Jocelin's mother, Delia, the Duchess of Clairemont and his sister, Lady Georgiana Marshall, who was just as stubbornly determined to live life on her terms as Liza (and the heroine of book two of this duet). Finally, there was the fun, priceless scene when Liza gathered her staff from the Pennant Domestic Agency and led them on an invasion of Jocelin's sitting room.
In summary, Lady Dangerous, the first book in Suzanne Robinson's The English Gunslingers Duet was an intriguing, attention-grabbing, 'cannot put this book down' read. Liza was one of the strongest, driven, inspiring heroines to grace the pages of a historical romance. Loved that she would kowtow to neither her father nor her hero. Jocelin was a typical, gorgeous, angst-filled, womanizing hero who had to learn that even though she loved him, his heroine would not be owned. Liza and Jocelin's path to a happily-ever-after was filled with {1} humor, {2} suspense, {3} villains, {4} wonderfully-developed supporting characters, {5} emotion, and {6} warm sensuality. Found it to be a fun, entertaining, worthwhile read.
--Vonda M. Reid (Monday, March 12, 2012 : 10:00 p.m.) [220]
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The English Gunslingers Duet"
| # | Date | Title | Hero | Heroine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01. | 03-1994 | Lady Dangerous | Jocelin Paul Marshall, Viscount Radcliffe | Elizabeth "Liza" Maud Elliot |
| 02. | 06-1996 | The Engagement | Nick Ross (St. Giles raised) | Lady Georgiana Marshal |
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Lady Dangerous Quotations:
| 112 | "Beautiful women tend to be like that Wedgewood cup on my mantel. Excellent on the outside, old fellow, and empty of substance. They learn early that all that's required of them is appearance, so they devote their entire beings to taking care of themselves. And deep inside they're frightened that one day they'll lose their beauty." |
| 123 | "mama enjoyed misery and helplessness . . . being incompetent meant Mama didn't have to take responsibility for herself or anyone else." |
| 335 | "if you take abuse, you invite abuse." |
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Characters Found In "Lady Dangerous"
| Character / Location | Description / Relationships |
|---|---|
| Jocelin Paul Marshall Viscount Radcliffe | [Hero] cold beauty of an aristocrat; cat-green eyes with no soul; spent several years in Texas and California; reckless reputation; marauder of Society's ladies (2) fearsome (4) tall (7) black, black hair; thick lashes; straight nose; chin bore a day's stubble; hot, heavy drawl (8) left-handed (10) expressionless face; brown hands (12) straight, dark brows; harsh planes of face softened by smoothness of skin that stretched over the sharp angles (12) Marshall (13) wide shoulders; aristocratic sneer (14) taunt buttocks; part gunman, part nobleman (15) House of Lords (19) anger always just beneath the surface of his emotions (24) attended Sandhurst Royal Military Collage at 16; precocious (24) great personal beauty; seductive (37) "Jos"; Paul (51) tall, muscular build required to be member of Heavy Brigade cavalry (55) exotic; wondrous; dangerous (70) moonless-night black hair, soft and gleaming as though sprinkled with starlight (84) straight, dark brows; wide lower jaw; dented chin; a sensual fallen angel; changeling temperament; dazzle, beguile; brooding, remote (152) |
| Elizabeth "Liza" Maud Elliot | [Heroine]"Miss Gamp" her alias (10) brown little oval face, wide of forehead (22) cascades of hair neither so pale as to be blond, nor so dark as to be brown (32) papa disowned for stubborn unmaidenliness and quarrelsome nature (33) spoke mind to suitors; different from other girls (37) good sense; not silly and vapid (38) name (39) intimidation only infuriated her; intelligent; gift for strategy (62) father rich as King Solomon; witchy bluestocking shrew (68) in business three years (71) 24-y-o spinster (108) wide, gold-brown-teal eyes; slim; long legs; graceful; short nail; long fingers (111) no beauty (112) beautifully played the piano with passion (113) |
| . . . | . . . |
| Harold "Harry" Airey | [No Appearance] calvary officer; garroted in Whitechapel (35) |
| Lady Alberta | [No Appearance] Jocelin's mistress (24) |
| Honorable Miss Ida Birch | [Brief Appearances] Jocelin's mistress (24) Ida (274) high little girl's voice (275) amiable disposition; good mistress (276) dark; voluptuous (283) |
| Miss Burdett-Coutts | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] starting a school to pay poverty-ridden children to go to school (199) |
| Nappie Carbuncle | [No Appearance] name found on Viscount's hidden paper (79) |
| Cardigan | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] involved in battle of Balaklava (34) |
| Lieutenant Cheshire | [No Appearance] killed in battle (77) |
| Caroline Chisholm | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] recruiting emigrants to Australia (206) |
| Choke | [Brief Appearances] Radcliffe butler (2) graying head; spindly shoulders; moved with stateliness and care; pale face (3) gaunt frame (4) |
| Duke of Clairemont | [Secondary Character] Radcliffe's father; lived nearby in Grosvenor Square (6) white hair (8) thick hair (9) straight Marshall nose, well suited for looking down on others (48) pale green eyes (49) |
| Delia, Duchess of Clairemont | [Brief Appearances] Jocelin's mother; cultivated pale complexion; mourning Charles; too weak to stand up to husband (50) Delia (51) |
| Old Clarendon | [No Appearance] had three marriageable daughters |
| Elihu Driver | [No Appearance] Pennant's employee; ex-seaman and ship's cook; in great demand as Monsieur Jacques (70) |
| Iphegenia Beaufort Elliot | [Secondary Character] Liza's mother; enraptured of William Edward; "her one real interest in life -- herself" (74) dressed in fashion of previous decade; fading blond hair in ringlets to either side of her face; hardly ever finished a sentence; husband spoke for her; told what she meant to say; married for her position as eldest daughter of one of the country's oldest families (104) complained and catastrophized without end (123) |
| Richard Elliot | [Secondary Character] Liza's father; son of a butcher (72) spent life building a fortune in banking and investments; slyly clever (73) parsimonious and close-fisted with love (74) taller than Jos; majesty of his frame suffered because he wore side-whiskers, turned gray; corners of mouth turned down (104) had great influence with liberal members of Parliament (160) small-eyed gaze of a usurer, hard bargainer, penny-pincher (211) |
| William Edward Elliot | [Secondary Character] [No Appearance] not the kind of man to skulk about the brothels and gin shops of Whitechapel and get himself garroted; Liza's brother (33) snob (35) brightest and most loving of men (36) father doted on; to Eton; tour of Europe at 14; Cambridge (72) lackluster student (73) fastidious; snobbish (80) bit full of his consequence (201) |
| Elsie | [One Appearance] Ida Birch's maid (275) |
| Emmeline | [Brief Appearances] Liza's maid; recruited to join Pennants (119) |
| Mrs. Eustace | [Brief Appearances] Radcliffe housekeeper (31) |
| Frank Fawn | [No Appearance] name found on Viscount's hidden paper (79) manager of boardinghouse (90) found floating in river; witnessed fight with gentry; boardinghouse raided (91) |
| Lady Augusta Fowell | [One Appearance] attending Elliot house party; dowager; relict of Lord Watkin Fowell; wallowed in piety (147) |
| Asher Fox | [Secondary Character] House of Commons (19) best lieutenant colonel in regiments (34) tall, muscular build required to be member of Heavy Brigade cavalry; bit taller than Jocelin (55) brown curls; heavy-lidded eyes; crusading spirit (55) older man (57) Jocelin's commander during the war (58) from family of military heroes, grandson of General Lord Peter Bingham Fox (Waterloo); father, Lord Peter served with distinction with Horse Guards (81) |
| Reginald Underwood Earl Halloway | [Secondary Character] served with Jocelin; participated in political meetings; martinet of the drill field and parade ground; connoisseur of women; resented Jocelin's attraction to the ladies (81) |
| Sir Morris Harter | [No Appearance] name found on Viscount's hidden paper (79) |
| Hester | [Brief Appearance] Pennant employee; turned away from her job (234) |
| Mr. Humewood | [Brief Appearance] Pennant employee; turned away from his job (234) |
| Betty Inch | [Brief Appearances] Toby's daughter (70) |
| Toby Inch | [Secondary Character] retired thief, turned butler; hired to pose as Mr. Pennant when Liza opened agency (40) tall man without much bulk, appeared more frail than he was; convicted of assault, served short sentence (63) gray hair (64) |
| Mrs. Kettle | [One Appearance] Reverie's housekeeper (262) |
| Duke of Lessborough | [No Appearance] using Pennant's services (70) |
| Loveday | [Major Secondary Character] more dignity and countenance than Choke; demeanor of pope; intimidating; slight paunch; high glowing forehead ringed with brown hair; sedate (4) Radcliffe's valet (14) "I've just smelled rotten pork" expression; drill-like gaze (17) had served Jocelin since 16; fanatical and intelligent duenna (24) habit of appearing magically; had "the ability to know exactly when he would be required, no matter what his master was doing" (29) |
