Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
Bantam Books (1969), Mass Market Paperback
Description
'Mad Nicholas' to his friends, 'Scourge of Spain' to the enemy, Sir Nicholas Beauvallet has never been known to resist a challenge.When a captured galleon yields the lovely Doña Dominica de Rada y Sylva, he vows to return her and her father to the shores of Spain. But he has no sooner done so than he proposes a venture more reckless than any of his exploits on the high seas which have made him Drake's equal and a favourite of the Queen. He will take Dominica as his bride even if he must enter the lion's den ...
User reviews
LibraryThing member atimco
In the tradition of The Scarlet Pimpernel comes Georgette Heyer's tale of romance and adventure set in Spain during the Holy Inquisition of the 1600s.
Nicholas Beauvallet, an English privateer — or perhaps we should say, pirate — takes a Spanish ship and all its treasures... including the
Heyer is not at her best in this world. Nick's character was well enough, but Dominica was a little stereotypically, Spanishly passionate. Their love seemed more like lust to me, and Nick never thinks anything of all the men he kills along the way. It would have added more depth to his character if he had shown any kind of qualm about it, even if it was after the fact.
Several characters were enjoyable to read. I liked Joshua Dimmock, Nicholas' garrulous, self-important, and intensely loyal servant. The little cutaways where Heyer has Joshua recount the events are quite funny.
Another memorable character is Dominica's aunt, Dona Beatrice. She is a massive, handsome, indolent woman who is perfectly straightforward about the family's reasons for wanting Dominica to marry her son Don Diego. Dona Beatrice is disgusted with Diego's foolishness and never loses an opportunity of insulting him. But for all that, she still wants Dominica to marry him, and even advises the girl that once she is safely married, she can have as many lovers as she wishes. The señora's calm certainty about the match is chilling.
Heyer uses the slang and terms of the historical period in the narrative, and manages to weave them skilfully into her characters' dialogue. As the French Revolution adds the spice of danger to The Scarlet Pimpernel, the Spanish Inquisition provides a sufficiently dangerous backdrop for "Mad Nicholas" to be dashing, heroic, and endlessly resourceful.
I'm at a bit of a loss to decide what I think about this book. It certainly had a hand in spawning a genre I generally despise, the Harlequin romance, and yet it is better than most drivel published under those covers. I have adored Heyer's books Cotillion and Friday's Child, and wanted to like this one too; it is so annoying when an author you love writes something you can't quite rave about. In a way I read this book on an unspoken dare to Heyer to prove that the story was not as Harlequin romance-y as it sounded. I'm still not quite sure if it was... oh, it wasn't the soft-core porn masquerading as romance lit nowadays, you may be sure. No graphic descriptions of private moments. But there was so little depth to the relationship; it was all about the physical attraction and flirtations with danger.
I haven't read much of Heyer's work, but I don't think this is one of her best. It seems she does much better in Regency England. Eh.
Nicholas Beauvallet, an English privateer — or perhaps we should say, pirate — takes a Spanish ship and all its treasures... including the
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beautiful, spirited Dona Dominica de Rada y Sylvia. Dominica is determined to hate him, but of course she cannot, and within a day of meeting her Nick is already telling her his plans to "make an Englishwoman out of her." He takes her to Spain and promises to return for her — since merely carrying her off to England would be the easy way of doing things. Heyer is not at her best in this world. Nick's character was well enough, but Dominica was a little stereotypically, Spanishly passionate. Their love seemed more like lust to me, and Nick never thinks anything of all the men he kills along the way. It would have added more depth to his character if he had shown any kind of qualm about it, even if it was after the fact.
Several characters were enjoyable to read. I liked Joshua Dimmock, Nicholas' garrulous, self-important, and intensely loyal servant. The little cutaways where Heyer has Joshua recount the events are quite funny.
Another memorable character is Dominica's aunt, Dona Beatrice. She is a massive, handsome, indolent woman who is perfectly straightforward about the family's reasons for wanting Dominica to marry her son Don Diego. Dona Beatrice is disgusted with Diego's foolishness and never loses an opportunity of insulting him. But for all that, she still wants Dominica to marry him, and even advises the girl that once she is safely married, she can have as many lovers as she wishes. The señora's calm certainty about the match is chilling.
Heyer uses the slang and terms of the historical period in the narrative, and manages to weave them skilfully into her characters' dialogue. As the French Revolution adds the spice of danger to The Scarlet Pimpernel, the Spanish Inquisition provides a sufficiently dangerous backdrop for "Mad Nicholas" to be dashing, heroic, and endlessly resourceful.
