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.
geo_ix's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. Sure I cringed during the sex scenes while still blushing profusely, but overall the story was great. I loved the fact they were more 'regular' people. In fact, the first time the hero in this book is shown he's described as ugly, which shocked me. But as I read more I came to understand it. He's not handsome at first glance due to his scars, but once he grows on you (anger issues and all) you don't see it at all.
I loved her, I loved the dog, I loved a whole heap of side characters and I'm super happy to have read this book. I think this author will be a new favourite of mine and I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.
I loved her, I loved the dog, I loved a whole heap of side characters and I'm super happy to have read this book. I think this author will be a new favourite of mine and I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.
halcyon_rising's review against another edition
5.0
I have read The Raven Prince two or three times now, and I loved it each time I opened it.
Edward the earl is perhaps a pretty common hero, except he doesn't really have the adonis looks because of pox scars from surviving the smallpox when he was a child. Expect him to carry the plot points of 'need heirs but woman I like is barren, need to visit London to get over liking her, need to score fiancée because there's no heirs otherwise'.
The little subplot of Felicity Clearwater trying to blackmail Anna was thankfully in the end a very short one, given the fact that Felicity herself had so much to lose, due to her second child being fathered by Anna's deceased husband. Girl, know when to blackmail someone, and when not to. ;)
Before the start of every chapter, there's an excerpt from a book called The Raven Prince, that used to belong to Edward's sister. I really liked that extra touch.
If you haven't read this book yet, I'd definitely recommend it if you're a fan of Historical Romances. Happy reading!
Spoiler
I in particular like our heroine, Anna. Anna is a lovely, spirited, lonely widow who is tired of being the tame girl she is expected to be. When she needs money, she goes to work as a secretary for an earl, which was a man's job back then. When feelings grow and the earl decides to visit a brothel to rid himself of his desires for her, she is waiting for him in a dark room to have her itch scratched, as well. When whores are found very ill in ditches, she takes them home with her to nurture them back to health, despite the scrutiny she will face because of her actions... In short, Anna is a little bit ahead of her time, and it's wonderful to read about her.Edward the earl is perhaps a pretty common hero, except he doesn't really have the adonis looks because of pox scars from surviving the smallpox when he was a child. Expect him to carry the plot points of 'need heirs but woman I like is barren, need to visit London to get over liking her, need to score fiancée because there's no heirs otherwise'.
The little subplot of Felicity Clearwater trying to blackmail Anna was thankfully in the end a very short one, given the fact that Felicity herself had so much to lose, due to her second child being fathered by Anna's deceased husband. Girl, know when to blackmail someone, and when not to. ;)
Before the start of every chapter, there's an excerpt from a book called The Raven Prince, that used to belong to Edward's sister. I really liked that extra touch.
If you haven't read this book yet, I'd definitely recommend it if you're a fan of Historical Romances. Happy reading!
sabregirl's review against another edition
5.0
I am just falling in love with all of [a:Elizabeth Hoyt|16202|Elizabeth Hoyt|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1232234340p2/16202.jpg]'s books. This one is no exception. Mrs. Wren ended up on hard times after her cheating husband died quickly from sickness and ever since then had been struggling with her mother-in-law and a orphan their hired as a maid. Simple enough, and that simplicity lasts through the book which is good it doesn't detracts from the hawtness that is Edward and Anna.
From the get go you can tell there is an attraction between the two of them, even after Edward almost runs Anna down. Both are strong willed and determined not to let anything get in their way. Anna has to go against the norm and get a job before her and the other Mrs. Wren starve. Thus leading her into the Earl's house as his secretary.
It doesn't take long for the attraction to surge and leading Anna to do something she would never do before. That's okay with me. Anna and Edward's love scenes are steamy and enjoyable. You really don't want to be caught reading this, because your face is going to be either red or really flushed. Because is has the classical theme of beaut and the beast you know that this is going to have a happy ending, and the epilogue really brings the story to a nice end that makes everyone happy.
The story of the Raven Prince, which shows itself before every chapter was just as intriguing as the novel itself. If only that was a longer novel. I would love to read that.
From the get go you can tell there is an attraction between the two of them, even after Edward almost runs Anna down. Both are strong willed and determined not to let anything get in their way. Anna has to go against the norm and get a job before her and the other Mrs. Wren starve. Thus leading her into the Earl's house as his secretary.
It doesn't take long for the attraction to surge and leading Anna to do something she would never do before. That's okay with me. Anna and Edward's love scenes are steamy and enjoyable. You really don't want to be caught reading this, because your face is going to be either red or really flushed. Because is has the classical theme of beaut and the beast you know that this is going to have a happy ending, and the epilogue really brings the story to a nice end that makes everyone happy.
The story of the Raven Prince, which shows itself before every chapter was just as intriguing as the novel itself. If only that was a longer novel. I would love to read that.
unsweetener's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.0
Well, this one wasn't for me; maybe it was too old school? But both the main characters felt pretty tedious, and the conflict was un-earned.