| Lucy Lyttleton | [No Appearance] scandalous widow of Lord Lyttleton; seduced Jocelin when he was 16 (55) |
| Charles Marshall | [No Appearance] Jocelin's older brother; death 3 years (50) |
| Lady Georgiana Marshall | [Brief Appearance] [Heroine of Book Two] Jocelin's sister (46) gold-rimmed spectacles (50) Marshall black hair and startling green eyes; 17-y-o (51) "once she decided upon a course, she could seldom be diverted from it" (52) cynical attitude toward parents (53) |
| Lord Yale Marshall | [Brief Appearances] Duke of Clairemont's brother (6) much younger than brother; same thick hair; black, graying at temples; high stature; personified doomed beauty and chivalry; same startling green eyes as nephew (9) preyed on innocents (49) |
| Millie | [One Appearance] Jocelin, Nick rescued; girl; James Pryne's cousin (132) ten (133) |
| Lady Honoria Nottle | [One Appearance] attending Elliot house party; couldn't pronounce l's, called her Wiza; life filled with oozy dripping sentiment (144) |
| Lady Octavia | [No Appearance] Jocelin's mistress (24) |
| Lord ___ | [No Appearance] Lady Octavia's husband; called to France on business of Foreign Office (25) |
| Palmerston | [No Appearance] Asher seeking his support (19) |
| Sergeant Pawkins | [No Appearance] served with Jocelin (34) |
| Griffin Poe | [No Appearance] name found on Viscount's hidden paper (79) |
| James Pryne | [One Appearance] Jocelin, Nick rescued; boy (132) barely fourteen (133) |
| Raglan | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] had his soldiers charging artillery (34) |
| Mrs. Ripple | [No Appearance] Pennant's cook (234) |
| Nick Ross | [Major Secondary Character] [Hero of Book Two] (57) young man; brown hair; pale angel-blue eyes; Jocelin found in Houndsditch years ago after he'd run afoul of a procurer in a gin shop (19) handsome; easy of manner (147) |
| Dr. Lucius Sinclair | [One Appearance] name found on Viscount's hidden paper (79) respected medical man in Harley Street; house in Wiltshire (121) Larch Lane led to house (131) middle-aged (131) apparel spoke of prosperity; neatly cut graying hair and side whiskers; a successful professional man; a churchgoer; a pillar of the community (132) |
| Sledge | [Brief Appearances] Radcliffe footman; big fellow; young; proud of his physical skills; boxed; constantly alert for opportunities to test his talent in the pubs and rowdy streets of East London (4) |
| Barbara Leigh Smith | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] reformer (299) |
| Honorable Alex Stapleton | [Brief Appearances] served with Jocelin; nose red from drink (54) drank himself to death (70) |
| Mr. Tapley | [No Appearance] ran afoul of Comanches on stage from Texas to California (17) |
| Tessie | [Brief Appearances] Radcliffe maid (2) |
| Arthur Thurston-Coombes | [Secondary Character] served with Jocelin; joined in political meetings; son of mere gentry (81) |
| Maisy Twoffle | [Brief Appearances] Pennant employee; barely nineteen; 3 little girls now husband; selling violets near Parliament in winter (233) |
| Peg Twoffle | [One Appearance] Maisy's daughter; round, rosy face; unending black curls; great, dark eyes of spaniel brown (237) |
| Ronald Varney | [One Appearance] young man; pale; thin; ascetic; ethereal in appearance; silky receding gold locks; air of poetic delicacy (196) Liza's solicitor (197) |
| Queen Victoria | [Actual Historical Character / No Appearance] current ruler (10) proper little German hausfrau (56) |
| Vincent | [Brief Appearance] Duke of Clairemont's butler (48) |
| Lawrence "Buggy" Winthrop | [Secondary Character] stiff as judge instructing bailiff (54) chin and hairline were in a race to see which could disappear faster; his mother offspring of a liaison between daughter of one of queen's uncles and Earl of Mumford (81) |
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♠ 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 Dangerous Reviews:
| Rated | Posted | Site | Notes, Comments, Etc. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.34 average | {3 reviews} | Amazon | as of: March 19, 2012 |
| 4.00 average | {2 ratings} | Barnes and Noble | as of: March 19, 2012 |
| 4.50 average | {2 reviews} | Good Reads | as of: March 19, 2012 |
| 3.13 average | {4 ratings} | Library Thing | as of: March 19, 2012 |
| 3.75 average | {3 reviews} | Paperback Swap | as of: March 19, 2012 |
| 5.00 average | {1 review} | Shelfari | as of: March 19, 2012 |
| 4.85 | 03-19-2012 | Wolf Bear Does Books | shorter post on Amazon, Good Reads, Shelfari |
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♥ 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 Dangerous review link to table, just ask
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Suzanne Robinson -- Lady Hellfire
Rated: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ . ♥ {4.50}
Action: ♠♠♠ / Emotion: ♣♣♣.♣ / Romance: ♥♥♥♥ / Sensuous: ♦♦.♦ / Suspense: ♠♠♠♠.♠
Action: 3 / Emotion: 3.5 / Romance: 4 / Sensuous: 2.5 / Suspense: 4.5 // Historical Flavor: 3.5 / Laughter: 5½ / Tears: 1
Suzanne Robinson has a wonderful way of grabbing the reader's attention and then keeping it engaged as she reveals the contrasting personalities of the hero and heroine of Lady Hellfire. Colonel Alexis Phillipe Charles Michael Carlyle de Granville, Marquess of Richfield is introduced taking a death ride on his stallion, Theseus. Cannot help but want to continue reading to learn what has happened in Alexis's past that leads to such self-destructive behavior.
One of the demons in Alexis's life is his mother, Lady Juliana de Granville. Found it unique that Robinson implied that Lady Juliana is capable of love and compassion by surrounding her with cats, dogs and a marmoset that she doted upon -- because Lady Juliana forthrightly and blatantly hated her son. Lady Juliana was the perfect example of why some women should never become mothers. Alexis's death ride made sense if taking such a ride was the only way Alexis could escape the constant hatred spewing from the eyes and mouth of his mother.
Lady Juliana's animosity towards her son is offset by the man who helped raise him from the age of twelve. Sixteen years ago the much too self-righteous, but nevertheless caring Fulke Sinclair left a successful political career to care for Juliana, Alexis, and the de Granville estates when his cousin, Alexis's father, Phillipe de Granville was killed in a riding accident. A riding accident that haunts Alexis as his mother repeatedly accuses him of the murder of his father and sister. Fulke constantly tries to negate Juliana's words by telling Alexis he was incapable of enacting the atrocity that brought about Phillipe's and Thalia's deaths.
Robinson did a great job of increasing the intrigue surrounding Alexis by introducing a barely-developed secondary character that constantly threw a light of doubt on Fulke. There was a marked tension in the room any time Fulke's quiet, mealy-mouthed, ruffle-wearing, extremely ladylike wife, Hannah appeared. It was easy to assume that Hannah was repressed because her rigid husband was constantly spouting about the evils of the flesh at the womanizing Alexis, so was totally surprised by the revelation of Hannah's perfidy late in the book.
Began to wonder if Fulke was supporting Alexis or helping to drive him to more destructive behavior. First, Fulke invited the Maitland women to stay at Castle Richfield after the fire at Maitland House -- knowing that Alexis hated the Maitland's and their well-known penchant for using any means necessary to climb society's ladder. (Liked the cleverly humorous way Alexis referred to the climbers as mountain goats.) Next, Fulke allowed Prince Albert to command him to let the arrogant James Thomas Brudenell, Earl of Cardigan stay at Castle Richfield -- knowing that Alexis and his best friend, Val, hated the commander who was responsible for killing and maiming hundreds of their men at the battle of Balaclava.
Alexis's best friend and old Oxford school mate, Major Valentine "Val" Beaufort was a wonderful addition to the story. The loyalty and camaraderie between Alexis and Val added a richness to the story. Alexis spent a lot of time trying to help Val deal with the memories of his time beside his men as they rode into the Russian cannon fire at Balaclava. The depth of Alexis's compassion for his fellow soldiers was revealed as he forced Val to go with him to the Dower House, where injured soldiers were being cared for by doctors and nurses financed by de Granville funds. It was intriguing that while Alexis was wise enough to force Val to face his demons head on, he was not able to perform the same action himself. Alexis exhibited his care for Val by assigning two men to watch over him to make sure the anger Val held for the Earl of Cardigan did not result in death. Val was such an interesting angst-filled character, wished that Robinson had included his book in her backlist.