I'm at a bit of a loss to decide what I think about this book. It certainly had a hand in spawning a genre I generally despise, the Harlequin romance, and yet it is better than most drivel published under those covers. I have adored Heyer's books Cotillion and Friday's Child, and wanted to like this one too; it is so annoying when an author you love writes something you can't quite rave about. In a way I read this book on an unspoken dare to Heyer to prove that the story was not as Harlequin romance-y as it sounded. I'm still not quite sure if it was... oh, it wasn't the soft-core porn masquerading as romance lit nowadays, you may be sure. No graphic descriptions of private moments. But there was so little depth to the relationship; it was all about the physical attraction and flirtations with danger.
I haven't read much of Heyer's work, but I don't think this is one of her best. It seems she does much better in Regency England. Eh.
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LibraryThing member Darla
I got this book courtesy of a friend who was appalled to hear that I'd never read Heyer. She sent me a good half-dozen, and this is, I believe, the 3rd of them I've read.
Nicholas Beauvallet is a pirate--oh, okay, an English "privateer". He captures a Spanish ship that just happens to have the
I've called this "historical fiction" rather than "historical romance," because despite Heyer's reputation, there's really not much romance about it--or rather, there's nothing of falling in love about it.
Apparently, Nick likes the way Dominica looks, and she loathes him, which apparently means she's madly in love with him. I've never been fond of that sort of plot, probably because I just don't understand the emotions behind it. Mostly, in my life, if I've loathed someone, I pretty much continue loathing them. Or, to be honest, loathing takes an awful lot of energy, so unless there's a reason for me to actively loathe them, I settle down to a sort of bored dislike. It's not like there've been all that many.
Then too, I don't know anyone who hated their significant other before they fell in love. Found them annoying or irritating maybe, or not their type, but never really hated them.
So there's that. And making it worse is the fact that we don't see any actual love growing between them. Nick wants her, he vows to have her, he moves heaven and earth to get her. Dominica goes from not wanting anything to do with him to worrying that he's forgotten about her. But on both sides, it's vastly more about possession than love, even more than lust or attraction.
The swashbuckling-ness, though, is quite a lot of fun. Heyer does really have a genius for writing in the style of the era in which the book is set, and this Elizabethan-set tale is full of older words, slang, figures of speech, and constructions--the way sentences are put together. It really helps to immerse you in the setting.
Nick's determination and drive and audacity were exciting, and he made a wonderful pirate hero--I could definitely see this as an old swashbuckling movie, probably starring Errol Flynn.
Unfortunately, I couldn't really say the same for Dominica. She was really unlikeable--for me, anyway. I keep getting the feeling that she's supposed to be like one of the "heroines" of those old movies--no real personality, just a pretty ornament to give the hero something to chase after. She acts angry to show she has "spunk", and that's pretty much the extent of her character. That's the conclusion I came to, and why I didn't like her, and what kept the book from being a great read for me.
Maybe I've misunderstood her. If you have a different take on her, please let me know.
Nicholas Beauvallet is a pirate--oh, okay, an English "privateer". He captures a Spanish ship that just happens to have the
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beautiful Doña Dominica aboard with her father. Her father is ill, and he promises to return them to Spain and then to come for her in a year to make her his bride.I've called this "historical fiction" rather than "historical romance," because despite Heyer's reputation, there's really not much romance about it--or rather, there's nothing of falling in love about it.
Apparently, Nick likes the way Dominica looks, and she loathes him, which apparently means she's madly in love with him. I've never been fond of that sort of plot, probably because I just don't understand the emotions behind it. Mostly, in my life, if I've loathed someone, I pretty much continue loathing them. Or, to be honest, loathing takes an awful lot of energy, so unless there's a reason for me to actively loathe them, I settle down to a sort of bored dislike. It's not like there've been all that many.
Then too, I don't know anyone who hated their significant other before they fell in love. Found them annoying or irritating maybe, or not their type, but never really hated them.
So there's that. And making it worse is the fact that we don't see any actual love growing between them. Nick wants her, he vows to have her, he moves heaven and earth to get her. Dominica goes from not wanting anything to do with him to worrying that he's forgotten about her. But on both sides, it's vastly more about possession than love, even more than lust or attraction.
The swashbuckling-ness, though, is quite a lot of fun. Heyer does really have a genius for writing in the style of the era in which the book is set, and this Elizabethan-set tale is full of older words, slang, figures of speech, and constructions--the way sentences are put together. It really helps to immerse you in the setting.
