The Leopard Prince

The Leopard Prince By Elizabeth Hoyt

Publisher’s Description:

The one thing a lady must never do…

Wealthy Gerogina 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 is not just dealing with a servant, but a man.

Is fall in love…

Harry has known many aristocrats – including 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 is impossible to conduct a discreet liaison when dead 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.

Ratings:

(1=unacceptable, 2=poor, 3=acceptable, 4=good, 5=excellent)

Continuity/Flow – 3

There is some inconsistency as to the intentions of the hero and heroine.  They can’t seem to make up their minds as to whether or not they trust each other.  One minute their actions prove that the trust is there, but the next minute they are torn apart by indecision.  This can be frustrating and distracting. 

Sex – 4

While the scenes are risqué, there is a stamp of class and overlying sensuality that rescues it from being tasteless.  The story moves both with and without them, so they are well placed.

Language – 3

You will find some harsh language in the pub and fight scenes, but they are not out of place.  None of the characters sport particularly vulgar personalities, so foul language pops up, but is quickly forgotten.

Storyline – 5

I loved this story.  There is mystery, sensuality, a smart back and forth between many of the characters, and a real concern that people can relate to overall.  I enjoyed the fairy tale (though not as much as the Raven Prince), and I particularly liked how this time Ms. Hoyt had the heroine telling the story, as opposed to simply reading it.

Historical Accuracy – 4

While not much is mentioned about the time period the date provided shows us it is the end of the Georgian period, transitioning into the Regency Period.  This was a time of great political concern because the French Revolution had just occurred and the English were very much worried about whether their commoners would rise up against them.  The public attitude toward Harry (as a commoner) was accurate, but the attitude toward Bennet, a known bastard who was favored by his father over the heir, was not.  He would not have been accepted in society, no matter how much Lord Granville bullied and blustered.

Overall – 4

This book was well written, and enjoyable.  I admit to being frustrated by my lack of empathy toward the hero and heroine, but this should not take away from the overall merits of the book. 

Rant:

My issue with this book comes down to how many times the characters bull-headedly proved they didn't trust each other, despite having no reason not to.  Harry trusts George enough to protect her, but not enough to believe she loves him.  George trusts Harry enough to not believe the rumors about him (despite some pretty damning evidence), but not enough to believe he won't abandon her.  It's one of those things that make you want to tear your hair out.  Because of this I had a hard time really bonding with the hero and heroine, and, let's face it, for a book to be well received that needs to happen.

Rave:

The mystery of who is killing the sheep is stellar.  There are so many people you want to believe it could be.  In the end the person who did it was moot, because the real villain was just so horrendous all of you hate and venom was used up praying for something awful to happen to him…which it does!