The Leopard Prince
by Elizabeth Hoyt
|
List Price: Our Price: $1.64 You Save: $5.35 (77%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Leopard Prince
Book Review: Unique Characters, Humor and Passion
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the story of Georgina (called George) and Harry, George's steward. An unlikely attraction springs up between them just as it becomes clear that someone in the village is out to frame Harry for the poisoning of several sheep. George, a thoroughly modern heroine who is both intelligent and emotionally vulnerable in a believable way, believes in Harry's innocence and seeks to help him get to the bottom of the mystery. Although their class status makes Harry resistant to romance with George, he's very attracted to her and their love affair unfolds very naturally and leads to a) some hot scenes and then b) some Big Misunderstandings and then c) a very satisfying ending.
I agree with other reviewers who said the plot is dark, and I do think those who don't care for suspense with their romance might be put off a bit. But I also think the suspense storyline was well done, and helped develop some great secondary, non-romantic connections between supporting characters.
As with The Raven Prince, there's a lot of wit and humor in this book and the sex scenes, although perhaps not quite as vivid as those in Hoyt's first book, are still hot and more explicit than those in your average historical.
What I think is very commendable about this novel is that it's very different from Hoyt's first book, but still well done and original. The lead characters are extremely likeable and well drawn; Hoyt really excels at creating unique heros and heroines.
I also think those who liked Hoyt's book are likely to enjoy this one as well, even if it's different in tone. It's definitely one of the best historical romances I read this year.
Book Review: interesting Georgian romance
Summary: 4 Stars
In 1760 twenty-eight years old Georgina Maitland is wealthy so she can enjoy being single; she has no plans for a spouse as that means giving up her independence. When her sister pleads with her to return to the family estate in Yorkshire, she flees London with her land manager Harry Pye.
At her home she learns that their neighbor Magistrate Silas Granville blames Harry for poisoning his sheep and demands she fire him before he arrests him. George refuses and directs Silas to leave her home. As tension mounts because Silas and Harry have a history involving his father, George and her estate manager fall in love. However, he will do nothing to jeopardize her position while she fears losing her autonomy if she boldly goes after the man she loves.
This is an interesting Georgian romance between an aristocrat and her commoner employee that showcases what happens when a person in authority abuses their public trust. The story line is at its best when it concentrates on the lead pair including incidents fostered on them by their odious neighbor. Silas is so nasty he is more a caricature of an abusive person though his actions serve as a warning not to allow one person so much authority even in a localized setting. He affirms Lord Acton's admonition on power and another of his cautionary commentaries that "Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity". Elizbath Hoyt provides an exhilarating historical romance that will have waiting for the next prince to appear.
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: Harry and His Lady do shine, but plot a little tepid (B Grade)
Summary: 3 Stars
This second release by Hoyt is not as well written as her first,(mainly the plot drags) but her two main characters are very original and the author may have gotten the idea for the story by reading DH Lawrence's "Lady Chatterly's Lover"
Georgina or "My Lady" as Harry Pye her land stewart calls her is a very assured, rich spinster of the mid 18th century. One day she realizes Harry is so much more than one of her servants. They begin a passionate love affair as someone is killing sheep (insert laugh) and murdering women all over the countryside... and Harry is the one being accused.
Harry has alot of baggage from a mother who cheated on her father with a rich landowner(who is much like the sterotypical uber villian you find in historical romances) and what his true place is in life. Butone positive thing is Harry is not all that brooding and angsty. His love her his lady is sweet and a little heartbreaking because he is just a simple man and Georgina is rich and an aristocrat.
Other than the whole murder mystery plot, this story is really about Harry and George and how can they overcome their positions in life in order to be together.
The love scenes do sizzle and Harry is the type you would want to cuddle up to, much like Georgina does.
An okay sophomore effort!
Katiebabs
The Raven Prince
The Serpent Prince
Book Review: Enchanting Reviews: The Leopard Prince
Summary: 4 Stars
THE LEOPARD PRINCE
ELIZABETH HOYT
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
Lady Georgina Maitland, Mistress and Owner of Woldsly Manor, has often been considered flighty and quite irksome. It is simply not proper for a woman to not only own such a large estate but to run it by herself.
Harry Pye, her Steward, has been fighting and clawing his way back to Yorkshire for many years, and though he would like to get revenge on Lord Grayville, he cannot afford to throw away everything he has.
England, 1760. Someone is poisoning the local farmers' sheep and causing trouble for Lord Grayville, and everyone is blaming Harry of the crimes. Lord Grayville had treated Harry and his father wrongly in the past, while Harry's return to the countryside marked the beginning of the assault and is causing everyone to believe he is responsible.
Is Harry responsible? How does the leopard prince play into the tale? And will Georgina finally know what it means to be a woman? To find out the answers, you have read THE LEOPARD PRINCE.
Ms. Hoyt, also writing under Julia Harper, is a treasure when it comes to recreating the past and she does not fail in THE LEOPARD PRINCE. Though it is a well-told story, the beginning has a slow pace. The end is all you will expect it to be, and in the end, that is all that matters.
Dee
ENCHANTING REVIEWS
October 2007
Book Review: Hoyt could become my favorite author
Summary: 5 Stars
This is Hoyt's second book but, aside from fresh story lines, you'd never know it. Her writing has a "maturity" to it that gives that feeling that she's been your favorite author for years. She is definitely becoming a favorite of mine.
In this story, George is a rich aristocratic landowner. As such she has no need to marry. Harry is her land steward. He is serious and business minded. But, as the two work together they start to enjoy being together. An attraction starts and Hoyt does a nice job of building the tension between them. When they come together it seems natural, not unbelievable as one reviewer said.
One surprised, though, was that the character actually talk to each other, even after sleeping together. They get to know one another and it is possible to see that they could actually fall in love. Further, one can see how the relationship could work outside the bedroom. Even with the difference in their social standings.
The love scenes are steamy and erotic. But, I didn't feel that the love story was an excuse for a lot of sex scenes. Rather, it felt more like a love story where the sex furthered the relationship.
I really adored THE LEOPARD PRINCE, as well as Hoyt's first story THE RAVEN PRINCE. Her third book, THE SERPENT PRINCE, is due out in a few weeks and I've already pre-ordered it. Her works are a delight.