Nick's determination and drive and audacity were exciting, and he made a wonderful pirate hero--I could definitely see this as an old swashbuckling movie, probably starring Errol Flynn.
Unfortunately, I couldn't really say the same for Dominica. She was really unlikeable--for me, anyway. I keep getting the feeling that she's supposed to be like one of the "heroines" of those old movies--no real personality, just a pretty ornament to give the hero something to chase after. She acts angry to show she has "spunk", and that's pretty much the extent of her character. That's the conclusion I came to, and why I didn't like her, and what kept the book from being a great read for me.
Maybe I've misunderstood her. If you have a different take on her, please let me know.
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LibraryThing member Thoroughlyillread
Short and a trifle stilted, Beauvallet feels like it stalked straight off the silent screen. It shares its faults with the cinema swashbucklers of the 1920's: the gentleman is invincible, the lady is helpless (despite her pro forma spiritedness), and the reader is expected to accept mannerisms and
On the other hand, pirate stories are pretty good fun even when they're pure stereotype. Beauvallet is no Captain Blood, but the romance is sweet, the escapes from danger are satisfying, and there's a sword fight or two. The villainess, Dona Beatrice, is unforgettable, a combination of Machivellian ruthlessness and lazy good cheer--think Blythe Spirit's Elvira by way of Austen's Lady Susan.
Altogether this is not Heyer's best book, but if you can tolerate The Black Moth, or if you have secret fantasies involving Douglas Fairbanks, you will probably enjoy it anyway.
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epithets in lieu of actual characterization. Beauvallet is too sketchily drawn to be an effective protagonist, no matter how many times he swings his pomander or declares his love or is called "Mad Nick" by members of the supporting cast. We just don't learn enough about him to care very much. On the other hand, pirate stories are pretty good fun even when they're pure stereotype. Beauvallet is no Captain Blood, but the romance is sweet, the escapes from danger are satisfying, and there's a sword fight or two. The villainess, Dona Beatrice, is unforgettable, a combination of Machivellian ruthlessness and lazy good cheer--think Blythe Spirit's Elvira by way of Austen's Lady Susan.
Altogether this is not Heyer's best book, but if you can tolerate The Black Moth, or if you have secret fantasies involving Douglas Fairbanks, you will probably enjoy it anyway.
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LibraryThing member MickyFine
When the ship that Dona Dominica is travelling on is boarded by the dreaded buccaneer, Mad Nick Beauvallet, she is positive that she could hate no one more than this insolent enemy of Spain. But the charming gentleman works his way into her good graces and promises that he will come and find her in
Not as polished as some of the other Heyer novels I've read, this one was still enjoyable. The historical accuracy is still admirable and the Elizabethan period is conjured admirably. Dominica isn't particularly well-developed as a character and is considerably outshone by the charismatic personality that is Beauvallet. The narrative tone also wanders a bit. But any flaws are made up for by a plot that dashes along quickly with a heavy dose of pirates thrown into the mix.
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Spain. But with tensions at a height between Queen Elizabeth's England and Spain, Beauvallet's tremendous good luck may not be enough to bring him back together with Dominica.Not as polished as some of the other Heyer novels I've read, this one was still enjoyable. The historical accuracy is still admirable and the Elizabethan period is conjured admirably. Dominica isn't particularly well-developed as a character and is considerably outshone by the charismatic personality that is Beauvallet. The narrative tone also wanders a bit. But any flaws are made up for by a plot that dashes along quickly with a heavy dose of pirates thrown into the mix.
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LibraryThing member cmbohn
This book has got it all--dashing pirates, the Spanish Inquisition, a beautiful heroine, a sexy hero, daring rescues and a midnight ride for the border. It was just great. A little different from the usual Heyers, since it's set in Elizabethan times rather than Regency, but despite the tricky
CMB
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dialogue, the story moved quickly and the characters were really wonderful.CMB
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LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
When the ship bearing her to Spain is attacked by Sir Nicholas Beauvallet - the daring English pirate christened "Mad Nick" - Dona Dominica de Rada y Sylva is at first outraged by the free and easy manners of this "villain." Soon won over, Dominica nevertheless disbelieves him when he states his
The first Georgette Heyer novel I have read which was not set either in the Regency or Georgian periods, Beauvallet is a swashbuckling Elizabethan adventure, and provided me a few hours of lighthearted reading. It has all the improbable circumstances and well-known character-types that one would expect in a work of this genre, but for all that, it is well-paced and engaging. Well worth a read, especially for Georgette Heyer fans or readers interested in the Elizabethan Age.
