Laurie McBainCritiques
Auteur de Moonstruck Madness
Critiques
Moonstruck Madness par Laurie McBain
Sabrina Verrick, a Scots-English noblewoman in exile in England with her sister and little brother after Culloden, has taken to the roads as the highwayman Bonnie Charlie to support her family. During a daring theft at a dinner party she meets Lucien, Duke of Camareigh, who swears to put a stop to Bonnie Charlie's crime spree. Their story unfolds with plenty of plots, captures and escapes, seduction, intrigue, and wildly passionate sex.
As with many of these older romances, hero and heroine don't always treat each other well, but I recall that McBain created a strong enough relationship between them to make me believe in their love.
It's been years since I last read this book, but I keep a copy on my shelf for old time's sake. I should probably re-read it one of these days.
I recommend that you read this story when you have time to sit back and savor it. Don't read it in a rush. It's elaborately detailed and meanders through the life our our heroine, starting before she was even a twinkle in her parents' eye. Indeed, by the time I got to 12%, I felt like I had already read an entire book. Those who only read the latest releases may complain that the story is long-winded... but that is why I love it! I don't know of any authors that write like this today... but if you know someone I am missing, please send me some recs!
This story takes place during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It is packed full of court intrigue and treachery. This is not a historical where you will see the bon ton at Almack's with marriage-minded mamas trying to foist their cow-footed daughter off on the most eligible man with a title. Don't get me wrong, Regency and Victorian romances are all well and good and I read a lot of them. But there is just something captivating in these darker stories set during the Tudor and Elizabethan eras. They tend to be filled with espionage, betrayal, plots, court vipers and royal assassination attempts. I really admire the amount of research the author had to put into the story, even with regard to the elaborately described costumes, landscapes and buildings. And this was done before we had the internet! Phew.
Wild Bells to the Wild Sky is a somewhat familial saga that focuses heavily on the coming-of-age of our heroine, Lily Francisca Christian. Lily's father was one of the Queen's sea dogs out harassing the Spanish fleet in the New World. He falls in love with Dona Magdalena when he plucks her (and her family) off one of the ships he captures. So you really get Lily's story from the way back, before she was ever conceived. She was a great heroine! Despite surviving terrible tragedies that we don't even dream of today, Lily always perserveres. When many would have given up hope, Lily remains strong to take care of her family. She is such a strong character that you really forget how young this girl is... I don't think we even see her reach her 18th birthday in this book. I loved her.
While our hero is technically Valentine Whitelaw, we don't meet him until much later in the book. The earlier focus is on Lily's father, George Christian, and his good friend Basil Whitelaw. All of the men in this story are wonderful. George Christian was a loving husband and father, and a capable and dangerous sea captain privateer. Basil was a loving friend and surrogate to the children when they needed him most. And though he was not a dashing and dangerous hero, he fit perfectly into the story to bridge the gap between the familial hero and the romantic hero.
As for Valentine, he first meets Lily as a child and has no romantic inclinations toward her. This of course causes some heartbreak to our young heroine who falls quickly for the dashing sea captain, who is handsome and so like the father she lost. Needless to say, this book does not have a grand passion between Valentine and Lily, as she is a child for much of the book. By the time their paths cross again and she is older, Valentine is conflicted by his romantic interests and his feelings of duty. This was not an easy romance and attraction for either party. Lily always feels slighted or despondent that she will never be what Valen wants... and Valentine is thinking of his friend, Lily's father, and his duty as rescuer and caretaker of the children.
In sum, this was a wonderful saga and I am happy that I received an advanced copy of the re-release in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars / 2 flames.
I cannot say enough how much I love this heroine. She is not one of the headstrong or tomboy type heroines that I sometimes like in romance - she is every inch the gentle lady. Usually these type of characters and their feminine wiles really drive me crazy (think Caroline and Bess). But Rhea Claire is a genuinely nice person and always has a kind word for everyone. As she promised she would, she stuck by Dante through thick and thin. When she was presented with something that would send most heroines running, she approached Dante and they talked it out like adults. I love love love when characters show this type of maturity in a story.
We learn a lot more about Dante and his tragic past. He goes home to Merdraco with family in tow determined to face all his demons. Going home to face two whole towns that think the worse of him took some gumption, but Dante stood strong in the face of adversity. The townfolk see they may have judge the lordling harshly fifteen years ago and cannot help but respect the brave man who has returned. Dante is no longer acting cold toward Rhea; he loves her openly and without restraint. It was nice to see him as a doting and loving husband. At the same time, his alpha male comes out as he stands up to old bullies and takes back what is his. And who doesn't love an alpha male with a little bit of vulnerability?