In marked contrast to Alexis, the straightforward Katherine "Kate" Ann Grey quickly lets readers know how the book got its title by uttering her favorite profanity (hellfire). Kate is ensconced in Maitland House in Sussex (a neighboring estate to Castle Richfield) because her mother is determined that Kate become a lady and take her place in society. Kate has no desire to become a lady and would rather return home to fight off overly-amorous prospectors in the back yard of Grey's Boardinghouse in San Francisco.
As Kate looked out the window while bemoaning her fate to have a mother who spent her entire life missing the balls, soirees and house parties of English Society, she felt the magic of the man who arrived in a beautiful carriage to visit her cousin, Ophelia Maitland. (Ophelia's father was brother to Kate's mother.) Alexis had come to Maitland House to propose to Ophelia because she seemed different from the other title-chasers who had been pursuing him relentlessly. Before he could propose, Ophelia inadvertently revealed she loved the title more than the man.
While Kate thought Ophelia was a warm, caring, intelligent person who deserved better than that snake, the Marquess, it was obvious that Ophelia was self-centered and cared little for Kate in return by the way she "helpfully" told Kate on the night of her first ball that her hair was too garish and her freckles too unacceptable and proceeded to remove any signs of beauty from Kate's appearance. At the ball, Kate was wounded and hurt by the way Alexis stomped on her feelings when he told Ophelia he couldn't dance with her cousin because of an injury, only to see him on the dance floor later.
Kate returned to Maitland House with her mother fourteen months after that ball. Kate hoped being in her beloved England would revive Sophia Grey's plummeting spirits upon the loss of her husband, Timothy. Kate was now an accomplished businesswoman, having to handle the family's extensive financial portfolio because her mother was too much of a lady, fluttering her handkerchief about, to take care of her family's needs.
Although Robinson painted a picture of Sophia being the perfect English lady through Kate's memories of her mother while they were in America, it was difficult to warm up to Sophia. It was difficult to image that such a self-sufficient, strong-willed, driven heroine such as Kate could come from such a frivolous, empty-headed creature like Sophia. It was amazing that the Sophia, who so loved the life of an Englishwoman, would even consent to marry an American, but when Kate asked her mother how she knew she was in love with Papa, the answer was inspiring:
Wished Robinson had time to share some stories about the three other people important to Kate. Her two brothers, Robbie and Zachary remained forever just names on the pages. Just as her friendship with Patience, a Fallen Woman, was briefly described as the reason her mother was able to convince her father to send Kate to England. And the reason Kate was not the typically squeamish virgin and actively participated in the act of love.
One surprising addition to the cast of characters was Alexis's mistress, Carolina Beechwith. Alexis was making confusing judgments regarding Carolina. First, he thought Kate could learn lady-like behavior from Carolina. (Is it lady-like to be a man's mistress?) Then, he thought if he brought Carolina to his mother's house party, she would distract him from his attraction to Kate. Instead, her presence just made everyone (including Alexis) uncomfortable.
Believing himself unworthy of being loved, Alexis used women to fill the emptiness inside his heart. Alexis was very aware of his power over women, and when faced with a woman in his home who was not chasing after him, Alexis decided to use his considerable charm and exceptional good looks to pursue Kate until she, too, worshiped at his feet. During this chase Robinson entertained readers with some sassy dialogue as Kate constantly rebuffed Alexis. Alexis's pursuit eventually resulted in Kate falling for him because she started liking him afer she saw his compassionate actions and intelligence. Robinson did a great job at putting the sizzle and heat in the love scenes between Alexis and Kate.
To re-cap, would recommend Suzanne Robinson's book, Lady Hellfire, as a fun, entertaining, intriguing Historical Romance because liked:
{1} The hero. Alexis was a gorgeous, hunky self-confident man who possessed that magnetic charisma that drew women like bears to honey. In spite of having [1] a mother who actively displayed her hatred; [2] a guardian and mentor who believed carnal relations were to be eschewed; [3] a lapse in memory about father's and sister's death; and [4] haunting memories from the battle of Balaclava, Alexis {1} compassionately cared for his fellow soldiers; {2} remained loyal to his best friend; {3} honorably and responsibly attended to his duties; and {4} was vulnerable to love.
{2} The heroine. Kate, reared by a father who spoiled, trained and depended on her because her mother was all fluff (no substance), became a very strong-willed, self-confident, out-spoken, vibrant presence in a world that promoted inconsequential women. Kate {1} was loyal to her cousin (respected her claim to Alexis); {2} became a competent, determined businesswoman; {3} did not bow to society's rules; and {4} did not worship at the feet of the hero.
{3} The friend. Val was as gorgeous and loyal as Alexis. His angst-filled life made him the perfect candidate for his own book. Val's character was not fully-developed -- Robinson left the reader wanting more.
{4} The romantic tension between hero and heroine. {1} Kate felt the magic of Alexis. {2} When Kate thought Alexis a snake, he had to do something he hadn't done before -- had to pursue a woman uninterested in him. {3} Alexis was a master of seduction. {4} Kate actively participated in the steamy love scenes.
{5} The suspense. There were a lot of underlying tension in the book. {1} Juliana's hatred of Alexis. {2} Ophelia telling Kate of her determination to have Alexis and his title. {3} Juliana exposing her lack of sanity. {4} Fulke constantly lecturing Alexis about his women and declaring Kate inappropriate. {5} The "veiled messages and crooked talk" whenever Hannah appeared. {6} Too many accidents occurring.
{6} The emotion. Although Kate came across as a strong, self-confident women, she was still vulnerable when {1} Alexis snubbed her; {2} lost father to death; {3} felt different; {4} confronted mother about her lack of care. Alexis's life is peppered with emotional difficulties: {1} Juliana; {2} Fulke; {3} Val; {4} father and sister's deaths; {5} wanted women to love him, not his title.
{7} The sensuality and romance. Kate immediately attracted to Alexis, but thought him a snake after he wounded her at her first ball. Alexis then had to actively pursue Kate, resulting in witty dialogue and eventually, heated, spicy lovemaking.
This is second time to have read Lady Hellfire. Would readily recommend this book to any Historical Romance reader.
--Vonda M. Reid (Thursday, March 15, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.) [219]
Lady Hellfire Quotations:
Characters Found In "Lady Hellfire"
Suzanne Robinson
♠ Website
♣ pseudonym used by: Lynda S. Robinson
Suzanne Robinson Book List:
♠ Fantastic Fiction
♣ FictionDB
Lynda S. Robinson Book List:
♠ Fantastic Fiction
♣ FictionDB
Lady Hellfire Reviews:
Notes:
♥ Disclaimer: I Purchased This Book
♥ Very Subjective Rating
♥ Willing to share Cheat Sheet
♦ in whole or in part
As long as I can remember I have loved to read. Reading has always been magic for me -- taking me away from the housework, the schoolwork, the chaos of emotional relationships (be they with family, friends, or spouse).
One of my favorite stories to tell is about my sister (who, sadly, is not a reader) abruptly ending one of my reading sessions by grabbing the book from my hands and shouting at me -- I have called you four times now. I want you to answer me.
Yes, I could truly leave life behind and enter the world of the characters in the book I was reading. Reading is a passion that I have indulged in for over forty years. I would pick up a book and luxuriate in a great read. Granted, some books were not as "likeable" or "entertaining" as another. But that mattered not, I'd just pick up another book and read.
Something exciting happened when I stumbled upon Amazon, Goodreads and eventually, "what in the world is a blog"! These women were like me -- they loved to read -- and, unlike me, they could pinpoint what they liked or disliked about a certain book. And when they pointed that out, I had an "ah-hah" moment. They could point out what my mind failed to notice -- why that book didn't quite work for me, or why this one was amazing!
I wanted to be one of those women, so I started reading with the vague idea of writing a personal review. I went back and read my very first attempt to write a review (some time in 2009). It was not very good. I didn't explain what the author did that make me give the book a 4-star rating. There is very little information about the actual plot line of the book. In fact, it would be necessary to re-read to the book to know why I liked the hero and heroine.
Three years later, I'm still reading because I Love To Read -- but the unadulterated pure joy has diminished -- because there is that "review" waiting to be written. Sadly, I have not taken the time to write that review after reading each and every book since then (for many different reasons -- the most prevalent being "I just don't feel like it"). However, my reviews have improved -- and I've even struggled to learn to blog (bought a book on how to blog because this computer stuff is not easy for me).
Just curious . . . have some of you amazing fellow bloggers noticed that having to write that review after reading a book has slightly diminished your Joy of Reading?
