Gwen’s review of The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical romance published 1 Apr 2007 by Warner Forever
This historical romance is set in the 1760’s, primarily in Yorkshire, England and a wee bit in London. The hero is an everyman named Harry Pye. I know, I know… I died laughing, too, when I first read that name – and EVERY TIME I READ IT I snicker (sorry, Elizabeth – it is my inner Beavis & Butthead and not the “real” me).
The Leopard Prince is related to two other releases by Hoyt, The Raven Prince (released 1 Nov 06) and The Serpent Prince (release date 1 Sep 07)
Here’s the book blurb:
THE ONE THING A LADY MUST NEVER DO
Wealthy Lady Georgina Maitland doesn’t want a husband, though she could use a good steward to run her estates. One look at Harry Pye, and Georgina knows she’s not just dealing with a servant, but a man.IS FALL IN LOVE…
Harry has known many aristocrats – ncluding one particular nobleman who is his sworn enemy. But Harry has never met a beautiful lady so independent, uninhibited, and eager to be in his arms.WITH HER SERVANT.
Still, it’s impossible to conduct a discreet liaison when poisoned sheep, murdered villagers, and an enraged magistrate have the county in an uproar. The locals blame Harry for everything. Soon it’s all Georgina can do to keep her head above water and Harry’s out of the noose…without missing another night of love.Read an excerpt.
This book was reviewed 17 April 2007 by Lawson. I picked it up recently and thought I’d add my voice to the fray.
The book’s premise is fun – independent and intelligent but a little scattered-brained spinster, Georgina (a.k.a. George), Lady Maitland, falls for her Yorkshire property’s land steward, Harry Pye (snicker). Harry, despite his best intentions, falls for George. Harry is well connected, and well educated, contrary to most outward indications and contrary to the way he is treated by nearly everyone but George. I felt for Harry Pye (giggle), I did.
By the way, Harry feels “Georgina” is too long, “George” is too masculine, and “Gina” is too common; so he decides to call her “my lady” in a very yummy, possessive kind of way. The scene where he decides this is very sensual and very intimate.
I want a Harry Pye for myself. (bwahahahahaha!!! sorry, sorry. I didn’t mean it. Sorry.)
What I didn’t like so much was the book’s length – just a couple of scenes too long, I think. And I was troubled by all of George’s dithering back and forth to London. She is too strong of a character to run away, and since she was already pursuing what she wanted (Harry), why on earth would she go to London just when things were looking up for her? It didn’t work for me and it felt like the author had to get the two characters to London to do the church scene. It felt too contrived.
All in all, however, this was a fun, sexy historical. I enjoyed George immensely and was tremendously gratified that she and Harry got their HEA. There’s a good villain(s) and some very good action. The end-of-book excerpt for The Serpent Prince has really whetted my appetite. I’m looking forward to its release in September.
Grade: B
