katiegetslit_erature's review against another edition
5.0
Reread and I still couldn’t put it down. My favorite Hoyt!
dieslaughing's review against another edition
3.0
Well, this was a straight-up romp, which I wasn’t expecting because I’ve read all of Hoyt’s Maiden Lane and that is Angst City. This gets a bit silly and sloppy in the back half, especially plot-wise, but overall it’s a lot of fun and the characterization is aces across the board; Edward’s ancient valet Davis was my personal favorite, but every character is distinct and there are a lot of them. And i see Hoyt has been writing banger sex scenes since the drop, so A++ there. This is probably closer to a 3.5 when all’s said and done.
mothmans_library's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. And I'm kind of picky about my historical romance.
The narrative was beautifully written and I really liked reading from the different perspectives. I would even go so far as to compare Elizabeth Hoyt to Lisa Kleypas with how well her writing is. And that's saying something especially because Lisa Kleypas is my favorite "trashy-ro" author (my mother's and I's nickname for historical romance).
I seriously want the next 2 books in the "Prince Trilogy". Hopefully soon!
*This book was sent to me by the author signed and in exchange for an honest review*
The narrative was beautifully written and I really liked reading from the different perspectives. I would even go so far as to compare Elizabeth Hoyt to Lisa Kleypas with how well her writing is. And that's saying something especially because Lisa Kleypas is my favorite "trashy-ro" author (my mother's and I's nickname for historical romance).
I seriously want the next 2 books in the "Prince Trilogy". Hopefully soon!
*This book was sent to me by the author signed and in exchange for an honest review*
sri_savita's review against another edition
Unfortunately, I wasn't compelled by the characters, perhaps because this book had a lack of the richly layered plot and intrigue that I'm used to experiencing with Hoyt's Maiden Lane series. Had to force myself to finish this read.
turtleofhades's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
matchaghost's review against another edition
5.0
WOW! WOW! WOW! Elizabeth Hoyt is an amazing writer, hands down! I started reading the book late night and couldn't put it down. The attraction and tension between Edward and Anna is undeniable. I like how real the characters were in terms of how they were portrayed that they each had flaws. A must read in my book!
lindsayreads3747's review against another edition
3.0
Ms. Hoyt's book The Raven Prince has its strengths and weaknesses. Not entirely weakness per se but points of story which I found undesirable.
On a positive note, Ms. Hoyt is a beautiful writer with a vast vocabulary. She has a strong hold not only on grammar, but a finesse for story telling and character development. I also felt she captured the time period and setting well. Had it not been for the complexity of the characters, I dare say I may not have finished the book.
Our Hero, is Edward de Raaf, he is most certainly a commanding alpha male/dominant figure. I love this personally and he is well complimented by widow Anna Wren, who is very much a lady, but maintains her own opinions and relative independence. They are both portrayed as honorable people, who on the surface, Earl and secretary, in a quant country village, have the makings of a beautiful romance, which is why the following story to their entanglement is even more hard to believe.
In terms of the undesirable, which likely may outweigh the good for many. Our Heroine, Anna, meets de Raaf, in what I would say is possibly the most unhopeful 'meet cute' in the history of romance novels. I'm not sure, with how much they dislike each other in those first moments, how it ever blossoms into something more. Its more than just a case of 'not judging a book by it's cover'. There 1st person tellings of each other are rather, well, unimpressed and mean-spirited. This is the first, of many, out of character moments for them, which seem to sucker punch you. At this stage in the book, it was hard to root for either of them. Ms. Hoyt's story-telling saves the readers interest somehow, in a beginning which ultimately is quite predictable.
Though the story is predictable, it goes from unfathomable to impossible for the time period. Had I known this book involved our heroine, pretending to be a prostitute in a brothel, I would have never picked up this book. I understand a level of fantasy is necessary in enjoying books like this but it has to fit within the realm of possibility for the characters you set up. Anna comes off as a prudish and strictly mannered widow, who suddenly devises, I will say, a preposterous plot to have an intimate evening with Edwards affections via pretending to be a masked prostitute (who could possibly be a lady looking for fun, but non the less, possibly a PROSTITUTE) on a trip she accidentally finds out he might take to said brothel. Mind you this man is enthralled in duty and enjoys it. I doubt he would, in reality, frequent such a place.