Note: The awesome photographs included in this post were taken by my Uncle Howard.
Action: ♠♠♠ / Emotion: ♣♣♣.♣ / Romance: ♥♥♥♥ / Sensuous: ♦♦.♦ / Suspense: ♠♠♠♠.♠
Action: 3 / Emotion: 3.5 / Romance: 4 / Sensuous: 2.5 / Suspense: 4.5 // Historical Flavor: 3.5 / Laughter: 5½ / Tears: 1
One of the demons in Alexis's life is his mother, Lady Juliana de Granville. Found it unique that Robinson implied that Lady Juliana is capable of love and compassion by surrounding her with cats, dogs and a marmoset that she doted upon -- because Lady Juliana forthrightly and blatantly hated her son. Lady Juliana was the perfect example of why some women should never become mothers. Alexis's death ride made sense if taking such a ride was the only way Alexis could escape the constant hatred spewing from the eyes and mouth of his mother.
Lady Juliana's animosity towards her son is offset by the man who helped raise him from the age of twelve. Sixteen years ago the much too self-righteous, but nevertheless caring Fulke Sinclair left a successful political career to care for Juliana, Alexis, and the de Granville estates when his cousin, Alexis's father, Phillipe de Granville was killed in a riding accident. A riding accident that haunts Alexis as his mother repeatedly accuses him of the murder of his father and sister. Fulke constantly tries to negate Juliana's words by telling Alexis he was incapable of enacting the atrocity that brought about Phillipe's and Thalia's deaths.
Robinson did a great job of increasing the intrigue surrounding Alexis by introducing a barely-developed secondary character that constantly threw a light of doubt on Fulke. There was a marked tension in the room any time Fulke's quiet, mealy-mouthed, ruffle-wearing, extremely ladylike wife, Hannah appeared. It was easy to assume that Hannah was repressed because her rigid husband was constantly spouting about the evils of the flesh at the womanizing Alexis, so was totally surprised by the revelation of Hannah's perfidy late in the book.
Began to wonder if Fulke was supporting Alexis or helping to drive him to more destructive behavior. First, Fulke invited the Maitland women to stay at Castle Richfield after the fire at Maitland House -- knowing that Alexis hated the Maitland's and their well-known penchant for using any means necessary to climb society's ladder. (Liked the cleverly humorous way Alexis referred to the climbers as mountain goats.) Next, Fulke allowed Prince Albert to command him to let the arrogant James Thomas Brudenell, Earl of Cardigan stay at Castle Richfield -- knowing that Alexis and his best friend, Val, hated the commander who was responsible for killing and maiming hundreds of their men at the battle of Balaclava.
Alexis's best friend and old Oxford school mate, Major Valentine "Val" Beaufort was a wonderful addition to the story. The loyalty and camaraderie between Alexis and Val added a richness to the story. Alexis spent a lot of time trying to help Val deal with the memories of his time beside his men as they rode into the Russian cannon fire at Balaclava. The depth of Alexis's compassion for his fellow soldiers was revealed as he forced Val to go with him to the Dower House, where injured soldiers were being cared for by doctors and nurses financed by de Granville funds. It was intriguing that while Alexis was wise enough to force Val to face his demons head on, he was not able to perform the same action himself. Alexis exhibited his care for Val by assigning two men to watch over him to make sure the anger Val held for the Earl of Cardigan did not result in death. Val was such an interesting angst-filled character, wished that Robinson had included his book in her backlist.
In marked contrast to Alexis, the straightforward Katherine "Kate" Ann Grey quickly lets readers know how the book got its title by uttering her favorite profanity (hellfire). Kate is ensconced in Maitland House in Sussex (a neighboring estate to Castle Richfield) because her mother is determined that Kate become a lady and take her place in society. Kate has no desire to become a lady and would rather return home to fight off overly-amorous prospectors in the back yard of Grey's Boardinghouse in San Francisco.
As Kate looked out the window while bemoaning her fate to have a mother who spent her entire life missing the balls, soirees and house parties of English Society, she felt the magic of the man who arrived in a beautiful carriage to visit her cousin, Ophelia Maitland. (Ophelia's father was brother to Kate's mother.) Alexis had come to Maitland House to propose to Ophelia because she seemed different from the other title-chasers who had been pursuing him relentlessly. Before he could propose, Ophelia inadvertently revealed she loved the title more than the man.
While Kate thought Ophelia was a warm, caring, intelligent person who deserved better than that snake, the Marquess, it was obvious that Ophelia was self-centered and cared little for Kate in return by the way she "helpfully" told Kate on the night of her first ball that her hair was too garish and her freckles too unacceptable and proceeded to remove any signs of beauty from Kate's appearance. At the ball, Kate was wounded and hurt by the way Alexis stomped on her feelings when he told Ophelia he couldn't dance with her cousin because of an injury, only to see him on the dance floor later.
Kate returned to Maitland House with her mother fourteen months after that ball. Kate hoped being in her beloved England would revive Sophia Grey's plummeting spirits upon the loss of her husband, Timothy. Kate was now an accomplished businesswoman, having to handle the family's extensive financial portfolio because her mother was too much of a lady, fluttering her handkerchief about, to take care of her family's needs.
Although Robinson painted a picture of Sophia being the perfect English lady through Kate's memories of her mother while they were in America, it was difficult to warm up to Sophia. It was difficult to image that such a self-sufficient, strong-willed, driven heroine such as Kate could come from such a frivolous, empty-headed creature like Sophia. It was amazing that the Sophia, who so loved the life of an Englishwoman, would even consent to marry an American, but when Kate asked her mother how she knew she was in love with Papa, the answer was inspiring:
"I asked myself whether I could face the rest of my life without your papa. What would I do if he went away, back to America, and I never saw him again? I couldn't bear the thought." (page 182)It is obvious Kate got her strength, intelligence and support from her father. Robinson, however, did not develop Timothy Grey's personality. Even though his presence remained in the background, his influence on his daughter was evident. There was a deep and abiding love between Kate and her father. Kate was a "daddy's girl" and learned from his teachings and counsel.
Wished Robinson had time to share some stories about the three other people important to Kate. Her two brothers, Robbie and Zachary remained forever just names on the pages. Just as her friendship with Patience, a Fallen Woman, was briefly described as the reason her mother was able to convince her father to send Kate to England. And the reason Kate was not the typically squeamish virgin and actively participated in the act of love.
One surprising addition to the cast of characters was Alexis's mistress, Carolina Beechwith. Alexis was making confusing judgments regarding Carolina. First, he thought Kate could learn lady-like behavior from Carolina. (Is it lady-like to be a man's mistress?) Then, he thought if he brought Carolina to his mother's house party, she would distract him from his attraction to Kate. Instead, her presence just made everyone (including Alexis) uncomfortable.
Believing himself unworthy of being loved, Alexis used women to fill the emptiness inside his heart. Alexis was very aware of his power over women, and when faced with a woman in his home who was not chasing after him, Alexis decided to use his considerable charm and exceptional good looks to pursue Kate until she, too, worshiped at his feet. During this chase Robinson entertained readers with some sassy dialogue as Kate constantly rebuffed Alexis. Alexis's pursuit eventually resulted in Kate falling for him because she started liking him afer she saw his compassionate actions and intelligence. Robinson did a great job at putting the sizzle and heat in the love scenes between Alexis and Kate.
To re-cap, would recommend Suzanne Robinson's book, Lady Hellfire, as a fun, entertaining, intriguing Historical Romance because liked:
{1} The hero. Alexis was a gorgeous, hunky self-confident man who possessed that magnetic charisma that drew women like bears to honey. In spite of having [1] a mother who actively displayed her hatred; [2] a guardian and mentor who believed carnal relations were to be eschewed; [3] a lapse in memory about father's and sister's death; and [4] haunting memories from the battle of Balaclava, Alexis {1} compassionately cared for his fellow soldiers; {2} remained loyal to his best friend; {3} honorably and responsibly attended to his duties; and {4} was vulnerable to love.
{2} The heroine. Kate, reared by a father who spoiled, trained and depended on her because her mother was all fluff (no substance), became a very strong-willed, self-confident, out-spoken, vibrant presence in a world that promoted inconsequential women. Kate {1} was loyal to her cousin (respected her claim to Alexis); {2} became a competent, determined businesswoman; {3} did not bow to society's rules; and {4} did not worship at the feet of the hero.
{3} The friend. Val was as gorgeous and loyal as Alexis. His angst-filled life made him the perfect candidate for his own book. Val's character was not fully-developed -- Robinson left the reader wanting more.