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intention of seeking her out in Spain and "making her an Englishwoman." After all, with war threatening between the two nations, and the Inquisition waiting to pounce on any non-Catholic, what Englishman would dare to venture into Spain?The first Georgette Heyer novel I have read which was not set either in the Regency or Georgian periods, Beauvallet is a swashbuckling Elizabethan adventure, and provided me a few hours of lighthearted reading. It has all the improbable circumstances and well-known character-types that one would expect in a work of this genre, but for all that, it is well-paced and engaging. Well worth a read, especially for Georgette Heyer fans or readers interested in the Elizabethan Age.
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LibraryThing member flourishing
Not my favorite Heyer; among other things, it isn't set during the Regency or even anytime close to it but rather is Elizabethan. Nevertheless, engaging and clever to the last.
LibraryThing member flourishing
Not my favorite Heyer; among other things, it isn't set during the Regency or even anytime close to it but rather is Elizabethan. Nevertheless, engaging and clever to the last.
LibraryThing member LucyB.
Sir Nicholas Beauvallet is my hero! A dashing pirate who saves the life of his heroine Donna Dominica and her father to return them to their homeland- how could I possibly resist such gallantry, courage, strenth and charm?
Heyer outdid herself once again with this fantastic novel filled with
Surprisingly, being more used to her regency novels, I was thrilled that this one takes place during the reign of Elizabeth I and the Spanish Armada. I absolutely loved the history and detail, let alone that the characters completely came to life. The story captivated me from the very beginning with that first scene involving Don Juan himself.
This book is reminiscent of a time when heroes were heroes and damsels were breathtaking not only physically but even more so due to their clever and gustsy ways. I reveled in the times, and the historical accuracy for me was more than a treat.
Delightful from beginning to end, BEAUVALLET has become my number one Heyer read- so much so, that I plan on re-eading this one for sure. It’s truly a classic.
Fantastic!
Heyer outdid herself once again with this fantastic novel filled with
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history, intrigue, excitement…and yes, this one too is filled with incomparable wittiness. And- the dialogue is superb!Surprisingly, being more used to her regency novels, I was thrilled that this one takes place during the reign of Elizabeth I and the Spanish Armada. I absolutely loved the history and detail, let alone that the characters completely came to life. The story captivated me from the very beginning with that first scene involving Don Juan himself.
This book is reminiscent of a time when heroes were heroes and damsels were breathtaking not only physically but even more so due to their clever and gustsy ways. I reveled in the times, and the historical accuracy for me was more than a treat.
Delightful from beginning to end, BEAUVALLET has become my number one Heyer read- so much so, that I plan on re-eading this one for sure. It’s truly a classic.
Fantastic!
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LibraryThing member MarthaJeanne
Not one of Heyer's best. The characters are cardboard, and she doesn't know the Elizabethan period as she does the Regnancy.
LibraryThing member laughingatus
During her return to Spain with her father, the lovely Dona Dominica de Rada y Sylva is horrified when their ship is set upon by pirates. Far worse is her discovery that their captor isn't just any pirate -- he is the notorious Sir Nicholas Beauvallet, an Englishman with a scandalous reputation for
It should have been easy for Sir Nicholas. It was, after all, just another ship. But instead, Sir Nicholas finds himself captivated by Dominica's dark beauty and indomitable courage. After returning his captives to their homeland, Sir Nicholas vows to win the heart of the Spanish beauty. It could be his riskiest venture yet -- and one that promises a treasure greater than any other . . .
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plundering Spanish ships. But Dominica's pride braces her determination to be no one's hostage . . .It should have been easy for Sir Nicholas. It was, after all, just another ship. But instead, Sir Nicholas finds himself captivated by Dominica's dark beauty and indomitable courage. After returning his captives to their homeland, Sir Nicholas vows to win the heart of the Spanish beauty. It could be his riskiest venture yet -- and one that promises a treasure greater than any other . . .
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LibraryThing member Helenliz
Swashbuckling pirate meets lady, follows lady. Sweeps her off her feet. Not a typical regency setting, Elizabethan, and a bit more obvious a romance than usual.