I may be a prude myself, but I'm just not interested in falling in love with two leads whom are falling in love in such a dishonest and round-about seedy way. Call me old-fashioned I suppose. I am all for the standard conflict, misunderstandings, barriers to love but this was too much. And, I'm someone who enjoys quite a variety of the romance genre, up into, paranormal romances, which certainly require a level of indulging fantasy. It is a matter if it is probable in the confines of the storyline and setting. This was by far not.
Given the above, Ms. Hoyt, barely eked out a third star from me save for quality of her writing and story telling, despite the predictability and implausibility. I did enjoy their connection and intimacy after the brothel, however it was brief. For this, I think deserves merit, as well as the understanding that some of the things I disliked in the story are quite subjective. We all have different tastes in our romances, for me, the romance, while enjoyable, was impersonal, rushed and implausible, for others, it might read as lovers torn apart by the ton and custom. However, it is for these reasons, I find the story implausible and hard to believe in.
I most certainly will give Ms. Hoyt a second chance, while more carefully choosing a title from her. One, I know, does not have a story element which will put me off, such as prostitution, implied or otherwise.
On a positive note, Ms. Hoyt is a beautiful writer with a vast vocabulary. She has a strong hold not only on grammar, but a finesse for story telling and character development. I also felt she captured the time period and setting well. Had it not been for the complexity of the characters, I dare say I may not have finished the book.
Our Hero, is Edward de Raaf, he is most certainly a commanding alpha male/dominant figure. I love this personally and he is well complimented by widow Anna Wren, who is very much a lady, but maintains her own opinions and relative independence. They are both portrayed as honorable people, who on the surface, Earl and secretary, in a quant country village, have the makings of a beautiful romance, which is why the following story to their entanglement is even more hard to believe.
In terms of the undesirable, which likely may outweigh the good for many. Our Heroine, Anna, meets de Raaf, in what I would say is possibly the most unhopeful 'meet cute' in the history of romance novels. I'm not sure, with how much they dislike each other in those first moments, how it ever blossoms into something more. Its more than just a case of 'not judging a book by it's cover'. There 1st person tellings of each other are rather, well, unimpressed and mean-spirited. This is the first, of many, out of character moments for them, which seem to sucker punch you. At this stage in the book, it was hard to root for either of them. Ms. Hoyt's story-telling saves the readers interest somehow, in a beginning which ultimately is quite predictable.
Though the story is predictable, it goes from unfathomable to impossible for the time period. Had I known this book involved our heroine, pretending to be a prostitute in a brothel, I would have never picked up this book. I understand a level of fantasy is necessary in enjoying books like this but it has to fit within the realm of possibility for the characters you set up. Anna comes off as a prudish and strictly mannered widow, who suddenly devises, I will say, a preposterous plot to have an intimate evening with Edwards affections via pretending to be a masked prostitute (who could possibly be a lady looking for fun, but non the less, possibly a PROSTITUTE) on a trip she accidentally finds out he might take to said brothel. Mind you this man is enthralled in duty and enjoys it. I doubt he would, in reality, frequent such a place.
I may be a prude myself, but I'm just not interested in falling in love with two leads whom are falling in love in such a dishonest and round-about seedy way. Call me old-fashioned I suppose. I am all for the standard conflict, misunderstandings, barriers to love but this was too much. And, I'm someone who enjoys quite a variety of the romance genre, up into, paranormal romances, which certainly require a level of indulging fantasy. It is a matter if it is probable in the confines of the storyline and setting. This was by far not.
Given the above, Ms. Hoyt, barely eked out a third star from me save for quality of her writing and story telling, despite the predictability and implausibility. I did enjoy their connection and intimacy after the brothel, however it was brief. For this, I think deserves merit, as well as the understanding that some of the things I disliked in the story are quite subjective. We all have different tastes in our romances, for me, the romance, while enjoyable, was impersonal, rushed and implausible, for others, it might read as lovers torn apart by the ton and custom. However, it is for these reasons, I find the story implausible and hard to believe in.
I most certainly will give Ms. Hoyt a second chance, while more carefully choosing a title from her. One, I know, does not have a story element which will put me off, such as prostitution, implied or otherwise.
ckayd's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
roseybot's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh. I so thought this book was going in a different direction. The description was great! Anna takes control of her life and seduces the Earl!
But no, it got ruined by overly possessive lords and everyone lying to each other.