{4} The romantic tension between hero and heroine. {1} Kate felt the magic of Alexis. {2} When Kate thought Alexis a snake, he had to do something he hadn't done before -- had to pursue a woman uninterested in him. {3} Alexis was a master of seduction. {4} Kate actively participated in the steamy love scenes.
{5} The suspense. There were a lot of underlying tension in the book. {1} Juliana's hatred of Alexis. {2} Ophelia telling Kate of her determination to have Alexis and his title. {3} Juliana exposing her lack of sanity. {4} Fulke constantly lecturing Alexis about his women and declaring Kate inappropriate. {5} The "veiled messages and crooked talk" whenever Hannah appeared. {6} Too many accidents occurring.
{6} The emotion. Although Kate came across as a strong, self-confident women, she was still vulnerable when {1} Alexis snubbed her; {2} lost father to death; {3} felt different; {4} confronted mother about her lack of care. Alexis's life is peppered with emotional difficulties: {1} Juliana; {2} Fulke; {3} Val; {4} father and sister's deaths; {5} wanted women to love him, not his title.
{7} The sensuality and romance. Kate immediately attracted to Alexis, but thought him a snake after he wounded her at her first ball. Alexis then had to actively pursue Kate, resulting in witty dialogue and eventually, heated, spicy lovemaking.
This is second time to have read Lady Hellfire. Would readily recommend this book to any Historical Romance reader.
--Vonda M. Reid (Thursday, March 15, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.) [219]
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
Lady Hellfire Quotations:
| 36 | That was death. Someone was alive, and then they weren't, and there was nothing you could do to bring them back. You were left with a hole in your existence. You felt all broken inside, but you still had to go on living. You had to get up in the morning, get dressed, eat, and work, even though you'd much rather follow papa so you could be with him instead of all alone and lost. |
| 79 | She hated veiled messages and crooked talk. |
| 123 | What frightened her the most was talking. She had never learned frivolous conversation. Banter was more mysterious to her than the workings of a steamship. Other girls could bat their eyes at a man and mew asinine flatteries. When Kate tired it, she felt so ridiculous her face turned red and her mouth wouldn't move. |
| 181 | Being old and expensive didn't make things less tasteless. |
| 182 | Love isn't something you can learn from books, and getting experience at it hurts. |
| 183 | No one else agreed with her . . . |
| 255 | . . . all of us women are taught from childhood to lock our real selves away in a little prison in our heads, because we learn what the world wants us to be like. Most of us try so hard to be Ladies, to be what everyone says we should be. But all the time there's this other self inside somewhere. Locked up in chains, suffering, hurting from being told she isn't wanted. |
| 259 | I'm sick to death of being criticized. Do you know how much that hurts? Do you even care? |
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
Characters Found In "Lady Hellfire"
| Character / Location | Description / Relationships |
|---|---|
| Alexis Phillipe Charles Michael Carlyle de Granville, Marquess of Richfield | [Hero] (1) black hair (3) glorious black hair; physically beautiful (17) full name; brilliant green eyes; sees the Queen, owns half of England (28) wariness (30) dark; serious (39) injured in Crimean six months ago (40) all black fire and vibrancy (44) Colonel (58) tall; long-limbed body; square chin; air of dignity (73) generous, caring heart (102) intelligent; courageous; beautiful; kind; compassionate; loving friend; cared for suffering of others (166) dignified; authoritative (191) artist's model body; erotic walk (225) |
| Katherine "Kate" Ann Grey | [Heroine] bright copper hair with darker cinnamon running through it (10) loved to read (14) almost 20 (16) freckles (27) Ann (38) brown-gold eyes (57) small thing (57) quick as hornet; unconsciously sensual (161) face a perfect oval; eye like a bewildered foal, then volcanic glass (178) brilliant; ingenious (249) |
| . . . | . . . |
| Mr. "Weedy" Arbuthnot | [One Appearance] talked to Kate at Maitland ball (29) |
| Carolina Beechwith | [Secondary Character] Alexis' mistress // thick chestnut hair that shone in any light; lips naturally pink; squarish face; large round eyes almost night-sky blue (147) good taste in apparel (148) |
| Ezra Beechwith | [No Appearance] old county man; wealthy enough to buy young wife; interests in London (136) |
| Lord Bunton | [One Appearance] attended Maitland ball (29) |
| James Thomas Brudenell Earl of Cardigan | [Actual Historical Character / Secondary Character] Alexis, Val part of his regiment (8) a fool of a commander; fiasco at Balaclava his fault (81) arrogant; unintelligent; fearless; spies on his officers; brave; good horseman (84) curling hair; elegant mustache (113) sky-blue eyes (115) elegantly trimmed mustache (149) slim; moved with quick grace (245) |
| Lady Fiona Churchille-Smythe | [Rare Appearances] attended Juliana's house party // member of "great beauty" contingent; Kate didn't like; wanted Alexis (145) |
| Crosswaite | [Rare Appearances] Maitland butler (54) |
| Honorable Cherry Dinkle | [Rare Appearances] attended Juliana's house party // twin; vapid (144) |
| Honorable Georgina Dinkle | [Rare Appearances] attended Juliana's house party // vapid (145) lemon verbena; skinny; fingers like legs of spider; flat body of a ten-year-old boy (153) |
| Honorable Merry Dinkle | [Rare Appearances] attended Juliana's house party // twin; vapid (144) |
| Sir Eustace | [No Appearance] wants Alexis to hire son to work at Heppleton |
| Mr. Mungo Fettiplace | [No Appearance] draper Kate contacted regarding renovations to Maitland House(168) |
| Lady Juliana de Granville | [Major Secondary Character] (3) Alexis's mother (3) 3 cats, marmoset; hated Alexis (4) doesn't like Americans (40) hardly ever slept (171) handsome; thoroughbred height; silver hair; royal dignity (283) |
| Phillipe de Granville | [No Appearance] Alexis' father (279) |
| Thalia de Granville | [No Appearance] Alexis's sister (111) |
| Timothy Grey | [Rare Appearances] Kate's father; gold miner (9) found gold 2-y-a (10) came from wealthy Virginia family (13) loved to read (14) |
| Robbie Grey | [One Appearance] Kate's brother; protective (12) Harvard (86) |
| Sophia Grey | [Major Secondary Character] Kate's mother (11) daughter of English gentleman (14) nagged; fussed (16) |
| Zachary Grey | [One Appearance] Kate's brother (11) |
| Hazelton | [Rare Appearances] Richfield butler (168) |
| Lettice Hopwelt | [No Appearance] daughter of Richard Hopwelt // ancestor killed in Ghost Tower (194) |
| Sir Richard Hopwelt | [No Appearance] killed daughter and her love in Ghost Tower (194) |
| Sir Humphrey | [Brief Appearance] hired by Alexis to keep Val from Cardigan (145) |
| Iago | Alexis's dog (7) |
| Countess of Landsborne | [Rare Appearances] attended Juliana's house party // member of "great beauty" contingent; Kate didn't like; wanted Alexis (145) |
| Emeline [Maitland] | [Brief Appearances] Kate's great-aunt (9) light-mindedness (15) |
| [Mr. Maitland] | [No Appearance] Ophelia's father; Sophia's brother (14) |
| Ophelia Maitland | [Secondary Character] merchant ancestor 3 generations back (9) embroidered; played piano (19) light-hearted goodness; sense of humor (20) blond hair; made sure nobody knew of her interest in books and politics (38) |
| Maisy | [Brief Appearances] Kate's maid (252) |
| Colonel Maude | [Brief Appearance] hired by Alexis to keep Val from Cardigan (145) |
| Meredith | [Secondary Character] Alexis's valet (4) sensitivity to Alexis's moods since he was a youth (59) |
| Patience | [No Appearance] Fallen Woman; saved Kate from rape; friends for a year (15) |
| Mr. Poggs | [Minor Secondary Character] Kate's man of business // Kate meeting about railroad shares (42) all nose and Adam's apple (61) |
| Fulke Sinclair | [Major Secondary Character] Alexis's cousin (3) older man (5) Alexis's ex-guardian (6) 16-y-a left successful political career to care for Juliana, Alexis, de Granville estates; first cousin to Alexis's father ; conservative Tory; 48-y-o; discontented (6) tall; long-limbed body; square chin; air of dignity (73) kind; unbearably upright; ignored wife; preached at people (87) overly religious (_) black and silver hair (174) parents him when showed sign of affection for a lady (216) |
| Hannah Sinclair | [Secondary Character] Fulke's wife (71) flounced gowns; spoke softly; no sun touched skin; oval face; cupid-bow mouth; light blue eyes; nice, ordinary light brown hair (76) delicate face (140) |
| Mr. Osbert Snead | [No Appearance] antiques man Kate contacted regarding renovations to Maitland House (168) |
| Mademoiselle St. Germain | [Rare Appearances] attended Juliana's house party // member of "great beauty" contingent; Kate didn't like; wanted Alexis (145) |
| Lord St. Maur | [No Appearance] Valentine's father (8) |
| Earl of Swinburn | [No Appearance] red nose; corpulent; Ophelia's husband (39) |
| Turnpenny | [One Appearance] coachman (39) |
| Wainwright | [No Appearance] shipbuilder hired by Kate; drinks; houses harlots (220) |
| Lady Wickworth | [One Appearance] guest at Juliana's house party (151) |
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
♠ Website
♣ pseudonym used by: Lynda S. Robinson
Suzanne Robinson Book List:
♠ Fantastic Fiction
♣ FictionDB
Lynda S. Robinson Book List:
♠ Fantastic Fiction
♣ FictionDB
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
Lady Hellfire Reviews:
| Rated | Posted | Site | Notes, Comments, Etc. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.67 average | {3 reviews} | Amazon | as of: March 18, 2012 |
| 4.50 average | {2 reviews} | Barnes & Noble | as of: March 18, 2012 |
| 4.00 average | {1 review} | Good Reads | as of: March 18, 2012 |
| 4.00 average | {1 review} | Library Thing | as of: March 18, 2012 |
| 4.50 average | {1 review} | Paperback Swap | as of: March 18, 2012 |
| 4.50 average | {2 reviews} | Shelfari | as of: March 18, 2012 |
| 4.50 | 03-18-2012 | Wolf Bear Does Books | shorter post on Amazon, B&N, Good Reads, Library Thing, Shelfari |
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
♥ 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 Hellfire review link to table, just ask
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Has Blogging Stolen Your "Joy of Reading"
One of my favorite stories to tell is about my sister (who, sadly, is not a reader) abruptly ending one of my reading sessions by grabbing the book from my hands and shouting at me -- I have called you four times now. I want you to answer me.
