hm08's review against another edition
5.0
If you love yourself, please get on board the Minerva Spencer train. [b:Dangerous|36337268|Dangerous (The Outcasts, #1)|Minerva Spencer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1518548344l/36337268._SY75_.jpg|58015977] was an outstanding introduction to her work and I'm so glad to say I remain impressed with my second read from her. She's definitely becoming one of my favourite romance authors.
Barbarous, like Dangerous, features a rich world with a colourful cast of characters. Even the characters in the background read like multi-dimensional people and not moving trees and bushes. At no point in my reading was I bored with our main leads who could've been easily been written as tired, recycled historical romance archetypes.
The plot too was just right - not too much to overshadow the romance, and not too little as to have me glossing through paragraphs just to get to the steamy scenes. Every detail in the romance served to enrich the relationship dynamics between our characters and man, the witty banter between our enemies-to-lovers was EXQUISITE. Hugh and Daphne's "taboo" relationship was a slow-burn, but the tension between the two was insane. And when they finally got to it, the scenes were SO TENDER I nearly cried. This book is literary excellence. An amazing first read in 2022.
Barbarous, like Dangerous, features a rich world with a colourful cast of characters. Even the characters in the background read like multi-dimensional people and not moving trees and bushes. At no point in my reading was I bored with our main leads who could've been easily been written as tired, recycled historical romance archetypes.
The plot too was just right - not too much to overshadow the romance, and not too little as to have me glossing through paragraphs just to get to the steamy scenes. Every detail in the romance served to enrich the relationship dynamics between our characters and man, the witty banter between our enemies-to-lovers was EXQUISITE. Hugh and Daphne's "taboo" relationship was a slow-burn, but the tension between the two was insane. And when they finally got to it, the scenes were SO TENDER I nearly cried. This book is literary excellence. An amazing first read in 2022.
jla's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I loved Hugh and Daphne and thought their pasts and characters were very well developed. I also loved the twins. I liked that the plot was not relationship angst/drama and was more adventure/mystery. I wish there was more development of the supporting characters so that all the villains had more backstory.
nelsonseye's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't like this as much as Dangerous, but it was still pretty interesting. I liked Daphne and how she stood up for herself. I liked her intellect and interests, but I wish more time had been spent developing them. Hugh and his crew were also intriguing, and I'm glad Martin was in this book and that it looks like he'll be getting his own story. The little hints about Hugh's family (Aunt Leticia especially) were nice. It was also interesting to see Mia from a different point of view. I found the final chapters a bit rushed and the big reveal about Hugh's past also kind of rushed. I wish they had had the conversation earlier and that there was time to process the information.
mechbutterfly's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you! All opinions are my own :)
My first book by Minerva Spencer and I loved it. Daphne Davenport has had a terrible past and I felt so sorry for her . But then Hugh Redvers (long lost, believed dead and part of her late husband's family) returns and I cheered for those two right from the start. Hugh isn't just sinfully handsome and somewhat of an outlaw - he's pretty much a pirate. I can't help, I love pirates - so of course I had a fantastic reading time with this one.
My first book by Minerva Spencer and I loved it. Daphne Davenport has had a terrible past and I felt so sorry for her . But then Hugh Redvers (long lost, believed dead and part of her late husband's family) returns and I cheered for those two right from the start. Hugh isn't just sinfully handsome and somewhat of an outlaw - he's pretty much a pirate. I can't help, I love pirates - so of course I had a fantastic reading time with this one.
bananatricky's review
4.0
Daphne Redvers was raped by her cousin Malcolm, who was also her legal guardian, eight years ago. Pregnant and alone she could have been disgraced but an elderly family friend, Lord Davenport was kind enough to marry her and claim her twin sons as his own. Now her husband is dead and her cousin has come sniffing around, trying to blackmail her into marrying him and handing over all her wealth.
Then a blast from the past arrives, Hugh Redvers, her husband's adopted son, has been thought dead for many years, in fact he was hidden in plain sight as the privateer One-Eyed Standish, a notorious pirate. Daphne and Hugh have an immediate physical attraction but Daphne is well aware that her son has inherited what rightfully belongs to Hugh, can she bring herself to disinherit her son?
Hugh might be a giant of a man, with good looks only enhanced by the patch over his blind eye. But the scars of his imprisonment and slavery at the hands of Sultan Babba Hussan haunt him still, leaving a pathological need to destroy each of the men who betrayed him and participated in his torture. He has returned to his old home reluctantly because he has received a number of anonymous letters warning that his step-mother (although he calls her auntie) is in danger.
There's pirates, cute twins, evil cousins, talented horses, faithful retainers, kidnapping, swords and delicious frocks - what more could you want from an historical romance?
Loved it.
Edit: forgot to add, most of this book takes place before the events in the first book.
Then a blast from the past arrives, Hugh Redvers, her husband's adopted son, has been thought dead for many years, in fact he was hidden in plain sight as the privateer One-Eyed Standish, a notorious pirate. Daphne and Hugh have an immediate physical attraction but Daphne is well aware that her son has inherited what rightfully belongs to Hugh, can she bring herself to disinherit her son?
