Title: The Serpent Prince
Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
Publishing Date: 2007
Genre: Historical
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Hot
Lucy Craddock-Hayes is on her way home from the local village when she finds a man, completely naked and unconscious, face down in the ditch on the side of the road. He has a stab wound in his shoulder and a head injury. Lucy manages to get him to her home and she precedes to nurse him back to health. Simon, the Viscount of Iddesleigh, after he heals from his injuries is determined to stay one step ahead of his attackers and put a stop to them, before they can do the same to him. Only Lucy might be the one thing standing in his way.
There are two things that really stand out for me in The Serpent Prince. The first is how sensual I found this novel to be. I almost wanted to give it a "Burning" rating. Aside from the numerous love scenes (of which there are plenty) I was just mesmerised by Simon's all encompassing passion for Lucy. And the wonderful thing about Hoyt's writing is that she didn't just tell me how much Simon wanted Lucy, she showed it. That is was sets this author apart from others.
The second thing that really stood out for me was the time period. This book takes place in 1760 when the men wore wigs or powdered their hair. They also wore very elaborate coats with lots of lace and trimming and high heeled shoes. Now, I don't know about you, but it is really hard for me to picture a man in that get-up and for me to find him sexy. I try to picture the character Will from Pirates of the Caribbean, but usually an image of Elizabeth's father pops into my mind. Trust me that is not a good thing.
Other than the whole issue I have with the time period's fashion hiccups, The Serpent Prince is a wonderfully written novel. Elizabeth Hoyt has a way with the written word that allows the characters to come alive on paper. In addition to Simon and Lucy there are many well drawn secondary characters. Lucy's father, the general in particular was a favorite. I also liked the depth to Simon's young friend and fencing partner Christian.
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7 comments:
Interestingly, I think this one is everyone's favorite of the trilogy, and it's my least favorite. Which is to say, I loved it, just not as much as The Raven Prince or The Leopard Prince. It's a fabulous trilogy, isn't it?
I thought this one was quite good and I enjoyed it. However, as a whole, I'm not a fan of Elizabeth Hoyt.
Lori and Nath, I read The Raven Prince and liked it, but skipped over The Leopard Prince. That storyline, just didn't appeal to me. Then, I remembered hearing so many good things about The Serpent Prince I decided to give it a go. I have one of her contemporaries in my TBR stack and I plan on reading it. I like her writing style. It works well for me. She is a very talented lady.
Nath, what doesn't work for you about her writing?
Seriously, I have no idea why she doesn't work for me. I think it's just her storylines...
Ooh! This sounds good. I just reserved it at my library (Elizabeth's dad imagery notwithstanding). Thanks for the rec! I love hot historicals.
Kate, Your welcome :)
Nath, I have an author every now and again that I just can't get into that others seem to really enjoy. Nalini Singh is one of them.
Like Lori, this isn't my favourite of the trilogy. I was much more a fan of Harry and George from the second book than I was of this one! I am a bit of a fan girl for her writing though - I really love her level of steaminess without overpowering the story! I am now waiting for the third book to come out! Can't wait!
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