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
While there were many things that held my interest in Beauvallet by Georgette Heyer, this Elizabethan tale of a swashbuckling pirate that falls in love with his lovely, young Spanish captive isn’t up to the level of her Regency stories. The difference for me was that I never felt the author’s
I quickly found myself picturing Errol Flynn and Maureen O’Hara in the lead roles and that certainly helped to bring this rather ho-hum adventure to life. As it was obvious from the start that Nick Beauvallet would eventually win the fiery Dona Dominica, I settled in to enjoy the sword-play and romance along with authentic glimpses of some well-known characters of the day such as Elizabeth I of England and Phillip II of Spain.
So while Beauvallet was far from a favorite offering from this author, it was still an enjoyable escapist read that I was able to comfortably curl up with. I have read that Georgette Heyer on a bad day is still better than many other authors and after reading Beauvallet, I agree.
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tongue-in-cheek enjoyment that I do with her Regency romances and while the writing was sprinkled with many phrases that felt authentic, it didn’t flow with the same assurance and joie de vivre that makes her such a delight to read.I quickly found myself picturing Errol Flynn and Maureen O’Hara in the lead roles and that certainly helped to bring this rather ho-hum adventure to life. As it was obvious from the start that Nick Beauvallet would eventually win the fiery Dona Dominica, I settled in to enjoy the sword-play and romance along with authentic glimpses of some well-known characters of the day such as Elizabeth I of England and Phillip II of Spain.
So while Beauvallet was far from a favorite offering from this author, it was still an enjoyable escapist read that I was able to comfortably curl up with. I have read that Georgette Heyer on a bad day is still better than many other authors and after reading Beauvallet, I agree.
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LibraryThing member antiquary
Somehow Heyer, whose 18th century/Regency movels are so brilliantly witty, becomes much less fascinating when she attempts other periods. THis is tolerable but by no means her best. The plot is more Sabatini than Heyer --English rover captures Spanish lady.
LibraryThing member SandyAMcPherson
Almost a 4-star. Very swashbuckling and historically accurate in the same way it's prequel was. If I compare this to my favourite Heyer's it is definitely less compelling.
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Eh. It ends OK, but I barely made it through the first part. Nicholas is an idiot and Dominica is worse, at the beginning on his ship. He gets less annoying after we see him in England - slightly less annoying. I like Simon the Coldheart quite a lot - I've read and reread and enjoyed that book -
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but Mad Nicholas (his descendant), with the same determination, is not to my taste. The language is a bit odd, too (I understand both medieval and Regency phrasing much better); and I greatly prefer the earlier time - Elizabeth's court has too many twisty people and politics for me. Though they don't spend much time in court. If I believed there was any chance Nicholas wouldn't win through, the time in Spain would have been terrifying; as it was, I was mostly waiting, often with some impatience, to see what rabbit he'd pull out of the hat this time. Overall, I'm not sorry I read it, but I have no great interest in ever rereading. Show Less
LibraryThing member haleyknitz
Beauvallet by Georgette Heyer
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Rating: 5/5
When Dona Dominica sets sail on the Santa Maria, she wonders if she will ever meet the infamous El Beauvallet, the English pirate with a reputation of being able to do anything because of witchcraft. But she does not expect
Sir Nicholas Beauvallet captures Dominica and her father and proclaims that he will take them home to Spain, as Dominica has demanded. But falling head over heels in love with her was never part of his plan. In order to please her, he agrees to returning her to her country, but also announces that he will wed her before the year is up. How is Sir Nicholas supposed to come back to Spain to claim fair lady as his bride if all of Spain wants his head? The answer is easily—because Beauvallet can do anything, of course.
This was such a sweet story! I cannot think of words enough to describe how much I adored Beauvallet. The romance was fast-paced, the adventure was exciting, and the language was eloquent. I absolutely loved it. It was a pretty fast read and I read it in a few days. Georgette has many little surprises spread all through the story and tells amazing creative adventures of Beauvallet’s wits, fights, and escapes. It was a perfect blend of a sweeping romance and a gripping adventure.
The story is told in third-person omniscient, so you don’t always have all the details. It was a little hard to get inside the character’s heads at first, but once I learned who they were It was very easy to relate to them.
A wonderful thing about Beauvallet is that when El Beauvallet falls in love with Dominica, he does not claim her as his “love” or as his “mistress” or, in our culture, his “girlfriend,” he claims her as his bride. Which is really the most romantic aspect of it all.
The end was so sweet I won’t tell what happened but rest assured it was wonderful.
I loved this story so much! I have already run out to pick up more books by Georgette Heyer, I am officially a new fan! I cannot wait to read other books by her.