Yes, I could truly leave life behind and enter the world of the characters in the book I was reading. Reading is a passion that I have indulged in for over forty years. I would pick up a book and luxuriate in a great read. Granted, some books were not as "likeable" or "entertaining" as another. But that mattered not, I'd just pick up another book and read.
I wanted to be one of those women, so I started reading with the vague idea of writing a personal review. I went back and read my very first attempt to write a review (some time in 2009). It was not very good. I didn't explain what the author did that make me give the book a 4-star rating. There is very little information about the actual plot line of the book. In fact, it would be necessary to re-read to the book to know why I liked the hero and heroine.
Just curious . . . have some of you amazing fellow bloggers noticed that having to write that review after reading a book has slightly diminished your Joy of Reading?
Note: The awesome photographs included in this post were taken by my Uncle Howard.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Suzanne Robinson -- Lord of Enchantment
Rated: ♥ ♥ . ♥ {2.85}
Action: ♠♠♠.♠ / Emotion: ♣♣.♣ / Romance: ♥♥♥ / Sensuous: ♦ / Suspense: ♠♠♠
Action: 3.5 / Emotion: 2.5 / Romance: 3 / Sensuous: 1 / Suspense: 3 // Historical Flavor: 3.5 / Laughter: 1 / Tears: 0
Was bound and determined to read Lord of Enchantment, Suzanne Robinson's fourth and last book of The Queen's Spies Quartet because wanted to figure out how these books were tied together since Fantastic Fiction and FictionDB disagreed about the way Suzanne Robinson's books are tied together. Another reason wanted to read Lord of Enchantment, the second book in the sub-series The St. John Family Duet, was to see if the St. John brothers were able to overcome the hatred sewn between them by their evil-hearted father and cultivate a relationship. (Sadly, Robinson dedicated no page time to the restoration of the brothers' relationship.)
There are several broad, personal reasons that prevented the total reading enjoyment of Lord of Enchantment. First, have never been a fan of the "amnesia" story line. Second, instead of laughing and enjoying the antics of the buffoons that inhabited Highcliffe Castle, found them tiresome. Third, a diminishing lack of interest in the story happened right around Chapter 11, when the beginning of the misunderstanding was introduced. The lack of interest grew to dissatisfaction around Chapter 17, when Morgan decided he could not love a woman whose betrayal was so great.
Also, instead of seamlessly weaving in the historical characters and political maneuverings of England's Queen Elizabeth, Spain's King Philip, France's Cardinal of Lorraine, and Scotland's Queen Mary, the entries about these activities felt forced. As with the other heros in the series, Morgan St. John, was a spy for Queen Elizabeth and was in pursuit of the Cardinal's henchman, the priest Jean-Paul (introduced in book three, Lady Valiant). When a sudden storm resulted in Morgan being tossed from his carrack (a three- or four-masted sailing ship), landing in the sea and being washed onto the rocks of the Isle of Penance, the story line took a marked turn away from the previous suspenseful story lines in this series.
Penelope "Pen" Grace Fairfax is introduced standing on the battlements of Highcliffe Castle with her old nurse, Nany Boggs, and using her gift of knowing to foretell of the great storm approaching. Pen also had the sense of a great danger arriving as well. Robinson failed to instill the emotional connection and angst that Pen surely felt at being exiled by her parents to their estate located on an island. The parents justified their actions as protecting a daughter from being burned at the stake as a heretic or witch because of her ability to touch a sword or dagger and feel the emotions and see the actions of the person who wielded such instrument. (Robinson included no detailed background interactions between Penelope and her parents to establish an emotional tie with the heroine.)
The morning after the storm Pen finds Morgan's body on the rocks and readers are introduced to the lack-wits that surround Pen and inhabit her castle. Pen took in the homeless creatures, Dibbler and Sniggs, who are never in close proximity without arguing and fighting. Found this constant bickering irritating rather than enduring. The next unremarkable Highcliffer was the swineherder girl, Wheedle, followed closely by the introduction of the lack-witted youth Erbut and Sniggs's son, Turnip. The final misfit to be introduced and featured as the cook who constantly wanted to poison Morgan was Twistle. Found Robinson's choice of oddball names for this cast of characters very appropriate. These lack-wits are featured throughout the remainder of the story, as they support Pen in her adventures as she rushes into one mishap after another. (Curiously, Robinson introduced not one of the villagers outside the walls of Highcliffe Castle who farmed the lands and fed the bumbling bunglers of the castle.)
Pen cares for the gorgeous, sensual amnesiac that she calls Tristan. Robinson builds the sexual tension between Tristan and Pen, who eventually fall into bed to make love with the romantic I Love You's rather than spice and heat. Even through Tristan and Pen spend the next nine days constantly involved in one tryst after another, they always do so out of the eyes of readers. This is the only time Robinson features a love scene in the book.
Now that the protagonists are in love, Robinson throws in the way over-used 'heroine betrays hero' plot sequence. Pen has been engaged in pig-stealing antics with the one other land owner on the Isle of Penance, fat old Ponder Cutwell. Ponder has somehow (through his service to old King Harry's minister, Thomas Cromwell) managed to become host to Jean-Paul, who wants access to Morgan at Highcliffe Castle. (Robinson tried to insert a bit of suspense by never identifying the guest, but even Dibbler and Sniggs could have figured out this one.)
Ponder takes Jean-Paul to Highcliffe with papers saying that as the queen's man (calling himself Morgan St. John), he desires to take into custody the man Pen is harboring, Jean-Paul, a French priest in service to the Cardinal of Lorraine. (Must say that Robinson did an exceptional job of keeping each character straight in the mind of the reader even during the times when they were using false identities.) In a surprising move, rather than turn the priest over St. John, Pen decides to jail her beloved Tristan (or was he faking it all this time), and take him to the queen herself.
Action and adventure pepper the book as Tristan tries to escape, Pen tries to retain custody, Jean-Paul tries to question his nemesis, etc. And while all this activity is taking place, Tristan and Pen moan and groan about the betrayal of their love. Robinson failed to elicit the emotional connection that is necessary to inspire sympathetic feelings of anguish that Morgan and Pen are supposed to be experiencing.
Morgan regained his memory and realized that he was a womanizer because the people he loved always betrayed him. Thus, he must not have loved Pen. Meanwhile, Pen joins the false queen's man to chase Morgan across England as he takes up his work as Queen Elizabeth's intelligencer to save William Cecil and Christian de Rivers from Jean-Paul's assassin. Pen is chasing Morgan because she loves him too much to let him murder the queen's man. (Can you say, "this doesn't make a bit of sense." Pen is constantly telling Morgan she hates him, while chasing him across England to prevent his death.)