I continue to love all the secondary characters in this book. Rhea's family and Dante's shipmates really come to life and add so much to the story. The villains add a lot to the story as well - they were described in great detail and I have such a good picture of Kate, Miles and Jack Shelby from this series. You also get something totally unexpected happening at the end that threw me for a loop - but it was a great surprise. If you like long sagas, sit down with this series for a weekend and dig in!
I received an advanced copy of the re-released version of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars / 1 flame.
O tiger's heart wrapp'd in a woman's hide!Without a means to support themselves, Sabrina takes to the road disguised as a highwayman calling herself Bonnie Charlie. I quite liked Sabrina through the first part of the book. She was a sort of Robin Hood, stealing from the rich and gluttonous to support her family and less fortunate on their land. She was brave and daring and witty.
Beware the fury of a patient man. -John DrydenSabrina meets her match when she holds up our hero, the scarred Duke of Camareigh, Lucien. Lucien is not a man to be trifled with and he vows revenge and means to have it. Given the origins of this relationship, you know its destined to be tumultuous. The ups and downs were abundant, and I think our couple may have hated each other more than they loved each other. It got to be a tad overmuch before the end of the story and I lost a lot of respect for Sabrina. Her obstinate behavior overpowered her admirable qualities.
That being said, the story had some lovely secondary characters. Sabrina's siblings were endearing, as was their doddering aunt with dementia. Charlie's partners-in-crime were two brothers, great hulking country brutes that were very good-natured. Then you had some good villainous characters in Sabrina's fortune-hunting father and the duke's cousins after his inheritance. So I liked all of those aspects of the story. There were some times where it felt like I was reading in fast forward, where the writing could have slowed down and provided more details.
This story was originally released in 1977, and I am a sucker for these old school romances. While I wouldn't put this one on par as one of my favorites, it was still nice to see a the plot hills and valleys to keep the story going. 3.5 stars / 2 flames.
I was chatting with someone recently who compared these books to the current trend of "dark romance." I agreed with her somewhat, the historical romances written in the 60s-80s did often have darker events happen. Many of them were classified as bodice rippers for that very reason. However the dark aspects of those stories are not what really draws me in... it's the action and adventure and the feeling that you have just read a sweeping saga by the end of one little book. You have these characters that you love and they are experiencing tragedy and betrayal and love and I get caught up in the moment with them. Hence, the heart palpitations and anxiety. I would love to see more authors today produce books in this style... but I'm sure they would get bashed by all the modern feminists much as has happened to E.L. James and even Diana Gabaldon. I cringe every time I see someone complain about that spanking scene. (I mean why should they give a fig about historical accuracy, right?) Ack, I need to get off my soapbox and get on with the review.
Our heroine in this installment of the Dominick Series is Lady Rhea Claire, eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Camerleigh from the first book, Moonstruck Madness. Everyone loves Rhea Claire (myself included) as she is truly a kind soul who could win over even the most unlikely individuals.
Rhea is kidnapped from her home by old enemies of the Duke. The majority of the story focuses on the dastardly plot, kidnap and ensuing events, and the family's search for their missing member. It was all very detailed and drawn out, and I loved every minute of it. The story really had very little romance. Indeed, by 85% there had still been no tender feelings or grand passion. And strangely enough, I was fine with it.
I would not really class our hero as such... he didn't do anything so heroic. Dante, Marquis of Jacqobi is somewhat of a pirate and treasure hunter. He and Rhea Claire are thrown together in the midst of his quest, and he does not act very charitably toward her. (This is usually the theme in the good old bodice ripper if you haven't read one before.)
The villains in this story were great! I hated them with a passion and got nervous whenever they were in the picture. As for the story itself, like I said, there wasn't a lot of romance - it was mostly the hills and valleys of the plot conflict. While I was fine with it, I can see where others might want that grand passion. It would have added something to the story, I admit. As much as I loved the story, there was a plot hole that caused me to deduct a star. Many references are made to Dante's revenge and elude to some betrayal from his past... but we never learn what it is and it's never resolved. The end was abrupt and left me wanting. A epilogue reuniting the family would have been nice, or showing that Dante gave up his revenge for love maybe? Who knows, maybe that happens in the next installment, which I will be reviewing soon. So, stay tuned!