Content: Gloriously clean: no language, no sex.
Recommendation: Boys and girls (it’s such an adventure that boys would like it too!) Ages 13-Adult. It’s not aimed specifically to teens or young people, and would be perfect for an adult as well.
(Beauvallet was first published first in 1929. Reprint copyright to Sourcebooks: 2010)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Rating: 5/5
When Dona Dominica sets sail on the Santa Maria, she wonders if she will ever meet the infamous El Beauvallet, the English pirate with a reputation of being able to do anything because of witchcraft. But she does not expect
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her ship to be taken by him, Nor does she expect to be kidnapped by him and taken abord his ship the Venture. Sir Nicholas Beauvallet captures Dominica and her father and proclaims that he will take them home to Spain, as Dominica has demanded. But falling head over heels in love with her was never part of his plan. In order to please her, he agrees to returning her to her country, but also announces that he will wed her before the year is up. How is Sir Nicholas supposed to come back to Spain to claim fair lady as his bride if all of Spain wants his head? The answer is easily—because Beauvallet can do anything, of course.
This was such a sweet story! I cannot think of words enough to describe how much I adored Beauvallet. The romance was fast-paced, the adventure was exciting, and the language was eloquent. I absolutely loved it. It was a pretty fast read and I read it in a few days. Georgette has many little surprises spread all through the story and tells amazing creative adventures of Beauvallet’s wits, fights, and escapes. It was a perfect blend of a sweeping romance and a gripping adventure.
The story is told in third-person omniscient, so you don’t always have all the details. It was a little hard to get inside the character’s heads at first, but once I learned who they were It was very easy to relate to them.
A wonderful thing about Beauvallet is that when El Beauvallet falls in love with Dominica, he does not claim her as his “love” or as his “mistress” or, in our culture, his “girlfriend,” he claims her as his bride. Which is really the most romantic aspect of it all.
The end was so sweet I won’t tell what happened but rest assured it was wonderful.
I loved this story so much! I have already run out to pick up more books by Georgette Heyer, I am officially a new fan! I cannot wait to read other books by her.
Content: Gloriously clean: no language, no sex.
Recommendation: Boys and girls (it’s such an adventure that boys would like it too!) Ages 13-Adult. It’s not aimed specifically to teens or young people, and would be perfect for an adult as well.
(Beauvallet was first published first in 1929. Reprint copyright to Sourcebooks: 2010)
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LibraryThing member samnreader
High adventure, low on romance. Enjoyed the swashbuckling Beauvallet, but the romance was incredibly underdeveloped. I also enjoyed the writing, and look forward to another Heyer.
LibraryThing member PhilSyphe
I found “Beauvallet” to be good in parts rather than as a whole. The opening chapters set upon the title character’s ship were mostly entertaining, as were the majority of scenes towards the end of the book. Everything in between was hit or miss.
I felt that after Beauvallet weighed anchor and
The only thing I really didn’t like was the character Joshua’s lengthy monologues. These irritated rather than amused me. As the tale progressed I tended to skip over condensed paragraphs that feature Joshua speaking.
I thought Nicholas Beauvallet was cool, although as he was deemed so undefeatable all every aspect, there’s never any suspense regarding whether or not he’ll succeed in his every venture.
Dominica, the beautiful Spanish heroine, and her lethargic yet determined Aunt Beatrice, were both engaging characters.
Not a bad read but wouldn’t consider reading it again.
I felt that after Beauvallet weighed anchor and
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returned to his brother and sister-in-law’s home there was too much repetition regarding what the hero had done and intended to do. As a reader I knew all this, so these scenes served little purpose, other than to show the two brothers’ relationships and differences in their natures, but still this could have been done in a more lively fashion. The only thing I really didn’t like was the character Joshua’s lengthy monologues. These irritated rather than amused me. As the tale progressed I tended to skip over condensed paragraphs that feature Joshua speaking.
I thought Nicholas Beauvallet was cool, although as he was deemed so undefeatable all every aspect, there’s never any suspense regarding whether or not he’ll succeed in his every venture.
Dominica, the beautiful Spanish heroine, and her lethargic yet determined Aunt Beatrice, were both engaging characters.
Not a bad read but wouldn’t consider reading it again.
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LibraryThing member JBD1
I think this the first of Heyer's non-Regency historical fictions I've read, and I was worried at first that it wouldn't be quite as good as the others, but it was still a delight.
Language
Original publication date
1929
DDC/MDS
| Fic Romance Heyer |