Rather than being enthralled and sitting on the edge of the seat waiting to see what happens next, just wanted to bop Robinson over the head for making Pen and Morgan act like idiots who would not acknowledge their love for the other. Lord of Enchantment was a finish-able read, but there is no way it will ever became a must-read. The only reason would recommend this book is: {1} to finish The Queen's Spies Quartet; {2} a desire to read Morgan's story; {3} to see if the St. John brothers reconciled; and {4} to find out how Robinson tied the loose ends left dangling in the first book of The St. John Family Duet -- like how Morgan came to be part of Derry's team.
Summing up, Lord of Enchantment, Suzanne Robinson's fourth book of The Queen's Spies Quartet, contains: {1} a hunky, sensual, stubborn, determined amnesiac hero; {2} a compassionate, sometimes intelligent (reading between the lines), strong-willed heroine; {3} silly, lack-witted supporting characters; {4} an evil-hearted villain; {5} a sparse visit with previous protagonists featured in the series; {6} a strong sensual connection between Morgan and Pen, followed by one emotional, romantic, sizzle-less love scene; {7} moments of action and adventure; {8} a smattering of suspense; {9} inserted pieces of historical data relevant to the time period; and {10} the requisite happily-ever-after. Even though Lord of Enchantment contains the requisite attributes, would not recommend this book unless one just wants to read the last book of the series. (In an aside: someone who enjoys 'The Three Stooges' antics might like this book.)
Note: Must apologize for focusing on what did not like about this book -- paying no attention to the fact that Robinson did not seem to change her writing style, nor fail to write a story that may appeal to someone else. Will always admire Robinson for putting pen to paper and writing an enjoyable book. It was just not my cup of tea.
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 (Thursday, March 1, 2012 : 5:53 p.m.) [218]
The Queen's Spies Quartet
The St. John Family Duet (Sub-Series)
Lord of Enchantment Quotations:
Characters Found In "Lord of Enchantment"
Suzanne Robinson
♠ Website
♣ pseudonym used by: Lynda S. Robinson
Suzanne Robinson Book List:
♠ Fantastic Fiction
♣ FictionDB
Lynda S. Robinson Book List:
♠ Fantastic Fiction
♣ FictionDB
Lord of Enchantment Reviews:
Notes:
♥ Disclaimer: I Purchased This Book
♥ Very Subjective Rating
♥ Willing to share Cheat Sheet
♦ in whole or in part
Action: ♠♠♠.♠ / Emotion: ♣♣.♣ / Romance: ♥♥♥ / Sensuous: ♦ / Suspense: ♠♠♠
Action: 3.5 / Emotion: 2.5 / Romance: 3 / Sensuous: 1 / Suspense: 3 // Historical Flavor: 3.5 / Laughter: 1 / Tears: 0
There are several broad, personal reasons that prevented the total reading enjoyment of Lord of Enchantment. First, have never been a fan of the "amnesia" story line. Second, instead of laughing and enjoying the antics of the buffoons that inhabited Highcliffe Castle, found them tiresome. Third, a diminishing lack of interest in the story happened right around Chapter 11, when the beginning of the misunderstanding was introduced. The lack of interest grew to dissatisfaction around Chapter 17, when Morgan decided he could not love a woman whose betrayal was so great.
Penelope "Pen" Grace Fairfax is introduced standing on the battlements of Highcliffe Castle with her old nurse, Nany Boggs, and using her gift of knowing to foretell of the great storm approaching. Pen also had the sense of a great danger arriving as well. Robinson failed to instill the emotional connection and angst that Pen surely felt at being exiled by her parents to their estate located on an island. The parents justified their actions as protecting a daughter from being burned at the stake as a heretic or witch because of her ability to touch a sword or dagger and feel the emotions and see the actions of the person who wielded such instrument. (Robinson included no detailed background interactions between Penelope and her parents to establish an emotional tie with the heroine.)
The morning after the storm Pen finds Morgan's body on the rocks and readers are introduced to the lack-wits that surround Pen and inhabit her castle. Pen took in the homeless creatures, Dibbler and Sniggs, who are never in close proximity without arguing and fighting. Found this constant bickering irritating rather than enduring. The next unremarkable Highcliffer was the swineherder girl, Wheedle, followed closely by the introduction of the lack-witted youth Erbut and Sniggs's son, Turnip. The final misfit to be introduced and featured as the cook who constantly wanted to poison Morgan was Twistle. Found Robinson's choice of oddball names for this cast of characters very appropriate. These lack-wits are featured throughout the remainder of the story, as they support Pen in her adventures as she rushes into one mishap after another. (Curiously, Robinson introduced not one of the villagers outside the walls of Highcliffe Castle who farmed the lands and fed the bumbling bunglers of the castle.)
Pen cares for the gorgeous, sensual amnesiac that she calls Tristan. Robinson builds the sexual tension between Tristan and Pen, who eventually fall into bed to make love with the romantic I Love You's rather than spice and heat. Even through Tristan and Pen spend the next nine days constantly involved in one tryst after another, they always do so out of the eyes of readers. This is the only time Robinson features a love scene in the book.
Now that the protagonists are in love, Robinson throws in the way over-used 'heroine betrays hero' plot sequence. Pen has been engaged in pig-stealing antics with the one other land owner on the Isle of Penance, fat old Ponder Cutwell. Ponder has somehow (through his service to old King Harry's minister, Thomas Cromwell) managed to become host to Jean-Paul, who wants access to Morgan at Highcliffe Castle. (Robinson tried to insert a bit of suspense by never identifying the guest, but even Dibbler and Sniggs could have figured out this one.)
Ponder takes Jean-Paul to Highcliffe with papers saying that as the queen's man (calling himself Morgan St. John), he desires to take into custody the man Pen is harboring, Jean-Paul, a French priest in service to the Cardinal of Lorraine. (Must say that Robinson did an exceptional job of keeping each character straight in the mind of the reader even during the times when they were using false identities.) In a surprising move, rather than turn the priest over St. John, Pen decides to jail her beloved Tristan (or was he faking it all this time), and take him to the queen herself.
Action and adventure pepper the book as Tristan tries to escape, Pen tries to retain custody, Jean-Paul tries to question his nemesis, etc. And while all this activity is taking place, Tristan and Pen moan and groan about the betrayal of their love. Robinson failed to elicit the emotional connection that is necessary to inspire sympathetic feelings of anguish that Morgan and Pen are supposed to be experiencing.
Morgan regained his memory and realized that he was a womanizer because the people he loved always betrayed him. Thus, he must not have loved Pen. Meanwhile, Pen joins the false queen's man to chase Morgan across England as he takes up his work as Queen Elizabeth's intelligencer to save William Cecil and Christian de Rivers from Jean-Paul's assassin. Pen is chasing Morgan because she loves him too much to let him murder the queen's man. (Can you say, "this doesn't make a bit of sense." Pen is constantly telling Morgan she hates him, while chasing him across England to prevent his death.)
Rather than being enthralled and sitting on the edge of the seat waiting to see what happens next, just wanted to bop Robinson over the head for making Pen and Morgan act like idiots who would not acknowledge their love for the other. Lord of Enchantment was a finish-able read, but there is no way it will ever became a must-read. The only reason would recommend this book is: {1} to finish The Queen's Spies Quartet; {2} a desire to read Morgan's story; {3} to see if the St. John brothers reconciled; and {4} to find out how Robinson tied the loose ends left dangling in the first book of The St. John Family Duet -- like how Morgan came to be part of Derry's team.
Summing up, Lord of Enchantment, Suzanne Robinson's fourth book of The Queen's Spies Quartet, contains: {1} a hunky, sensual, stubborn, determined amnesiac hero; {2} a compassionate, sometimes intelligent (reading between the lines), strong-willed heroine; {3} silly, lack-witted supporting characters; {4} an evil-hearted villain; {5} a sparse visit with previous protagonists featured in the series; {6} a strong sensual connection between Morgan and Pen, followed by one emotional, romantic, sizzle-less love scene; {7} moments of action and adventure; {8} a smattering of suspense; {9} inserted pieces of historical data relevant to the time period; and {10} the requisite happily-ever-after. Even though Lord of Enchantment contains the requisite attributes, would not recommend this book unless one just wants to read the last book of the series. (In an aside: someone who enjoys 'The Three Stooges' antics might like this book.)
Note: Must apologize for focusing on what did not like about this book -- paying no attention to the fact that Robinson did not seem to change her writing style, nor fail to write a story that may appeal to someone else. Will always admire Robinson for putting pen to paper and writing an enjoyable book. It was just not my cup of tea.