Update: I just read the blurb for the next book, Dark Before the Rising Sun, and see that Rhea and Dante's story continues! So yay, ignore anything I said about their being no resolution. I noticed the last book of the trilogy was published 2 years after this one... so happy I don't have to wait that long. It would've made me cranky.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 2 flames.
Full review posted at http://bambi-unbridled.blogspot.com.
“A Thousand ages in thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun- Isaac Watts
When we last saw Dante and Rhea they were sailing toward England to reunite Rhea with her family and announce their marriage. However, Dante still has a bit of unfinished business to attend to as well.
Sadly, the happy couple is met with stern disapproval from Rhea's parents. But, alas, Rhea is already pregnant, which puts things into perspective a little more. Once things settle with Rhea's family and her child is born, the time has arrived for Dante to bring his bride to his family home.
In order for Dante to fully live his life in the moment and look forward to his future with Rhea and his children, he will have to deal with an old adversary or two and hopefully clear his name once and for all.
The Dominick trilogy has been so much fun to get reacquainted with. Originally published back in the 1980's the book is written in a much different style than some are accustomed to, but this saga is absolutely ageless and timeless. Laurie McBain was an excellent storyteller and this sweeping family saga is one of the finest out there. These stories mingle danger, adventure, and intrigue in with a powerful story of redemption, with some retribution thrown in for good measure, and of course, a couple of sweeping and epic love stories, with a beautiful, inspiring and uplifting conclusion.
I loved this last book every bit as much as the two previous chapters in the series and highly recommend it to all historical romance fans.
5 stars
“The Fire which seems extinguished often slumbers beneath the ashes- Pierre Corneille
With diabolical villains plotting revenge, Rhea Claire, the daughter of Sabrina and Lucien, is kidnapped, then manages a daring escape, only to find herself on board the Sea Dragon with Marquis Dante Leighton, who believes she is a spy, so once more she finds herself being held captive.
“The bright Day is done, And we are for the dark.- Shakespeare.
Thus begins the epic tale of Dante and Rhea, which is filled with treasure seeking, privateers, pirates, and high seas adventure. While Rhea is not quite as fiery as her mother, she holds her own against the stubborn captain of the Sea Dragon, without losing the tender, gentle part of herself that made her unique. Rhea is most certainly a lady, and one I felt so bad for while she struggled with homesickness, against Dante's hardened heart, and with her feelings for him.
Dante was a man on a mission, seeking sunken treasure, and is a little bit bitter, and cynical. The sweet Rhea Claire slowly chips away at this rough exterior and wins his heart.
I am so excited to see Laurie McBain's books being brought back to life in the digital world. Originally published in 1980, the younger crowd reading these books, might struggle a little with the slower pacing and yes, the writing is a lot different from what many of you are accustomed to, but I for one truly believe this author's style is exemplary, because she puts me right there in the story, vividly describing the scenery and action, which blocks out all distractions for me and keeps me completely absorbed in the story.
Times go by turns, and chances change by course.
From foul to fair, from better hap to worse- Robert Southwell
There is a lot going on in this story, with Lucien's horrible cousin, Kate, who is basically a psychopath, and Dante also has a few enemies to contend with. With so much going on, I began to wonder when Rhea and Dante were going to finally face each other, as their story doesn't get off the ground until after the half way mark of the story. But, stick with it, because this is only the beginning for this couple, who will go through a great many trials before they finally get to the truth.
Sadly, epic sagas, such as this one are a thing of the past, and I really miss them. It is so fun to return to these classic romance novels again, and I sincerely hope these stories capture the imagination of a whole new generation of romance readers!
Also, you will want to be sure to catch “Dark Before the Rising Sun” , the conclusion of the 'Dominick” series, also featuring Rhea and Dante, which is is also available in digital format.
4 stars
When I noticed a couple of Laurie McBain's books were up for review on Netgalley, I didn't hesitate to request them. I am thrilled to see some of these books are being released in digital format. However, when I started on “Chance the Winds of Fortune”, I realized the book was the second in the series. I didn't see the first book up for review, so I went into my vintage and collectable bookshelf to see, if by some minor miracle, I had a copy of this book. Being a big fan of Laurie's I did keep many of her books, so I was relieved to discover that I did still have a copy. YAY!