Hugh might be a giant of a man, with good looks only enhanced by the patch over his blind eye. But the scars of his imprisonment and slavery at the hands of Sultan Babba Hussan haunt him still, leaving a pathological need to destroy each of the men who betrayed him and participated in his torture. He has returned to his old home reluctantly because he has received a number of anonymous letters warning that his step-mother (although he calls her auntie) is in danger.
There's pirates, cute twins, evil cousins, talented horses, faithful retainers, kidnapping, swords and delicious frocks - what more could you want from an historical romance?
Loved it.
Edit: forgot to add, most of this book takes place before the events in the first book.
lemonbalmlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Pirates and British aristocracy, adventure and romance - a very entertaining read.
Wonderful writing with characters and a storyline that display both depth and development.
Wonderful writing with characters and a storyline that display both depth and development.
rjordan19's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second book in The Outcasts series by Minerva Spencer. Her first book, Dangerous, was a book I enjoyed as well. If you read that one prior to this, you'll know 1-2 of the characters but I don't think its necessary. I was momentarily confused when reading this book because it seems like this book takes place prior to the first. You'll meet the heroine of the book Dangerous prior to most of that books events. Threw me for a loop for a minute...
I rather enjoy Minerva Spencer's writing. I love her sex scenes, they are lengthy and steamy and explore a bit beyond the twice missionary you find in some books. I think shes witty and quite funny but in a different way than Julia Quinn, Tessa Dare, etc. I wouldn't suggest reading her books for a laugh because it's not the focus, but there are scenes and sentences that make me laugh and smirk. Spencer touches on hard subjects and her stories seem to me to be pretty unique. Both heroines I have read about have been experienced women, in a way, yet innocent. Trigger warning for rape, but its a past experience, not something you actively read in the book.
Hugh has left life in England to face a number of horrors, eventually becoming a privateer. He returns to his estate, long thought dead, to solve a few problems brought to his attention. Daphne has also experienced horrors in her life, which is she alternatively trying to hide from Hugh and getting the guts to tell him. The book deals with their past stories coming back to haunt them and them finding love through it.
Daphne is Hugh's aunt by marriage (She married his uncle while he was gone). He calls her “Auntie” in the book and it was slightly disturbing at first but I found it hilarious. I loved the sexual tension built in this story. Hugh was just wonderful, although sometimes I found myself wondering how he was as cheerful and positive as he was after his past experiences. He did show his dark side a few times. I guess I wouldn't have minded more of that peeking through.
My complaint about this book was I found the middle surprisingly boring. There was a lot of time spent in each main character's head but a lack of dialogue between them, or any action happening. It did drag for me a bit. Not enough to put me off her future books though.
I rather enjoy Minerva Spencer's writing. I love her sex scenes, they are lengthy and steamy and explore a bit beyond the twice missionary you find in some books. I think shes witty and quite funny but in a different way than Julia Quinn, Tessa Dare, etc. I wouldn't suggest reading her books for a laugh because it's not the focus, but there are scenes and sentences that make me laugh and smirk. Spencer touches on hard subjects and her stories seem to me to be pretty unique. Both heroines I have read about have been experienced women, in a way, yet innocent. Trigger warning for rape, but its a past experience, not something you actively read in the book.
Hugh has left life in England to face a number of horrors, eventually becoming a privateer. He returns to his estate, long thought dead, to solve a few problems brought to his attention. Daphne has also experienced horrors in her life, which is she alternatively trying to hide from Hugh and getting the guts to tell him. The book deals with their past stories coming back to haunt them and them finding love through it.
Daphne is Hugh's aunt by marriage (She married his uncle while he was gone). He calls her “Auntie” in the book and it was slightly disturbing at first but I found it hilarious. I loved the sexual tension built in this story. Hugh was just wonderful, although sometimes I found myself wondering how he was as cheerful and positive as he was after his past experiences. He did show his dark side a few times. I guess I wouldn't have minded more of that peeking through.
My complaint about this book was I found the middle surprisingly boring. There was a lot of time spent in each main character's head but a lack of dialogue between them, or any action happening. It did drag for me a bit. Not enough to put me off her future books though.
bekkabergamot's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
I really enjoyed Barbarous, the second book in Minerva Spencer's The Outcasts romance series.
There's just something that has to be said about a gentle giant (or in this case, gentle when he wants to be).
I will say that Lady Daphne Davenport's backstory is heartbreaking, but in her relationship with Hugh Redvers she finds joy.
This book contains very explicit sexual scenes.
There's just something that has to be said about a gentle giant (or in this case, gentle when he wants to be).
I will say that Lady Daphne Davenport's backstory is heartbreaking, but in her relationship with Hugh Redvers she finds joy.
This book contains very explicit sexual scenes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
akmargie's review against another edition
4.0
The kidnapped heroine is a fairly common plot point in Regency romances and usually, I'm just so-so about them. Here for some reason it works, maybe because of earlier character developments that showed the reader the heroine isn't helpless or that the main romantic conflict had already been addressed and resolved. Overall I'm really enjoying this series and not a small part can be attributed to pirates. More gentleman pirates the better I say. Looking forward to the final book in the series.
mc7196's review against another edition
3.0
The lack of communication r e a l l y annoyed me in the first half, but the action and spice in the end was quite riveting :D