I really wanted to like this book too. Elizabeth Hoyt has to be a best seller for some reason, but I think this will be the last book I read by her. Asshole heroes are fine. Heroes that fly into a temper when denied their heroine, or do not listen to their heroine's telling them that she has said no, not so fine.
I found Edward to be annoying in his possessiveness and then in his vanity. He would not shut up about the pox scars. Everything was about them, and it was fucking annoying. I was vaguely intrigued by the idea of a hero who wanted a family desperately, but all of his actions weren't about obtaining that. I would never, ever, trust Edward around children, and can't imagine how Anna would be fine with it.
Except that Anna was obtuse and naive as all hell, and so of course she would.
Also, the epilogue was just... ugh. I basically knew she wasn't barren from the moment it was brought up. Of course she wasn't, Edward was never going to be tested on that problem.
Everything about this book was annoying. I skimmed through the end.
That being said, I don't think it was bad. I do think that generally though, Elizabeth Hoyt is not for me. I think I'll be putting her down and picking up some other author to entertain me.
But no, it got ruined by overly possessive lords and everyone lying to each other.
I really wanted to like this book too. Elizabeth Hoyt has to be a best seller for some reason, but I think this will be the last book I read by her. Asshole heroes are fine. Heroes that fly into a temper when denied their heroine, or do not listen to their heroine's telling them that she has said no, not so fine.
I found Edward to be annoying in his possessiveness and then in his vanity. He would not shut up about the pox scars. Everything was about them, and it was fucking annoying. I was vaguely intrigued by the idea of a hero who wanted a family desperately, but all of his actions weren't about obtaining that. I would never, ever, trust Edward around children, and can't imagine how Anna would be fine with it.
Except that Anna was obtuse and naive as all hell, and so of course she would.
Also, the epilogue was just... ugh. I basically knew she wasn't barren from the moment it was brought up. Of course she wasn't, Edward was never going to be tested on that problem.
Everything about this book was annoying. I skimmed through the end.
That being said, I don't think it was bad. I do think that generally though, Elizabeth Hoyt is not for me. I think I'll be putting her down and picking up some other author to entertain me.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
5.0
The Raven Prince
5 Stars
Upon learning that her new employer, Edward De Raaf, Earl of Swartington, is making plans to visit a notorious brothel, Anna Wren decides to seize the moment and masquerade as prostitute so that she may spend one night in the arms of the man she loves. Little does she realize the trouble that awaits when the truth is revealed.
The basic plot premise requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief. Nevertheless, Hoyt skillfully circumvents this problem by creating a truly sexy, sensual and emotional romance with engaging characters and a fast-moving storyline.
Edward and Anna have incredible chemistry and their banter is witty and entertaining. Under his scars and temper, Edward is a lonely man who has given up hope of finding the one women who can see past his disfigured appearance. Anna is a spirited and independent woman fighting the suffocating restraints of her social position. When these two come together, sparks fly.
The secondary cast is exceptionally well-developed from Anna’s loving mother-in-law and ditzy maid to Edward’s snarky valet and atrociously dressed steward, not to mention the various townsfolk in Little Battleton and Edward’s friends, Simon and Harry, who are the heroes of the next books in the series, which I look forward to reading.
On a side note, loved the allusions to Jane Eyre.
5 Stars
Upon learning that her new employer, Edward De Raaf, Earl of Swartington, is making plans to visit a notorious brothel, Anna Wren decides to seize the moment and masquerade as prostitute so that she may spend one night in the arms of the man she loves. Little does she realize the trouble that awaits when the truth is revealed.
The basic plot premise requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief. Nevertheless, Hoyt skillfully circumvents this problem by creating a truly sexy, sensual and emotional romance with engaging characters and a fast-moving storyline.
Edward and Anna have incredible chemistry and their banter is witty and entertaining. Under his scars and temper, Edward is a lonely man who has given up hope of finding the one women who can see past his disfigured appearance. Anna is a spirited and independent woman fighting the suffocating restraints of her social position. When these two come together, sparks fly.
The secondary cast is exceptionally well-developed from Anna’s loving mother-in-law and ditzy maid to Edward’s snarky valet and atrociously dressed steward, not to mention the various townsfolk in Little Battleton and Edward’s friends, Simon and Harry, who are the heroes of the next books in the series, which I look forward to reading.
On a side note, loved the allusions to Jane Eyre.