Written way back in the late 70's, this book might be tossed into the 'bodice ripper' category, but frankly, I didn't feel that way about it. Yes, there are some uncomfortable treatments of women, but despite what many would like to believe, these depictions were accurate and true to the time period.
Other than that, this book is pretty much a standard historical romance for the time frame it was written in.
Sabrina has left her beloved Highlands of Scotland for England with her aunt, sister and young brother. They are not well off, and Sabrina takes part and even devises some dangerous stunts in order to keep her family afloat, until she crosses the Duke of Camareigh, who puts her little enterprise out of business. In order to survive, Sabrina will have to escape her father's plans for her, which leads her right back into the arms of Lucien Dominick.
I loved this story! It's a real classic and is tame enough that modern readers will find it just as enjoyable now as romance lovers did when the book was first published. Sabrina is bold, daring, and a woman who doesn't give up without a fight. I loved her determination, her cleverness, and her fiery passion.
Lucien was absolutely hilarious most of time, as the author depicted him so authentically. He is haughty, arrogant, and manipulative too, but his punishment is having to deal with Sabrina, the love of his life, who always keeps him begging for more.
The secondary characters were also key in this story and give it a very tiny paranormal element as well. There is lots of action, adventure, drama, and emotions in this one, and the writing is simply wonderful. When I read these older books, and find myself swept away , so immersed in another world, never wanting the story to end, I can start to feel a little wistful, wishing there were more books like these being written in present day. Thankfully, a publisher has seen the worthiness of these novels and are reissuing them, breathing new life into them, so that hopefully, a whole new generation will come to love these classics too. 5 stars!
Dante and Rhea and their band of stalwart friends return to England. Rhea is reunited with her beloved family and home, Camareigh, with Dante a barely tolerated misalliance.
However, Dante must move on to his ancestral home and the problems that await him, including accusations of murder.
Those problems include an old enemy with a powerful grudge, leader of a band of rapacious smugglers. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of the man who led to Dante's fall into hell as a young man.
Friends are present though, including Captain Morgan fresh from the West Indies.
Treachery is afoot and Damte must do all he can to protect his loved ones and regain his heritage.
I must admit that are times the situation become almost too melodramatic. But I rolled with it. Although I did not see the particulars of the last surprise coming, something about that first meeting had made me wonder.
This novel stands alone, but I do recommend reading the prior book, Chance the Winds of Fortune, first to have a more complete understanding of the backstory to this dark homecoming of Dante's and Rhea's.
A NetGalley ARC
Old quarrels and revenge reach out after years and strike at Lucien Dominick's family.
The focus of these attempts is his daughter Lady Rhea Claire, sold as an indentured servant and incarcerated in the bowels of a ship bound for Charles Town.
Rhea, a breath of golden jessamine, manages to escape but in the hue and cry of the chase hides out in a dangerous place--the cabin of privateer Dante Leighton, Marquis of Jacqobi and captain of the Sea Dragon.
Dante might be sceptical that this isn't some complex ruse but everyone from the cabin boy to the first mate, including the turncoat cat Jamaica are won over by Rhea.
Of course the sparks fly between the two, those of temper and those of attraction.
However Dante will not be gulled and Rhea will not be deterred from charting her course for home.
An enthralling story that stretches across oceans, colourful in its telling and beguiling in its imagery.
Multilayered and guaranteed to captivate!
A NetGalley ARC
The writing is a bit awkward in places, and the plot feels rather rushed. But there is a great deal more plot than you usually find in these types of books - which is why Laurie McBaine is attributed with having created the modern romance novel. Instead of the Georgette Heyer romantic comedy or the Bronte tragedy...McBaine writes an adventure romance - with the heroine masquerading as a highwayman, and a search for treasure.
The misunderstanding between the hero and heroine goes on for a bit too long...and the hero is a bit of a jerk, but still more likable then most.
Also the language used is less flowery and a bit less over the top than McBain's contemporaries. The interesting bit about McBain - is she only wrote 7 novels, and at the height of her success, she retired.
Coincidentally, her father died shortly before her retirement and it may well be attributed to his death - since he also encouraged her to write and publish them.
The jealous/possessive hero (i.e., Heathcliff) has never been my cup of tea and that’s what we have here with Lord Alex Trevegne so I was immediately turned-off. There’s a fine line dividing a tortured-soul and an asshole. Alex was borderline sadistic, in my opinion. Elysia fought back (though mainly verbally), but I just kept thinking “why the hell would anyone fall in love with someone like this?!” I understand that as a historical, one has to take into account how life would have been for a woman but … blah. I’d take living with the aunt, methinks–mind blowing, rakish sex or not.