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 (Thursday, March 1, 2012 : 5:53 p.m.) [218]
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
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 |
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
Lord of Enchantment Quotations:
| 41 | "you think being a man gives you the privilege of judging me and requiring me to answer to you." |
| 297 | "Could it be that he no longer bled, but ached from old scars?" |
| 302 | "She wouldn't be misused." ". . . she'd learned something about herself -- something inside her refused to endure maltreatment anymore." |
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
Characters Found In "Lord of Enchantment"
| Character / Location | Description / Relationships | Found In |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan St. John | [Hero] long legs; bulk of muscles (13) perfect features; lips those of an ascetic, a bit thin, yet somehow in complete proportion to his now and brow; black hair; black stubble (14) startling black eyes (15) spoke English, French, Italian (21) body vibrant with unleashed power (50) exuded sexual menace (194) movement contained sureness and swiftness of man accustomed to command (195) [23-y-o (figured from Lady Valiant)] | 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Penelope "Pen" Grace Fairfax | [Heroine] took in homeless creatures (8) light brown hair streaked with gold; golden eyes; angular delicacy (19) chime-like, magically soothing voice (20) fragile angularity of face and body (20) English, French, Italian (21) temperament more changeable than a monarch (22) 14 + 7 = 21 years old (32) gift of knowing (47) possessed a golden benevolence; a lightness of spirit beyond measure, a nature suffused with compassion (105) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| . . . | . . . | . . . |
| Archduke Charles of Austria | [Actual Historical Figure] King Philip negotiating for marriage to Queen Elizabeth | 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Queen Elizabeth | [Actual Historical Figure] led King Philip to believe she might consider marrying Archduke Charles of Austria (293) | 1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| King Philip | [Actual Historical Figure] king of Spain | 1. Lady Gallant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| William Cecil | [Actual Historical Figure] the queen's secretary (135) | 1. Lady Gallant (m) 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Thomas Cromwell | [Actual Historical Figure] King Harry's minister; ruined the abbeys and monasteries of England (50) | 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Cardinal of Lorraine | [Actual Historical Figure] uncle of Queen of Scots; member of the rapacious de Guise family (142) | 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Mary, Queen of Scots | [Actual Historical Figure] lusted after English throne (142) | 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Moray | [Actual Historical Figure] Mary Scot's half-brother; rebelled now that Mary married Darnley (179) | 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| . . . | . . . | . . . |
| Lady Ann | [No Appearance] one of Morgan's mistresses // in London (231) | 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Nany Boggs | [Secondary Character] generous chest; bulk; silver hair (1) Pen's old nurse; did not let logic impede her way (2) vermilion nose; smelled of ale; such bulk that she had a goose's waddle to her walk (27) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Inigo Culpepper | [Secondary Character] served Christian // looking for Morgan (185) scrawny figure; thief (186) | 1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Sir Ponder Cutwell | [Secondary Character] Pen's disagreeable neighbor; asked Pen to marry him (10) spindly legs; expanse of belle; knee joints cracked as he moved; chewed cloves to combat his foul breath (43) owns half of Penance Isle; hates Pen for owning the other half (49) served old King Harry (50) smuggler (51) three chins (90) grew long side locks, pomaded and combed over his bare dome (121) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Danseur | [Secondary Character] Jean-Paul hired to assassinate William Cecil and Christian de Rivers; added Morgan St. John to the list // the dancer; assassin (191) golden brows; pink nails; golden appearance; reptilian quality to gaze (192) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Dibbler | [Secondary Character] member of Pen's Highcliffe Castle lack-wit team // homeless creature; possessed odd yet well-meaning nature (8) tattered appearance; paunch; ring of graying hair around his bald spot; assortment of once-grand caps; sausage-thick fingers (9) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Erbut | [Secondary Character] member of Pen's Highcliffe Castle lack-wit team // youth (13) lack-wit (27) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Blade Fitzstephen | [Book 2 Hero] member of Queen's intelligencers // mentioned on page 254 | 1. Lady Gallant 2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant (m) 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Father Humphrey | [Rare Appearances] served the Isle of Penance // thin man (117) loved to ferret out sin; his hair, eyes, skin and robe were brown (118) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Jean-Paul | [Major Secondary Character] villain // spy priest (3) French spy; served Cardinal of Lorraine and The Queen of Scots (5) same dark coloring as Tristan; chin rounded; eyes less black, more brown; easy quick movement; freedom of motion that comes from physical activity; black hair; wore air of entitlement (121) eyes reflected cruelty (154) | 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Sieur de Mazarin | [No Appearance] Jean-Paul wrote letter enclosing list of people he wanted killed // Danseur's half-brother and lover (253) | 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Margery | Ponder Cutwell's prized pig (41) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Maria | [No Appearance] one of Morgan's mistresses // at Morgan's country home (231) | 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Lady Moorefield | [No Appearance] Morgan's mother; great beauty; waterfall of ebony hair; quick, agitate movements; died too soon; no time for son (190) | 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Viscount Moorefield | [No Appearance] Morgan's father; sent Morgan to foster with Christian | 2. Lady Defiant (m) 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Cousin Osbert | [No Appearance] inherited Pen's father's title (47) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Perdita | description of Highcliffe's imperfect pig (290) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Christian de Rivers Lord Montfort | [Book 1 Hero] Leader of group of Cecil and Elizabeth's intelligencers; looking for Morgan; fostered Morgan // too young; glimpse of fine lines about his eyes (79) Lord Montfort (79) sword master's body; violet eyes fringed with heavy lashes (222) | 01. Lady Gallant 02. Lady Defiant (m) 03. Lady Valiant 04. Lord of Enchantment |
| Elizabeth de Rivers | [No Appearance] Nora and Christian's twin (185) | 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Jehan de Rivers | [No Appearance] Nora and Christian's twin (185) | 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Nora de Rivers | [Book 1 Heroine] joined Christian as he gazed out window of Falaise; hadn't heard from Morgan in three weeks (185) | 01. Lady Gallant 02. Lady Defiant (m) 04. Lord of Enchantment |
| Baron Rochefort | [Secondary Character] Christian and Cecil were meeting at his home // silver hair (217) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Derry St. John, Viscount Moorefield | [Book 3 Hero] Came to Highcliffe Castle near end of book // Morgan's older brother (78) glorious blond hair (307) | 2. Lady Defiant 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Thea St. John | [Book 3 Heroine] Derry's wife // mentioned on page 313 | 3. Lady Valiant 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| Sniggs | [Secondary Character] member of Pen's Highcliffe Castle lack-wit team // homeless creature; cast off land by greedy nobleman (8) tattered appearance (9) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Turnip | [Secondary Character] member of Pen's Highcliffe Castle lack-wit team // Sniggs's son (15) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Mistress Twistle | [Secondary Character] member of Pen's Highcliffe Castle lack-wit team // serving woman; small and round of body; red hair; looked like disgruntled apple (20) father and five brothers beat her (25) cook (27) thick muscled arms (109) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Wheedle | [Secondary Character] member of Pen's Highcliffe Castle lack-wit team // swineherder; girl (8) could mistake for a boy; wore heavy, cracked leather boots, hose, long smock; lanky hair shorn in ragged lengths; face permanently begrimed; blue eyes (62) | 4. Lord of Enchantment |
| Will | [No Appearance] pretty young coxcomb from Pen's childhood (32) | 4. Lord of Enchantment (m) |
| (m) = mentioned |
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
♠ Website
♣ pseudonym used by: Lynda S. Robinson
Suzanne Robinson Book List:
♠ Fantastic Fiction
♣ FictionDB
Lynda S. Robinson Book List:
♠ Fantastic Fiction
♣ FictionDB
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
Lord of Enchantment Reviews:
| Rated | Posted | Site | Notes, Comments, Etc. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.00 average | {3 reviews} | Amazon | as of: March 6, 2012 |
| 3.00 average | {1 rating} | Barnes and Noble | as of: March 6, 2012 |
| 3.00 average | {1 review} | Good Reads | as of: March 6, 2012 |
| 3.50 average | {2 ratings} | Library Thing | as of: March 5, 2012 |
| 3.75 average | {2 reviews} | Paperback Swap | as of: March 6, 2012 |
| -- | -- | Publisher's Weekly | found on Barnes & Noble site |
| 3.00 average | {1 review} | Shelfari | as of: March 6, 2012 |
| -- | -- | We Read | as of: March 6, 2012 {no reviews} |
| 2.85 | 03-06-2011 | Wolf Bear Does Books | shorter post on Amazon, Good Reads, Shelfari |
♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦ . . . . . . . . . . ♠ . . . . . . . . . . ♣ . . . . . . . . . . ♥ . . . . . . . . . . ♦
♥ Disclaimer: I Purchased This Book
♥ Very Subjective Rating
♥ Willing to share Cheat Sheet
♦ in whole or in part
♦ WordPerfect or PDF
♣ Will add your Lord of Enchantment review link to table, just ask
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