I’m giving this 1.5/5 as I just wasn’t feeling it. Apparently “bodice rippers” aren’t my thing. I don’t do the “you belong to me, you will obey” romance (if you can even call that mindset romantic…) but to each their own. Perhaps if this is something up your alley, you might want to give it a go. I know there’s a good many McBain fans out there so this type of romance is definitely a personal preference sort of thing.
http://www.read-all-over.net/fiction/romance/book-review-devils-desire-by-laurie...
This book was first published in the 70s and it shows, it was a different time for romance.
I will go back to the beginning first. Sabrina is living in England and to support her family she is a highwayman. She is a hellcat with claws. One night she steals from Lucien, the Duke of Camareigh and he wants "him, the highwayman" dead. Well we all know that is not gonna happen.
I do wonder what it is about old romance and all the drama. Oh these people hate each other, and say so too, and then the passion takes over. They just can't decide. One time she slaps him, and he slaps her back. Now I winched but decided to blame it on the old school romance thing, still, so uncool, you do not hit a woman.
The other thing is that she is 17, and he is in his 30s. Truth be told I do not have a problem with that, the book takes place 250 years ago and there was nothing strange about it then.
But the thing I did not like was the drama. These two should just have sat down and talked, instead of yelling, running away, doing stupid things and being so angry all the time *looking at you Sabrina*.
Still it was an amusing tale, she had guts being a highwayman, and then there was the sidestory that stole my attention. The Colonel sent to find the wicked highwayman, and her sister Mary who has the sight.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
The story is sure not like they write them now, it's fun to see how things have changed. And the title does fit, they go mad, that's for sure.
Reason for reading:
Sounded good
Elysia is an orphan and is staying with her horrible aunt who treats her like dirt. Trying to get away she is caught in a marriage of convenience, with Lord Alex Trevegne, a man called the Devil. She takes her away to his castle, and they clash at every turn.
My thoughts:
I am going to be brutally honest, I hated the hero. I mean I love a good tortured hero, but Alex, was an ass. He was cruel, angry, hot tempered, mean, hated him. He wants her, he plays games with her to get her to succumb to his will, he is jealous, and ok I can't seem to have anything nice to say about him. Except that he is good to his servants and horses.
Elysia was sweet, and she didn't let him put her down, her tongue was poisonous, and I liked her. The Devil got what he deserved from her. Their love affair, suddenly she knew she loved him..why? And even when he expressed his love, I didn't know what to feel. Also the first them they had sex, I was not approving of it. Even lost in passion, the way he brought it forward didn't suit me. I fear it might come from the book being published in the 70s. Like that was how men should be then.
I am not hating the book, no it was actually ok, I enjoyed it even when hating her aunt, him, and his evil ex mistress. Then there was action because of a smuggler ring, and that brought the tempo up. And I still wanted to see if these two could get a HEA, cos honestly it seemed impossible, and I would just have left if I was her. He was never physically enforced his will or anything, no no, then I would thrown the book at the wall. I just wished he could have been nicer, but the thing was, he just needed a wife, he didn't need to love her.
Final thoughts and recommendation:
No here it's where it get tricky, if you have read something else by her then you will surely enjoy this one. But I feel there are more romantic books out there. I will give it a 2,5 because, it was ok, and I would like to see if she has a hero that is a bit less of a Devil. I liked the book, I just didn't like him
Thank goodness romance novels have evolved over the last 35 years. I remember thinking how racy this book seemed when I read it last. Now it seems dated, tame, and slow-moving. The hero seems modeled after a modernized Mr. Rochester, but at least the heroine has a little spunk. That was new at the time and I remember I thought the novel was a scorcher. So yeah, read it at your own peril now.
1 
Mumugrrl | 3 autres critiques | Jun 12, 2010 |
Mumugrrl | 3 autres critiques | Jun 12, 2010 | Ce site utilise des cookies pour fournir nos services, optimiser les performances, pour les analyses, et (si vous n'êtes pas connecté) pour les publicités. En utilisant Librarything, vous reconnaissez avoir lu et compris nos conditions générales d'utilisation et de services. Votre utilisation du site et de ses services vaut acceptation de ces conditions et termes.